Variscan Mines has revealed a significant zinc resource at its San Jose mine, marking a pivotal step towards restarting operations at the site, which ceased production in 1999.
Recent drilling efforts by Variscan Mines have not only confirmed the presence of additional zinc deposits at San Jose but have also extended mineralization along strike to the southwest, expanding beyond the immediate San Jose workings and into the broader 9km Novales-Udias Trend. Importantly, diamond drilling has indicated a connection spanning 1.4km between the San Jose mine and the extensive Udias workings.
A geological assessment and targeting study led by renowned expert Dr. Brett Davis identified priority exploration targets, particularly at intersections of the D1 and D2 structures outside the existing resource model. These areas, characterized by increased permeability, are considered high-priority targets for in-mine drilling.
The ongoing underground drilling campaign has yielded high-grade intercepts, primarily associated with the La Caseta Trend within the Central Zone of the mine. These results confirm the potential for additional mineralized lenses below the existing resource model and hint at further extensions.
Stewart Dickson, Managing Director of VAR, expressed optimism about the latest assay results, emphasizing the company’s commitment to defining and developing one of Europe’s highest-grade zinc deposits. He highlighted the decision to continue the underground drilling campaign until mid-2024, leveraging Variscan Mines’ portable drill rig and staff for efficient, cost-effective, and flexible operations.
Variscan Mines plans to maintain an upscaled underground drilling program throughout 2024, complemented by a surface drilling campaign in the second quarter. These initiatives aim to deliver a resource upgrade later in the year, including the enhancement of existing resources and the expansion of the overall resource tonnage.
