MINEX Forum

Tag: Arras Minerals

  • Kazakhstan at PDAC 2026: The Next Major Frontier for Mineral Discoveries?

    Kazakhstan at PDAC 2026: The Next Major Frontier for Mineral Discoveries?

    This year marked a significant milestone as the Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines took the lead as the official organiser of Kazakhstan Day — and what a resounding success the debut turned out to be!

    Despite a packed PDAC schedule, the session drew an impressive crowd of over 130 industry leaders, investors, and exploration experts. The atmosphere in the room confirmed one thing: the global mining community is paying very close attention to Central Asia.

    MINEX Forum was proud to support the event as the Official Media Partner, capturing the insights that are shaping the next wave of exploration in the region.

    Key Highlights from the Plenary Session: The tone was set by Ruslan Baimishev, President of the Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines:

    “Kazakhstan is entering a new era of exploration — driven by robust reforms, international partnerships, and the soaring global demand for copper and critical metals.”

    We also heard high-level perspectives from H.E. Dauletbek Kussainov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Canada, and Iran Sharkhan, Vice-Minister of Industry and Construction.

    Expert Insights & Project Showcases: The technical session, “Unlocking New Discovery Potential in Kazakhstan,” featured a stellar line-up including Tim Barry (Arras Minerals), Charlie Liu (Zijin Mining), Simon Cooper (Pallas Resources), and world-renowned experts Anna Fonseca and Professor Jeffrey Hedenquist.

    The afternoon shifted to tangible opportunities, with project presentations from AMG Ltd, Kogadyr Gold, Taskora, and Muzbel. As Tim Barry aptly put it: “Kazakhstan offers unique opportunities for Canadian juniors to enter new jurisdictions — and the future looks bright.”

    Kazakhstan is no longer just a “prospective” jurisdiction; it is rapidly becoming the territory where the next big copper success stories are being written.

    Special thanks to the Kazakhstan Day partners:

    • General Sponsors: Aurora Minerals Group, NAC Kazatomprom, Pallas Resources.

    • Sponsors: Arras Minerals, TauGold Copper.

    Missed the session?  📺 Watch the session recordings and download expert presentations at:

  • Arras Minerals and Teck End Strategic Alliance as Kazakhstan Copper Targets Advance to 2026 Plans

    Arras Minerals and Teck End Strategic Alliance as Kazakhstan Copper Targets Advance to 2026 Plans

    Canada-based Arras Minerals Corp. has provided an update on its Strategic Alliance with Teck Resources Limited and outlined its exploration plans for 2026 across its licence portfolio in Kazakhstan, following Teck’s decision to exit the staged option phase of the agreement.

    The two companies entered into the alliance in December 2023 to explore for copper across approximately 1,900 square kilometres of Arras’ licence package in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region. Under the agreement, Teck funded around $5 million in generative exploration over a two-year period, with Arras acting as project manager. Teck had the option to select up to four designated properties for further investment of up to $47.5 million per project to earn up to a 75% interest, but has elected not to proceed to this second phase.

    Despite the decision, the alliance delivered extensive exploration results. Over two years, the program identified three new porphyry systems along a 54-kilometre trend parallel to the operating Bozshakol copper-gold mine, defined a large hydrothermal system at the Besshoky project, and generated a substantial geochemical and geophysical dataset. Work included nearly 40,000 soil samples, airborne magnetic surveys, Heli-EM and induced polarization surveys, 479 top-of-bedrock drill holes, and 18 diamond drill holes totaling more than 5,200 metres.

    Drilling returned multiple mineralized intercepts across several targets, confirming porphyry-style alteration and mineralization at Shirderty, Bozshakol South and Tort Kuduk. At Tort Kuduk, one hole intersected 34 metres grading 0.25 g/t gold, highlighting precious-metal upside alongside copper potential.

    Teck said that while the results did not meet its threshold to advance to the next phase, it remains positive on Kazakhstan and will continue as a supportive shareholder. Arras management described the alliance as successful in narrowing a large land package into a focused set of high-priority targets and said many warrant further follow-up.

