This portfolio captures strong geological, geophysical and structural indicators of significant discovery potential. Our position across the Taupō Volcanic Zone provides access to one of the world’s most active volcanic systems and a region known for large-scale epithermal gold systems. The portfolio includes two major project areas: Ohakuri and Forest Road.
Project summary
Summary
Location
Taupō Volcanic Zone, Central North Island, New Zealand
Status
Drill ready
Size
Multi-kilometre structural and geophysical targets at Ohakuri and Forest Road
Start date
2026
Project detail
Taupō Volcanic Zone
The Taupō Volcanic Zone is a 200 km long back-arc rift formed by active subduction along the Hikurangi Margin and is one of the most active regions of rhyolitic volcanism in the world. Zedex holds the prime exploration permitting position across this region, providing access to major structural trends and large-scale epithermal systems.
The portfolio is defined by two major project areas, Ohakuri and Forest Road. At Ohakuri, a large and well-defined aeromagnetic anomaly sits above New Zealand’s largest known auriferous epithermal system.
At Forest Road, a four kilometre long aeromagnetic low anomaly and a five kilometre long stream sediment gold anomaly define a prospective structural trend. Historic BP drilling used vertical holes positioned west of the main aeromagnetic low, which meant the interpreted vein system in the central target zone was not tested. Updated aeromagnetic modelling shows the main vein zone within the aeromagnetic low to the east of historic BP drilling, leaving the central target area untested.
Community & sustainability
Respect for people and place
Our early-stage exploration across the Taupō Volcanic Zone is guided by a low-impact approach that prioritises responsible land access, environmental care and transparent engagement with local communities and iwi.
Field activities focus on mapping, sampling and geophysical interpretation to minimise disturbance while targets are refined. Engagement with landowners and regional stakeholders is ongoing, ensuring clear communication as exploration progresses.
Existing mines
Gold vein
Proposed drill sites
Existing mines
Gold vein
Proposed drill sites
Project findings
Proposed drill sites
The Taupō Volcanic Zone portfolio shows clear geological, geophysical and geochemical evidence for large-scale epithermal gold systems across both the Ohakuri and Forest Road project areas.
Ohakuri Project
- Ohakuri is recognised as New Zealand’s largest known auriferous epithermal system with multi-million ounces of low-grade gold mineralisation ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 g/t.
- Mineralisation is well exposed along the Waikato River banks where erosion has unroofed the system, allowing quartz veins and hydrothermal breccias to be mapped and sampled.
- The Maleme Fault Zone is the principal hydrothermal upflow conduit, with more than 80 metres of mineralised quartz vein and breccia mapped along approximately 4.5 kilometres of strike.
- Mapping, sampling and drilling across Ohakuri have confirmed the extent and character of the mineralised system.
- High-grade sample results include 6.56 g/t gold and 479 g/t silver from 2023 drilling, 2.0 metres at 6.92 g/t gold from channel sampling and rock chip assays up to 16.9 g/t gold.
- Historic BP drilling recorded 1 metre at 8.18 g/t gold and 256 g/t silver from about 80 metres depth.
- The central aeromagnetic anomaly is comparable in scale and intensity to the Waihi system which hosts more than 10 million ounces of gold.
Forest Road Project
- A four kilometre long aeromagnetic low anomaly is consistent with a Waihi-style low-sulphidation epithermal vein system.
- A five kilometre gold-in-stream sediment anomaly further supports the presence of a mineralised system.
- Historic BP drilling used vertical holes positioned west of the main aeromagnetic low, meaning the interpreted vein system in the central target zone was not tested.
- Updated aeromagnetic modelling defines the vein zone within the aeromagnetic low and has been used to design four high-priority diamond drillholes that are now ready for initial testing.
Current Operations
Current exploration across the Taupō Volcanic Zone focuses on refining high-priority drill targets, completing additional mapping and sampling along the Maleme Fault Zone and Forest Road structural corridor and integrating updated aeromagnetic data to support drillhole placement.
Preparatory work for scout diamond drilling is underway at both project areas.
Environment
Sustainability in practice
Safe and Controlled Fieldwork
All field activities across the Taupō Volcanic Zone follow robust health and safety procedures, ensuring safe access, clear supervision and responsible movement across varied terrain during early-stage exploration.
Low-Impact Exploration Methods
Work focuses on geological mapping, sampling and geophysical interpretation.
These low-impact methods build geological understanding while minimising disturbance before any drilling is undertaken.
Respect for Local Communities, Iwi and Mana Whenua
Engagement is guided by local values, established access expectations and relationships with iwi and regional stakeholders.
Early-stage work proceeds in alignment with land access requirements and community considerations.
Community + stakeholder engagement
Local partnerships
We work closely with landowners, iwi and regional stakeholders across the Taupō Volcanic Zone as exploration progresses. Our focus is on clear, consistent communication so communities understand our activities and how we operate on the land.
The relationships we build across the region help ensure our work reflects local values and expectations. We remain committed to engagement that is grounded in respect, transparency and ongoing collaboration.
Project documentation
Reports
Access technical reports, geophysical interpretations and exploration summaries for the Taupō Volcanic Zone Project.
Investor overview
Investors
Access our latest Investor Overview for technical insights, project milestones and corporate highlights.