With more than 150 years of gold history, the Orepuki Goldfield now hosts two high-priority targets defined by compelling structural trends and compelling geophysical evidence.
Project summary
Summary
Location
Southland, New Zealand (Orepuki Goldfield)
Status
Size
Two large-scale prospects: MacPherson Fault Zone and Wellman's Porphyry Intrusive
Start date
Exploration activities commenced as part of the broader Zedex portfolio consolidation
Project detail
Unlocking potential in Orepuki Goldfield
The Orepuki Goldfield is located in Southland, within a district that has produced detrital gold for more than 150 years. The primary mineralised systems responsible for this endowment remain largely untested.
Zedex’s groundwork has identified two high-priority prospects with strong geological and geophysical support: the MacPherson Fault Zone and the Wellman's Porphyry Intrusive.
Together, these targets present a significant opportunity to define large-scale gold and gold-copper systems in an underexplored region.
Community & sustainability
Existing mines
Gold vein
Proposed drill sites
Existing mines
Gold vein
Proposed drill sites
Project findings
Findings
The Orepuki Goldfield shows clear geological and geophysical evidence for two high-priority mineralised systems supported by structural mapping, aeromagnetics and fieldwork.
MacPherson Fault Zone
- NW-SE striking, east-dipping thrust-duplex fault system interpreted as the primary source of widespread detrital gold in the district.
- High-resolution aeromagnetics show a continuous magnetic-low anomaly aligning precisely with the fault trace, indicating intense hydrothermal alteration.
- Structural style and geophysical signature are analogous to the Hyde-Macraes Shear Zone, a system with more than 10 million ounces of known gold endowment.
- The fault is entirely concealed beneath Orepuki Formation gravels and has never been systematically drill-tested.
- Two scout diamond drill holes have been designed to target the core of the magnetic anomaly and assess mineralisation potential.
Wellman's Porphyry Intrusive
- Defined by a circular aeromagnetic-low surrounding a central magnetic-high bullseye, a configuration widely recognised as a classic porphyry signature.
- Reconnaissance mapping has identified porphyritic intrusive float containing sulphides, veinlets, dense fracturing and assays up to 2,700 ppm copper (0.27% Cu).
- Detrital gold is present in streams draining the aeromagnetic-low anomaly area, indicating a potentially significant mineralised system at depth.
- Detailed geological mapping and sampling are underway to refine drill collar locations and progress the target toward drilling.
Current Operations
Current activity at the Orepuki Goldfield is focused on refining drill targets across both the MacPherson Fault Zone and the Wellman's Porphyry Intrusive.
Work includes structural interpretation, geophysical review and field reconnaissance to consolidate modern and historical information.
These efforts are building the technical foundation required to support the next phase of drilling.
Environment
Sustainability in practice
Safe and Controlled Fieldwork
All reconnaissance and sampling activities at the Orepuki Goldfield follow robust health and safety procedures, ensuring safe access, clear supervision and responsible movement across the project area.
Low-Impact Exploration Methods
Work at this stage focuses on geological mapping, sampling and geophysical assessment.
These low-impact methods allow us to understand the geology while minimising disturbance before any drilling takes place.
Respect for Local Communities, Iwi and Mana Whenua
Engagement is guided by an understanding of local values and land connections.
We acknowledge the iwi with connections to the Orepuki Goldfield area and ensure our early-stage work aligns with access requirements and regional expectations.
Community + stakeholder engagement
Local partnerships
Zedex maintains open communication with landowners, local communities and iwi across the wider Orepuki Goldfield. Discussions focus on clarity around planned fieldwork, access needs and how proposed activities fit within local expectations.
We work in and alongside the communities where we operate; that local connection keeps us accountable and ensures our decisions reflect the people and places around us. As exploration progresses, we continue to develop constructive relationships that support safe access, transparent dialogue and responsible project development within Southland.
Project documentation
Reports
Technical documentation for the Orepuki Goldfield includes aeromagnetic survey interpretations, reconnaissance fieldwork notes, geological mapping summaries and drillhole design materials for both the MacPherson Fault Zone and the Wellman's Porphyry Intrusive.
Additional reports will be made available as exploration progresses.
Investor overview
Investors
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