Variscan Mines Uncovers High-Grade Historic Zinc Results Across Novales Trend in Spain

Why It Matters

The new historic results highlight untapped high‑grade zinc potential, positioning Novales‑Udías for a sizable resource expansion and faster path to production, which is critical as Europe seeks secure domestic supply of strategic metals.

Key Takeaways

• Historic drill holes show zinc grades up to 20% Zn
• Intercepts extend beyond current resource, indicating expansion potential
• 69 approved surface drillholes target San José Mine and strike
• Project sits 80 km from Glencore’s zinc smelter, easing logistics
• Over 146 historic holes (52,000 m) boost geological model accuracy

Pulse Analysis

Variscan Mines' recent release of historic drilling data from the Novales Trend adds a new layer of confidence to its flagship Novales‑Udías Zinc Project in northern Spain. The dataset, compiled from more than 146 historic holes covering 52,000 m, reveals multiple high‑grade zinc intercepts that rival those of the nearby Reocín mine, one of Europe’s benchmark deposits. By mapping these grades across the trend, Variscan sharpens its geological model and demonstrates that the district still holds untapped mineralization, a rare find in a region already known for zinc productivity.

The company has already secured approval for a 69‑hole, 13,800 m surface drilling campaign aimed at expanding the San José Mine and testing strike‑parallel extensions of the high‑grade zones. Because the project lies just 80 km from Glencore’s San Juan de Nieva smelter, any additional ounces can be moved to market with minimal transportation cost, enhancing project economics. The new historic results push the known mineralization well beyond the current resource estimate, suggesting a sizable upside that could lift the project toward a multi‑million‑tonne resource.

Europe’s push for domestic critical‑metal supply chains amplifies the strategic value of Novales‑Udías, especially as zinc demand climbs with green‑energy infrastructure and battery‑grade alloys. Investors are watching projects that can deliver near‑term production and secure supply to European smelters, and Variscan’s “explorer‑producer” approach positions it to capture both exploration upside and early cash flow. If the upcoming drilling confirms the historic grades, the project could attract joint‑venture partners or financing, reinforcing Spain’s role as a hub for sustainable zinc mining in the continent.