High-Grade Copper Discovery at Shanac Could Reshape Rogozna’s Outlook
Strickland Metals has announced the discovery of a new high-grade copper-gold zone at its 5.3Moz AuEq Shanac Deposit in Serbia, revealing some of the highest copper grades ever recorded at the project. This breakthrough supports the company’s ambitious 50,000m drilling program and a targeted resource upgrade later this year.
- Discovery of new high-grade copper-gold mineralisation at Shanac Deposit
- Multiple thick intercepts with gold equivalent grades up to 9.7g/t AuEq
- Highest copper grades recorded at Shanac, reaching 6.8% Cu
- Ongoing 50,000m drilling program with eight rigs active
- Strong cash position of $32.7 million supports exploration and resource growth
A Significant Step Forward at Shanac
Strickland Metals Limited (ASX, STK) has delivered a compelling update from its Rogozna Project in Serbia, revealing a newly discovered high-grade copper-gold zone within the cornerstone Shanac Deposit. This deposit already boasts a substantial 5.3 million ounce gold equivalent resource, but recent diamond drilling results suggest the potential for meaningful expansion and enhanced grade profiles.
The standout intercepts include a 21.6-meter section grading 3.7g/t AuEq, with a particularly rich 5.7-meter interval hitting 9.7g/t AuEq and copper grades peaking at 6.8%. These figures represent the highest copper concentrations ever recorded at Shanac, underscoring the deposit’s evolving potential.
Geological Context and Exploration Strategy
The mineralisation occurs in a skarn-hosted system, characterised by replacement-style copper and gold mineralisation adjacent to an altered quartz-monzonite intrusion. This geological setting is significant because it remains open in all directions, offering a promising search space for further high-grade discoveries. The company’s multi-rig drilling campaign is actively testing these extensions, with eight diamond rigs currently operating across the Rogozna Project.
Strickland’s Managing Director, Paul L’Herpiniere, highlighted the strategic importance of these results, noting that the western side of the Shanac central domain, previously less explored, is now proving to be highly prospective. The ongoing drilling program aims to bolster confidence in the high-grade zones and support a resource upgrade targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Robust Funding and Forward Momentum
Backing this exploration push is a strong financial position, with $32.7 million in cash and liquid assets as of June 30, 2025. This funding underpins the extensive 50,000-meter drilling program planned for the year, which also includes testing at other promising prospects such as Gradina, Copper Canyon, and Jezerska Reka.
Assay results from several additional drill holes are pending, promising a steady flow of news in the coming weeks. The company’s systematic approach to exploration and resource definition positions it well to capitalize on the growing scale and grade of the Rogozna Project.
Implications for Investors and the Market
The discovery of this new copper-gold zone not only enhances the geological understanding of the Shanac Deposit but also adds a valuable dimension to Strickland’s asset base. With copper increasingly critical to the global energy transition, the high copper grades reported could elevate the project’s strategic importance and economic viability.
As Strickland advances towards its next resource update, market participants will be watching closely to see how these results translate into resource growth and potential development pathways.
Bottom Line?
Strickland’s new high-grade copper-gold discovery at Shanac sets the stage for a pivotal resource upgrade and underscores the Rogozna Project’s expanding potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How extensive is the new high-grade copper-gold zone beyond current drill intercepts?
- What impact will the high copper grades have on the project’s economics and processing methods?
- When can investors expect the next tranche of assay results and the updated resource estimate?