    For 2026, Arras plans additional geophysical surveys, including magnetotelluric and gravity work, followed by targeted diamond drilling at several copper porphyry prospects. The company also intends to advance precious metals-focused targets that were not drilled during the alliance period and could reach drill-ready status with additional fieldwork.

    Arras said the work completed with Teck’s funding has significantly de-risked its portfolio and strengthened the pipeline of drill targets, supporting continued exploration of its Elemes copper-gold project and other priority areas across its Kazakhstan licences.

  • Arras Minerals Intersects 457.5m of Gold-Copper Mineralization from Surface at Berezski East Target, Kazakhstan

    Arras Minerals Intersects 457.5m of Gold-Copper Mineralization from Surface at Berezski East Target, Kazakhstan

    Vancouver, British Columbia – October 8, 2025 – Arras Minerals Corp. (TSXV: ARK, OTCQB: ARRKF) has reported exceptional drill results from the Berezski East Target at its Elemes Project in northeastern Kazakhstan, with one hole delivering 457.5 meters of gold-copper mineralization starting at surface.

    Drillhole EL25019 returned a standout intercept grading 0.63 g/t gold equivalent (AuEq) — including 231 meters at 0.98 g/t AuEq and 91 meters at 1.77 g/t AuEq starting from 88 meters depth. The company said the results demonstrate the scale potential of the Berezski Central–Berezski East corridor, part of the 8.8 km-long Berezski Trend.

    A second hole, EL25017, intersected 37 meters grading 0.13 g/t AuEq and 9.5 meters grading 0.55 g/t AuEq, testing a copper-in-soil anomaly north of Berezski Central.

    Tim Barry, CEO of Arras Minerals, commented:

    “Drillhole EL25019 has delivered an exceptional high-grade gold-copper intercept from surface, confirming Berezski East’s strong potential to host broad zones of high-grade mineralization. The presence of copper minerals such as bornite and chalcopyrite, alongside strong potassic alteration, suggests we may be on the edge of a larger porphyry system — a highly encouraging development.”

    Barry added that additional drilling is being planned at Berezski East, while one rig continues to operate at Berezski Central.

    The company’s exploration team noted that EL25019 intersected fine-grained diorites with pervasive potassic alteration, containing disseminated pyrite, bornite, and chalcopyrite. The hole also encountered multiple hematite-magnetite and K-feldspar-quartz vein zones associated with copper-gold mineralization.

    Arras has launched detailed magnetotelluric (MT) and gravity surveys to better define the geometry and scale of the mineralized system. Preliminary gravity data has identified a strong gravity low coinciding with known mineralization at Berezski Central, as well as a new low immediately northeast of EL25019 — supporting the interpretation that the hole may lie close to the core of a porphyry Cu-Au system.

    At the nearby Novii Target, located 4.4 km southwest of Berezski Central, Arras completed three drill holes totaling 1,000 meters. Early geological observations indicate massive sulphide zones and porphyry-style veins, with assays expected next month. The company has expanded its gravity and MT survey coverage to include this area.

    The Elemes Project, located near Ekibastuz in northeastern Kazakhstan, covers 531 km² and benefits from excellent infrastructure, including road, rail, and power access. Situated in the Bozshakol-Chingiz metallogenic belt, the project lies near KAZ Minerals’ Bozshakol copper mine and the Beskauga deposit, both major copper-gold systems.

    Arras is currently advancing a 20,000-meter Phase II drill program with two active rigs, supported by regional geophysical surveys to refine future drill targeting.

  • Arras Minerals to Launch Copper and Gold Drilling in Kazakhstan by 2025

    Arras Minerals to Launch Copper and Gold Drilling in Kazakhstan by 2025

    Arras Minerals, a Canadian mining company, has announced plans to commence active drilling for copper and golddeposits in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region in the first half of 2025. This decision follows an extensive geological exploration campaign conducted in 2024, covering a 1,700-square-kilometer area near its Beskauga, Elemes, and Tay projects close to Ekibastuz.

