Variscan Mines says it has compiled historic surface drilling results showing high-grade zinc mineralisation across the Novales Trend within its Novales-Udías Zinc Project in northern Spain. The company reports that the newly analysed dataset points to zinc mineralisation beyond the limits of the current Mineral Resource Estimate. Variscan also links the results to exploration and development potential in the district. The project is located in the Basque-Cantabrian Basin near the historic Reocín Mine, described as one of the world’s most significant zinc-producing operations.
The historic drilling work was carried out along the Novales Trend, which Variscan describes as a key mineralised corridor inside the broader Novales-Udías Project area. The company says its database contains numerous high-grade zinc intercepts distributed throughout the trend. It also states that the expanded information will support upcoming drilling campaigns and improve targeting as development planning progresses. Variscan expects the dataset to help refine geological models and identify priority areas for resource expansion around the historic San José Mine and along strike.
Historic intercepts extend beyond current Mineral Resource Estimate
Variscan reports that high-grade zinc intercepts are present across the Novales Trend, indicating continuity of mineralisation within the district. The company says the results extend beyond the boundaries of its current Mineral Resource Estimate. According to Variscan, this supports exploration upside and potential for future resource growth. The company adds that the findings provide geological information intended to guide subsequent drilling.
Variscan says it will use the expanded dataset to refine geological models and prioritise areas for resource growth around San José and along strike within the wider project footprint. The company’s statement ties these next steps to improving drill targeting efficiency ahead of future campaigns. It also frames the newly compiled data as part of ongoing work to strengthen understanding of mineralisation distribution across the district.
Approved surface drilling campaign targets extensions and new targets
Variscan has secured approval for a surface drilling programme comprising 69 diamond drill holes totalling approximately 13,800 metres. The company says the campaign is planned across its mining licence areas. It is intended to test extensions of known mineralisation, expand existing resources, and evaluate new exploration targets identified through review of historic data. Variscan links this programme to its confidence in zinc continuity along the Novales Trend.
The company states that management believes the compiled results demonstrate strong continuity of zinc mineralisation throughout the Novales Trend. Variscan says this increases confidence in potential for resources larger than those currently defined. It adds that as exploration advances, the project could move closer to supporting future mine development and production scenarios within a base metals district described as strategically important.
Infrastructure proximity includes Glencore smelting facility 80 kilometres away
Variscan highlights proximity to established processing infrastructure as a development advantage for Novales-Udías. The company says the project is located approximately 80 kilometres from Glencore’s San Juan de Nieva zinc smelter. Variscan associates this distance with potential logistical and economic benefits, including reduced transportation costs and access to existing processing capacity.
The company also points to infrastructure, historical mining activity, and established permitting frameworks supporting development prospects. It says the district has a long mining history, existing mining licences, and support from regional authorities. Variscan characterises these factors as elements that could help accelerate future development timelines compared with greenfield projects.
San José restart study and expanded digitised drill database
Variscan continues its long-term “Explorer-Producer” strategy aimed at transitioning from exploration into future zinc production. A key element cited by the company is an ongoing San José Mine Restart Study, which evaluates technical, economic, and regulatory requirements needed to potentially bring historical operations back into production. Variscan states that this work is part of its broader pathway toward production.
The company says it has also increased its geological understanding by expanding its exploration database through acquisition and digitisation of more than 146 historic drill holes totalling over 52,000 metres. Variscan reports that this growing dataset provides new insights into how mineralisation is distributed across the district. It also says it helps identify opportunities for additional discoveries.
Zinc demand drivers in Europe tied to critical minerals supply goals
Variscan states that interest in Novales-Udías extends beyond Spain due to European Union efforts to strengthen domestic supplies of critical and strategic raw materials. The company says zinc is increasingly important because it is used in construction, infrastructure, renewable energy systems, transportation, and industrial manufacturing. It adds that Europe’s reliance on imported metals has become a growing concern amid supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty alongside rising demand linked to the energy transition.
The company says projects capable of delivering domestic metal production are attracting attention from governments, investors, and industrial consumers seeking supply security. Variscan states that Novales-Udías is positioned to benefit from these trends due to its location, infrastructure access, and expanding resource base supported by continued drilling and studies.
District-scale exploration continues alongside mine restart work
Variscan links ongoing high-grade historic drilling results across the Novales Trend with continued progress toward what it describes as one of Europe’s most advanced zinc development projects. The company cites a combination of exploration upside, existing mining licences, proximity to major smelting infrastructure, historical production, and supportive regional policies as factors relevant to development potential. It also states that resource growth drilling, mine restart studies, and district-scale exploration programmes are continuing at Novales-Udías.
The company says its latest drilling compilation strengthens confidence in geological potential while reinforcing relevance to Europe’s efforts to build more resilient and diversified supply chains for essential industrial metals.
