DPM Metals has revealed a major new gold-copper porphyry discovery at its Brevene South Porphyry target adjacent to the Chelopech mine, with drill results showing broad intervals of high-grade mineralization and plans for an intensive follow-up drilling campaign.
- 713 metres at 2.52 g/t AuEq intersected in initial drilling
- BSP target remains open with a large alteration envelope
- Up to 15,000 metres of additional drilling planned in 2026
- Fourth significant discovery by DPM since 2023
- Progressing regulatory steps to convert Brevene licence to mining concession
Major Gold-Copper Porphyry Discovery at Brevene South
DPM Metals Inc. (ASX:DPM) has struck a substantial new gold-copper porphyry system at its Brevene South Porphyry (BSP) target in Bulgaria, just a stone's throw from the existing Chelopech mine. The initial drill hole EX_BRESPO_03 delivered a standout intercept of 713 metres grading 2.52 grams per tonne gold equivalent (AuEq), including a higher-grade section of 398 metres at 3.00 g/t AuEq. This broad mineralized interval starts at a depth of 1,172 metres and remains open, with the hole still in progress beyond 2,000 metres.
Geological Footprint Suggests Significant Scale
The BSP target is underpinned by a large phyllic alteration envelope stretching over 1,000 by 1,500 metres, signaling a robust hydrothermal system. The mineralization is hosted within a strongly altered porphyritic intrusion, featuring dense quartz stockworks and sheeted veins with chalcopyrite and pyrite mineralization. This geological setting, combined with the continuity of mineralization observed in drilling, points to a vertically extensive and potentially sizeable porphyry system. The proximity of BSP to Chelopech’s existing infrastructure adds a strategic dimension to the discovery, hinting at potential mine life extension opportunities.
Ongoing Drilling and Exploration Ambitions
Recognising the discovery’s significance, DPM has mobilised five high-capacity drill rigs at BSP, aiming to complete up to 15,000 metres of drilling through the end of 2026. Additional drill holes, including EX_BRES_555_02 and its deeper extension EX_BRES_555_02A, have intersected further porphyry-style mineralization with grades around 0.93 to 1.19 g/t AuEq. Meanwhile, drillhole EX_BRESPO_04A has been completed with assays pending. Beyond BSP, DPM maintains seven other rigs testing multiple targets across the Brevene licence, underscoring a broad and active exploration push across the region.
Regulatory Pathway and Future Potential
Parallel to exploration, DPM is advancing the technical and regulatory work to convert the Brevene exploration licence into a mining concession, a critical step towards commercial development. The company plans to submit a Commercial Discovery Certificate application following the current exploration phase ending in September 2026. This regulatory progress, combined with the discovery’s scale and grade, could materially impact DPM’s resource base and production profile in the medium term.
Building on a Strong Discovery Track Record
This latest find marks DPM’s fourth significant discovery since 2023, following earlier successes at Čoka Rakita, Dumitru Potok, and the Wedge Zone. The company’s exploration team has demonstrated a consistent ability to identify high-quality targets within the Western Tethyan Belt, reinforcing confidence in its regional geological model. The Chelopech mine itself is a cornerstone asset, with recent technical reports and drilling at nearby prospects such as the Wedge Zone Deep showing promising high-grade mineralization that could feed into resource upgrades and mine plans later this year.
Bottom Line?
DPM’s Brevene South discovery significantly boosts its exploration pipeline near Chelopech, but the true scale and economic viability hinge on ongoing drilling and regulatory approvals through 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ongoing drilling at BSP refine the geometry and true width of the mineralized zones?
- What impact will the Brevene South discovery have on Chelopech’s mine life and production forecasts?
- How swiftly can DPM navigate the regulatory process to convert the exploration licence into a mining concession?