    During its exploration efforts, the company drilled 435 holes and collected 35,000 soil samples, identifying promising sites for further drilling. The first phase of drilling will target high-priority copper deposits under shallow cover, previously unexplored. Tim Barry, CEO of Arras Minerals, expressed excitement about the progress, stating: “We anticipate commencing drill-testing of several high-priority copper targets, currently undrilled and under shallow cover, in the first half of 2025.”

    The exploration focuses on two main sites: a 1,300-square-kilometer area located 56 kilometers northwest of Ekibastuz near the Bozshakol mine, owned by Kaz Minerals, and another site 90 kilometers southeast of Ekibastuz, which includes the Akkuduk and Norgubek projects. Both areas are believed to hold substantial copper and gold reserves.

    Arras Minerals is positioned as a major player in Kazakhstan, holding the third-largest license package for copper and gold exploration, behind only Rio Tinto and Fortescue. In December 2023, the company secured a partnership with Teck Resources Limited (TRL), under which Teck will invest $5 million in geological exploration between 2024 and 2025. Teck Resources also holds a 10% stake in the Beskauga project.

    In a September 2024 interview, Darren Klinck, President of Arras Minerals, praised Kazakhstan’s mining industry reforms, highlighting the nation’s adoption of practices from regions like Western Australia and Canada. Klinck described Kazakhstan as one of the most business-friendly mining jurisdictions, noting the country’s significant progress in attracting international investment.

    With these advancements, Arras Minerals is well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from Kazakhstan’s growing mining sector, which continues to attract global attention.

  • Canadian Investor Completes Field Studies Near Ekibastuz, Plans Drilling Campaign

    Canadian Investor Completes Field Studies Near Ekibastuz, Plans Drilling Campaign

    A Canadian investor has concluded field studies on prospective sites near Ekibastuz and plans to begin exploration drilling in early 2025, reports Kursiv.

    Arras Minerals, which has been exploring copper and gold deposits in Kazakhstan for several years, is focusing on areas in the Pavlodar region. In 2023, the company surveyed blocks spanning 1,700 km², collecting 35,000 samples. These exploration efforts are concentrated near existing Arras Minerals projects, including Beskauga, Tau, and Elemess.

    The primary site, covering 1,300 km², lies adjacent to the Bozshakol copper mine operated by KAZ Minerals, located 56 km northwest of Ekibastuz. A secondary site, situated 90 km southeast of the city, has been divided into the Norgubekand Akkuduk projects.

    Arras Minerals plans to continue drilling operations in 2025. The company holds the third-largest license portfolio for copper and gold exploration in Kazakhstan, following major international players Rio Tinto and Fortescue.

    Meanwhile, another major project in the Pavlodar region is underway. By the end of 2026, Fonet Er-Tai Mining aims to launch a hydrometallurgical plant capable of producing up to 5,000 tons of cathode copper annually, further boosting the region’s metallurgical industry.

  • Canadian Company to Search for Copper and Gold in Pavlodar Region in Kazakhstan

    Canadian Company to Search for Copper and Gold in Pavlodar Region in Kazakhstan

    A Canadian company, Arras Minerals, is set to initiate active drilling in the first half of 2025 to locate copper and gold deposits in the Pavlodar region, according to the company’s press service.

    Arras Minerals has announced that it conducted extensive geological exploration in 2024 across an area of 1,700 square kilometres near its Beskauga, Elemes, and Tau projects, which are situated near Ekibastuz. During this fieldwork, the company drilled 435 holes and collected 35,000 soil samples. The exploration identified promising areas for drilling, which are scheduled to commence in 2025.

    “It is excellent to see the significant progress the Arras-Teck Exploration alliance has made in exploring this promising and underexplored area. We plan to start drilling on several priority copper targets, which have not been explored previously and are under shallow cover, in the first half of 2025,” stated CEO Tim Barry.

    The surveys were carried out at two sites. The first site, covering an area of 1,300 square kilometres, is located 56 kilometres northwest of Ekibastuz and includes the Bozshakol mine of KAZ Minerals. The second site, situated 90 kilometres southeast of Ekibastuz, is divided into the Akkuduk and Norgubek projects.

