East Star Resources PLC, a company focused on copper exploration and resource development in Kazakhstan, has unveiled the acquisition of its second copper porphyry exploration license as part of its new copper porphyry exploration strategy. This initiative, initially funded through a US$500,000 grant from the BHP Xplor program, marks a significant advancement in the company’s expansion efforts.
The newly acquired 121 square kilometer tenement displays historical soil anomalies, indicating promising potential for hosting a copper porphyry deposit. Situated approximately 150 kilometers north of the sizable Kounrad open pit copper mine and smelter, with reserves estimated at around 800 million tons at 0.62% Cu and up to 0.76 g/t Au, the area encompasses a 6-kilometer-long and 3-kilometer-wide silica lithocap.
Under the partnership with BHP Xplor, East Star is engaged in regional target generation for copper porphyry deposits, primarily focusing on the Balkash-Ili magmatic arc, which hosts significant deposits like Kounrad and Aktogai-Aidarly. By leveraging modern mineral systems concepts and advanced analytical techniques, East Star aims to secure additional exploration licenses within the targeted area for future fieldwork.
The BHP Xplor grant covers all license fees and initial work programs, including field activities, desktop evaluations, and administrative costs. The program will be overseen by East Star with input from BHP and a team of experts.
Chris van Wijk, Technical Director at East Star, expressed enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “We are thrilled to have secured our second copper porphyry license under the BHP Xplor program. This underscores our ability to swiftly formulate compliant applications and highlights the efficiency of the Kazakh ministerial process in granting new licenses.”
