East Star awards contract for 2022 diamond drilling plans

Kazakhstan-focussed gold and copper explorer East Star Resources announced the award of a diamond drilling contract to IG Copper and Gold Kazakhstan ('IGKZ') on Friday, for 5,000 metres of drilling in 2022.

The London-listed firm said the drilling would be initially focussed on the Apmintas and Dalny licences in the Chu-Ili orogenic gold belt, central Kazakhstan.

It said IGKZ is a wholly-owned subsidiary of IG Global Group (IGG), which holds direct and indirect interests in companies that specialise in various disciplines across the spectrum of the mining industry, including mineral exploration, drilling, and mine development, with projects and clients in the United States, the Russian Far East, and Kazakhstan.

“We are delighted to be working with IGG on this 2022 drill programme,” said chief executive officer Alex Walker.

“They have extensive experience working in Kazakhstan and other CIS countries not only as an operator but as an extremely successful explorer.

“The quality of the geological team that will support the drilling operators cannot be underestimated and the extra checks and balances this provides will ensure East Star conducts the most efficient and thorough exploration programme possible.”

Walker said the diamond drilling was expected to provide an “enhanced picture” of the various orebodies, including the extent of disseminated ore and their orientation, and to allow the company to test targets at depth, potentially adding scale and longevity to future operations.

“Furthermore, by using diamond core, work can be undertaken on the mineralogy and metallurgy including conducting 'gravity recovered gold' testing to begin establishing a processing route for eventual production.”

At 1354 GMT, shares in East Star Resources were up 0.2% at 5.06p.