Variscan Mines (ASX:VAR) has launched a phase three underground drilling program at its San Jose mine in Cantabria, northern Spain, focusing on prospective zones of zinc mineralisation previously identified through 3D modelling.
The 1,000m program — which will consist largely of short holes no more than 30m in length and will continue to the end of 2023 — will test zinc-rich lenses discovered during earlier exploration work. These lenses cover an in-mine strike length of more than 2km.
Using a portable drill, Variscan intends to drill from the main gallery system of the mine directly into the underlying or overlying mineralised lenses. Though the presence of these zones is supported by geological evidence, the company notes that they require confirmation drilling.
“I am pleased to report that Variscan has kicked off its third campaign of underground drilling at the San Jose mine. Our drilling and modelling have indicated significant exploration upside both on surface and underground,” Managing Director and CEO Stewart Dickson says.
“Our drilling and modelling have indicated significant exploration upside both on surface and underground”
“This underground in-fill drilling, off the back of recently reported successful step-out drilling, will address strategic spatial gaps which could yield further tonnage. I look forward to providing regular updates as results become available.”
The step-out drilling campaign — the results of which were released in March — included three holes drilled roughly 1,200m northeast along strike of the San Jose mine stopes. The area is thought to be highly prospective but had seen little drilling work at the time.
Notable results include 22m at 8.16% zinc and 0.23% lead and 6m at 16.02% zinc and 0.71% lead.
Variscan is now pursuing approvals to carry out further surface drilling both in and around the San Jose mine to test for near-mine exploration targets. At the same time, the company is progressing a maiden mineral resource estimate for the mine, as well as a mine-restart concept study.
Variscan Mines owns a portfolio of ‘high-impact’ base metal assets in Spain, Chile, and Australia, though its primary focus is on the development of its Spanish zinc projects.
Write to Oliver Gray at Mining.com.au
Images: Variscan Mines Ltd
