Canadian miner DPM Metals has reported a new gold–copper discovery in Bulgaria following drilling at the Brevene South Porphyry (BSP) target. The BSP area is located about one kilometer from the existing reserve footprint of the Chelopech underground mine. DPM says the results indicate potential development of a high-grade porphyry system near its flagship operation. The company also stated that the latest campaign produced some of its strongest exploration results in recent years.
Drill results from BSP target
The company highlighted drill hole EX_BRESPO_03, which returned 713 metres grading 1.31 g/t gold and 1.16% copper starting at a depth of 1,172 metres. Within that interval, DPM identified a higher-grade section of 398 metres grading 1.48 g/t gold and 1.45% copper from 1,487 metres depth. Drilling remains ongoing, with DPM saying the mineralized zone could extend further. The company also cited strong grades combined with substantial thickness at BSP.
DPM reported that the BSP target sits within a large hydrothermal alteration system measuring more than 1,000 metres by 1,500 metres. The alteration system is described as open in multiple directions, supporting potential expansion as exploration continues. The company also said geological observations indicate continuity of mineralization across the target area. DPM stated that the scale of the hydrothermal system has driven expanded exploration across its property.
BSP location relative to Chelopech infrastructure
DPM said the BSP target is in the southeastern portion of the Brevene exploration licence and is adjacent to the Chelopech mining concession. The company stated that proximity to existing mining infrastructure could reduce future development costs if the project advances toward production. DPM also noted that operational experience and established permitting frameworks can provide advantages for projects located near active mines. For investors, it said this can reduce risks associated with developing new operations from scratch.
Chelopech mine resource base and production outlook
The Chelopech Mine, located about 75 kilometres east of Sofia, has been producing commercially for more than two decades. DPM described it as its most valuable producing asset and one of Europe’s highest-grade operating gold-copper mines. Earlier this year, DPM extended the mine’s operating life by four years, moving production plans through 2036. Current measured and indicated resources at Chelopech total approximately 15.3 million tonnes at 2.18 g/t gold, 9.19 g/t silver and 0.64% copper.
DPM estimated that those measured and indicated resources contain about 1.07 million ounces of gold, 4.52 million ounces of silver and 216 million pounds of copper. Inferred resources add 9.1 million tonnes grading for an additional 573,000 ounces of gold, 2.74 million ounces of silver and 114 million pounds of copper. For the current year, DPM expects Chelopech to produce between 150,000 and 170,000 ounces of gold alongside approximately 29 million to 34 million pounds of copper.
Drilling program at Brevene South Porphyry
DPM said it has deployed five high-capacity drill rigs at the BSP target to accelerate exploration. The company plans to complete up to 15,000 additional metres of drilling before the end of the year. DPM stated that the program aims to define geometry, continuity and overall size of the mineralized system. It also said drilling is intended to determine whether the discovery can support a resource estimate that may justify commercial development.
The company reported additional drill intercepts including EX_BRES_555_02, which intersected 95 metres grading 0.43 g/t gold and 0.48% copper. DPM also reported that EX_BRES_555_02A intersected 37 metres grading 0.53 g/t gold and 0.63% copper. These intercepts were cited by DPM as supporting its geological model across the BSP target area.
Bulgaria regulatory steps and recent exploration track record
DPM plans to continue exploration work through September before seeking a Commercial Discovery Certificate under Bulgaria’s mining regulations. After certification, it intends to pursue mining concession approvals, environmental permitting, further technical evaluations and development planning for BSP. The company said advancing through Bulgaria’s regulatory framework will be critical for determining economic viability for future mining operations at BSP.
DPM described BSP as its fourth significant exploration success since 2023 at Brevene South Porphyry-related targets in Bulgaria. Previous discoveries named by the company include Čoka Rakita, Dumitru Potok and Wedge Zone. DPM said its consistent exploration results demonstrate effectiveness of its regional strategy across Southeastern Europe.
