Strickland Extends High-Grade Gold Strikes at Gradina with Impressive Drilling Results
Strickland Metals (ASX: STK) has delivered outstanding results from its first 2025 diamond drill hole at the rapidly growing Gradina Prospect, part of its 100%-owned Rogozna Gold and Base Metals Project in Serbia. The results confirm the continuity of high-grade gold mineralisation and provide strong momentum for the company's planned maiden Mineral Resource Estimate later this year.
Impressive Gold Intercepts Extend Gradina's Potential
The first diamond drill hole completed in April 2025 (ZRSD25178) returned significant gold intercepts including:
- 4.0m @ 10.1g/t Au from 339.5m; and
- 16.7m @ 4.3g/t Au from 391.5m, including:
- 8.0m @ 6.0g/t Au from 391.5m; and
- 4.0m @ 5.5g/t Au from 404.2m
These results have confirmed the continuity of high-grade gold mineralisation at the northern end of the Gradina deposit, with drill-defined mineralisation now extending over approximately 1,000 metres of strike and 900 metres of vertical extent.
Importantly, the mineralisation remains open in all directions, including up-dip towards the surface, presenting significant opportunities for resource expansion.
Accelerated Exploration Campaign
Strickland has significantly ramped up its exploration activities at Rogozna in what the company describes as the "largest-ever exploration campaign" at the project:
- Four rigs currently drilling at Gradina to support delivery of a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate by late 2025
- Two additional rigs active at Shanac and Kotlovi
- A seventh rig scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks
Since commencing drilling in early March 2025, the company has completed 14 drill holes, with assays pending for 11 holes. This suggests a strong news flow in the coming weeks as additional results are received.
"This is a fantastic start to our 2025 drilling campaign at Gradina, with the first diamond drill-hole for the year continuing to demonstrate the importance of this high-grade, gold-dominant system for the growth of Rogozna. Our expectation is that Gradina will deliver considerable high-grade ounces to the Rogozna resource inventory by late-2025." – Paul L'Herpiniere, Managing Director
Understanding Skarn Mineralisation
The high-grade gold mineralisation encountered at Gradina is hosted within silicified brown-garnet skarn and associated with strong pyrrhotite and pyrite alteration and veining.
Skarn deposits form when intrusive igneous rocks come into contact with limestone or other carbonate rocks, creating a reaction zone where minerals are replaced by calc-silicate minerals and valuable metals. These deposits often contain significant concentrations of gold, copper, zinc, and other metals.
For investors, skarn deposits are attractive because they can be:
- Predictable and continuous due to their formation along stratigraphic contacts
- High-grade and amenable to conventional processing methods
- Potentially large in scale, especially in mineral-rich regions like Serbia
At Gradina, the mineralisation geometry is controlled by the bedding of the carbonate sequence, with mineralisation remaining open up-dip towards surface where strong geochemical responses are evident in historical soil samples.
Rogozna Project Growth Potential
The Rogozna Project hosts a substantial resource base of ~7.4Moz AuEq across multiple deposits:
| Prospect | Tonnes (Mt) | AuEq (g/t) | Au (g/t) | Cu (%) | AuEq (Moz) | Au (Moz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medenovac | 21 | 1.9 | 0.77 | 0.27 | 1.28 | 0.52 |
| Shanac | 150 | 1.1 | 0.64 | 0.12 | 5.30 | 3.09 |
| Copper Canyon | 28 | 0.9 | 0.40 | 0.30 | 0.81 | 0.36 |
| Total | 199 | 1.2 | 0.62 | 0.16 | 7.40 | 3.97 |
With Gradina showing significant potential to add high-grade ounces to this inventory, the project continues to grow in scale and importance.
Strong Financial Position
Strickland remains extremely well-funded to advance its aggressive exploration program:
- $34.8 million in cash and liquid assets as of March 31, 2025
- An additional $5 million strategic investment by Zijin Mining subsequent to the quarter's end
This strong financial position allows the company to continue its accelerated drilling program without near-term funding concerns.
Why Investors Should Watch Strickland Metals
Strickland represents a compelling investment opportunity for several reasons:
-
High-Grade Gold Focus: The company is consistently delivering high-grade gold results, with the Gradina prospect showing exceptional potential to add significant high-grade ounces.
-
Rapid Resource Growth: The Rogozna Project has already defined a substantial 7.4Moz AuEq resource, with Gradina set to contribute a maiden resource in late 2025.
-
Aggressive Exploration: With seven drill rigs soon to be operating and a 50,000m drilling campaign underway, news flow will be constant throughout 2025.
-
Solid Financial Backing: With $34.8 million in the bank plus strategic investment from major mining company Zijin Mining, Strickland is well-capitalised to advance its projects.
-
Strategic Location: Serbia is emerging as an important mining jurisdiction within Europe, offering proximity to markets and developed infrastructure.
For investors seeking exposure to gold exploration with significant upside potential, Strickland's consistent delivery of high-grade gold strikes by Strickland Metals and clear path toward resource definition make it a company worth following closely as it advances the Rogozna Project through 2025.
Ready to Invest in High-Grade Gold Potential?
To discover more about Strickland Metals' impressive Gradina Prospect results and their expanding 7.4Moz AuEq Rogozna Project in Serbia, visit their website for investor information, detailed project updates and upcoming drilling results. With strong financial backing and an aggressive exploration campaign underway, now is the perfect time to learn how STK could fit into your investment portfolio. Visit Strickland Metals today for the complete investor picture.
