Alkane Resources Extends Björkdal Gold Mine Depth with High-Grade Drill Hits
Alkane Resources has reported strong high-grade gold intercepts and the deepest mineralisation to date at its Björkdal Gold Mine in Sweden, underpinning potential resource growth and mine-life extension.
- 29 new drill holes target Eastern and Northern extensions
- Deepest mineralisation recorded at 762 metres below surface
- High-grade gold intercepts up to 86.1 g/t over 1.25 metres
- Drilling enhances geological confidence and vein modelling
- Planned FY27 drilling to focus on depth and strike extensions
Deepest Gold Mineralisation Yet at Björkdal
Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK) has pushed the boundaries of its Björkdal Gold Mine in Sweden with new drilling that has extended known mineralisation to a record depth of 762 metres below surface. The latest program, comprising 29 diamond drill holes, targeted the Eastern and Northern extensions of the underground mine and delivered high-grade gold intercepts, including a standout 86.1 g/t gold over 1.25 metres in the Eastern Extension.
High-Grade Hits Reinforce Resource Potential
The drilling campaign, completed in phases since mid-2025, returned 169 ore-grade intercepts in the Eastern Extension and 68 in the Northern Extension. Notable results include 81.3 g/t over 4.4 metres and 78.3 g/t over 0.3 metres in the Eastern flank, alongside Northern hits such as 31.5 g/t over 0.85 metres and 25.2 g/t over 0.6 metres. These intercepts underpin the continuity of high-grade veins and reinforce Alkane's geological model of sheeted quartz vein systems controlled by complex structural features.
Geological Insights Support Future Growth
The program has significantly improved confidence in the understanding of vein geometry and grade controls. Alkane’s Chief Geologist, Chris Davis, highlights the role of multiple veining phases and structural controls in shaping mineralisation. The results confirm mineralised veins extending up to 600 metres from existing underground development, with the Eastern Extension drilling revealing the deepest intercepts ever recorded at Björkdal.
Continuing Drilling to Sustain Mine Life
Managing Director Nic Earner emphasised the encouraging nature of these results, noting that the mineral system remains robust and open at depth. Alkane plans to continue staged infill and extension drilling in FY27, including establishing a dedicated underground drill platform in the Northern Extension to improve drilling orientation and scheduling. This ongoing exploration aims to expand mineral resources further and support the mine’s longevity, complementing resource growth at Alkane’s other assets such as Storheden.
Björkdal’s Legacy and Alkane’s Ownership
Operating since 1988, Björkdal has produced approximately 1.69 million ounces of gold and remains a cornerstone asset for Alkane following its 2025 merger with Mandalay Resources. The mine benefits from a 1.4 Mtpa processing plant and underground operations supplemented by surface stockpiles. The current Ore Reserve stands at 13.05 million tonnes grading 1.29 g/t gold as of June 2025, with exploration success continuing to underpin Alkane’s growth strategy in the region.
Bottom Line?
Alkane’s latest drilling results at Björkdal underscore the mine’s deepening potential, but the extent to which these high-grade zones translate into mineable resources will hinge on ongoing infill drilling and structural modelling refinement.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the new underground drill platform at the Northern Extension impact future resource delineation?
- What are the timelines for updated resource and reserve estimates incorporating these latest drill results?
- Could the deeper mineralisation at Björkdal materially extend the mine’s production profile beyond current forecasts?
