Kazakhstan’s BASS Gold has announced the expansion of its resource base through the acquisition of a new mining asset, a polymetallic deposit located in the Ulytau region. The company has secured a controlling stake (51%) in Sary Arka Resources Ltd., which operates the ‘Alashpai’ project through its subsidiary, TSO ‘Saryarka Polymetals’. This strategic move is set to enhance BASS Gold’s mining portfolio significantly.
According to BASS Gold’s press service, extensive exploration activities have been conducted at the site, with over 60,000 linear meters of drilling completed between 1991 and 2020. The balance reserves of ore in categories C1 and C2 exceed 5.5 million tonnes, indicating a substantial resource base for future extraction. The Alashpai deposit is reported to contain 260,650 tonnes of lead, 11,000 tonnes of zinc, and 42,830 tonnes of barite, alongside silver, although the exact quantity of silver has not been disclosed.
BASS Gold plans to develop the deposit using open-pit mining methods. The company has already transitioned from the acquisition phase to practical operations, with preparations underway at the site, including infrastructure development and the organisation of production processes. The company aims to sequentially increase its production capacity as part of its growth strategy.
The Alashpai deposit complements BASS Gold’s existing asset, the Ushshoky mine, where significant infrastructure has already been established. This includes the construction of an administrative and residential centre, a refuelling complex, and a central warehouse. Additionally, the company is in the process of erecting a crushing and sorting complex, incorporating automation systems and artificial intelligence technologies to enhance ore sorting efficiency.
This acquisition and subsequent operational developments signal BASS Gold’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the mining sector and optimising its resource extraction capabilities, positioning the company for future growth in the competitive mining landscape of Kazakhstan.
