Strickland Metals Expands Gradina Gold Deposit with New High-Grade Drill Results
Strickland Metals (ASX: STK) has released impressive new drilling results from its Gradina Deposit, part of the company's 100%-owned Rogozna Gold and Base Metals Project in Serbia. The latest assays continue to expand the deposit and reinforce its importance as a key growth driver within the ~7.4Moz AuEq Rogozna Project.
Multiple Broad Zones of High-Grade Gold Mineralisation Intercepted
The drilling programme has delivered multiple significant gold intercepts, with several holes revealing broad zones of high-grade mineralisation. Standout results include:
- 49.0m @ 1.4g/t Au from 331.2m in hole ZRSD25193, including 14.2m @ 3.2g/t Au with a high-grade zone of 6.0m @ 6.2g/t Au
- 61.2m @ 1.1g/t Au from 181.8m in hole ZRSD25195, including zones of 3.5m @ 3.2g/t Au and 5.4m @ 6.4g/t Au
- 36.0m @ 1.5g/t Au and 4.1% Zn from 250.0m in hole ZRSD25201, including 10.0m @ 3.2g/t Au
These results demonstrate consistent mineralisation that remains open in all directions, including up-dip towards the surface, providing significant potential for resource growth.
"Gradina continues to deliver impressive results, with this latest batch of assays continuing to expand the deposit and reinforce its importance as a key driver of the next phase of resource growth at Rogozna," said Paul L'Herpiniere, Strickland's Managing Director.
Advancing Toward Maiden Resource Estimate
Strickland is making strong progress at Gradina, with eight drilling rigs currently operating across the Rogozna Project. Three rigs are dedicated to the Gradina Deposit, where drilling continues at the southern end to support the delivery of a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate by late 2025.
The mineralisation at Gradina has demonstrated consistent geometry with broad mineralised zones, making it potentially amenable to efficient mining methods. Importantly, the deposit remains open in all directions, including up-dip towards the surface.
| Drilling Summary at Gradina | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Drilling | 3 rigs focused on southern end |
| Target | Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate |
| Timeline | Late 2025 |
| Open Mineralisation | All directions, including up-dip toward surface |
| Current Status | Continuing to expand deposit footprint |
Understanding the Gradina Mineralisation
The gold mineralisation at Gradina displays different characteristics across the deposit:
- Northern End: Strong gold mineralisation hosted within green garnet skarn and associated with pyrrhotite alteration
- Southern End: Gold mineralisation commonly associated with moderate to high concentrations of base metals, predominantly zinc
The geometry of the mineralisation is controlled by the bedding of the carbonate (skarn) sequence. At depth, sub-vertical geometries are common, whereas up-dip positions display a geometry characterised by steep to moderate dips towards the south-west.
Across the deposit, the highest-grade mineralisation is spatially associated with the margins of quartz diorite intrusions, providing clear targeting vectors for ongoing exploration.
What Are Skarn Deposits?
Skarn deposits like those at Rogozna form when hot magmatic fluids interact with carbonate rocks such as limestone, creating mineral-rich zones. These deposits are particularly valuable for several reasons:
- Multi-metal potential: Skarn deposits frequently contain multiple valuable metals (gold, copper, zinc, silver) in economically viable concentrations
- Predictable geometry: They tend to form along geological contacts, making them more predictable for resource definition
- Size potential: Many skarn systems develop large, continuous ore bodies suitable for efficient mining methods
- Mineralogical characteristics: The specific mineral assemblages found in skarns (like garnets and pyroxenes) often indicate the potential for high-grade zones
At Gradina, the skarn-hosted mineralisation presents as broad, consistent zones with gold as the primary economic metal, frequently accompanied by significant zinc values, particularly in the southern portion of the deposit.
Strickland's Strategic Position
Strickland's Rogozna Project represents one of Europe's largest gold systems, with the company's current resource base standing at 7.4Moz AuEq. The project includes:
- Medenovac Deposit: 1.28Moz AuEq
- Shanac Deposit: 5.30Moz AuEq
- Copper Canyon Deposit: 0.81Moz AuEq
With $52.4 million in cash and liquids as of June 30, 2025, Strickland is well-funded to continue its aggressive exploration programme at Rogozna.
Future Exploration Plans
Strickland's exploration strategy is advancing on multiple fronts:
- Resource Definition: Three rigs at Gradina focused on defining the maiden resource
- Resource Expansion: One rig operating at the Shanac Deposit
- Discovery Drilling: Four rigs focused on discovery drilling across the project area
With assays pending for several holes and results expected in coming weeks, investors can look forward to continued news flow from this rapidly developing project.
Why Investors Should Watch Strickland Metals
Strickland presents a compelling investment case for several key reasons:
- Resource Growth Potential: Ongoing drilling continues to expand the known mineralisation at Gradina
- Multi-Metal Opportunity: The project hosts significant gold, zinc, copper and silver mineralisation
- European Location: Operating in Serbia provides access to European markets and infrastructure
- Strong Financial Position: $52.4 million in cash provides runway for continued exploration
- Near-term Catalysts: Maiden resource estimate at Gradina expected by late 2025
At the Rogozna Project, the Gradina Deposit is emerging as a key component of Strickland's growth strategy. The latest drilling results have demonstrated broad zones of high-grade mineralisation, with intercepts such as 49m at 1.4g/t gold and 36m at 1.5g/t gold and 4.1% zinc highlighting the significant potential of the deposit.
The consistent geometry of the mineralisation, its openness in all directions, and the association with skarn alteration and intrusive contacts provide clear vectors for ongoing exploration. With three rigs currently operating at Gradina and a maiden resource estimate targeted for late 2025, Strickland is well-positioned to deliver substantial value to shareholders in the near term.
As drilling continues and additional results are reported in the coming weeks, investors should closely monitor Strickland's progress at Gradina for further indications of the deposit's scale and grade potential.
Ready to Capitalise on Serbia's Next Major Gold Discovery?
Discover why Strickland Metals' expanding Gradina Deposit could be a game-changer for your investment portfolio. With impressive intercepts including 49m @ 1.4g/t Au and substantial zinc credits, Strickland is rapidly advancing one of Europe's largest gold systems. Visit Strickland Metals' website today to learn more about their 7.4Moz AuEq Rogozna Project and how their well-funded exploration programme could deliver significant shareholder value ahead of their maiden resource estimate.