    Arras holds the third-largest copper and gold mining licence portfolio in Kazakhstan, following Rio Tinto and Fortescue. In December 2023, the company entered into an agreement with another Canadian firm, Teck Resources Limited, under which TRL will finance Arras’ $5 million exploration programme for 2024-2025. Teck also holds a 10% stake in the Beskauga project.

    In late September, Arras Minerals President Darren Klink admitted in an interview with Kitco Mining at the Precious Metals Summit in Canada that he had little knowledge of Kazakhstan three years ago but now considers the country one of the easiest places he has worked in over the last 20 years.

    “This is really a nation that has undergone significant changes even in the last five or six years. They have done an excellent job of reforming all aspects of business, but in terms of mining, they have essentially adopted the Western Australian mining code, incorporating good elements from Ontario and Quebec. Now, the major mining companies are starting to invest. From my perspective, it has been nothing but positive surprises, and from a jurisdictional standpoint, it is probably one of the most comfortable places I have worked in the last 20 years,” Klink said.

  • Arras Minerals Confirms Large “at Surface” Untested Porphyry System on Elemes Licence in Kazakhstan

    Arras Minerals Confirms Large “at Surface” Untested Porphyry System on Elemes Licence in Kazakhstan

    Arras Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: ARK) announces promising initial results from its 2023 soil sampling program in northeastern Kazakhstan’s Elemes exploration license area. Key findings include:

    – Identification of an extensive NE-SW trending copper anomaly (>150ppm) over 8.8 km x 1.5 km, linking two zones of historical high-grade drilling.
    – Discovery of a “bull’s eye” molybdenum anomaly spanning 2.8 km x 1.6 km, potentially indicating a core porphyry system.
    – Peripheral arsenic anomaly associated with gold-silver grades up to 29g/t Au & 287g/t Ag.
    – Confirmation of a multi-kilometer-scale mineralized system.
    – Collection of 31,000 soil samples, with initial results covering 60% of the area.

    CEO Tim Barry highlighted the significance of the findings, emphasizing the large and intact porphyry system indicated by soil sampling and historical drilling re-assays. The results also reveal a substantial molybdenum anomaly, possibly indicating the core of the porphyry system. Further exploration is planned to assess the full extent of these discoveries.

    The sampling methodology involved systematic collection using a 50m x 200m grid pattern and analysis with portable X-ray fluorescence devices. Arras plans to send a portion of samples for further analysis to ensure accuracy.

    Tim Barry, a Chartered Professional Geologist, oversees the project, meeting standards set by NI 43-101. The Elemes License benefits from modern infrastructure and is strategically located within a metallogenic belt hosting other significant projects.

    The findings signify significant exploration potential in Arras Minerals Corp.’s extensive license area in northeastern Kazakhstan.

  • Teck, Arras partner to explore Kazakh critical minerals

    Teck, Arras partner to explore Kazakh critical minerals

    Teck Resources, a Canadian mining company, has signed an option deal with Arras Minerals for its critical minerals licence package in Kazakhstan.

    The option agreement is limited to the package in Bozshakol-Chingiz Magmatic Arc in Pavlodar.

    It excludes the Beskauga copper-gold project, and regional exploration licences Stepnoe, Ekidos, Aimandai and Elemes.

    As part of the arrangement, Teck will solely fund exploration work through 2025. The initial expenditure will be $5m (C$6.79m) before 31 December 2025 across two packages totalling around 1,736km².

    After the initial exploration phase is completed, Teck will have the option to select up to four designated properties covering 120km² of area each.

    At these properties, it will conduct exploration at a cost of up to $47.5m per project, helping it earn up to 75% interest in each of the four projects.

    The company also agreed to reimburse some project-related expenses to Arras through $1m in cash on signing, and potentially other payments in the future, if Teck selects to go ahead with the future phases.

    Arras will act as the manager for the first year of the two-year programme and Teck will hold the option to assume the role thereafter.

    Arras Minerals CEO Tim Barry said: “As an early-mover into Kazakhstan two and a half years ago, following the substantial reforms to the business environment and mining law, Arras has assembled the third-largest land package in the country next to Rio Tinto and Fortescue and is specifically focused on copper in the highly prospective Bozshakol-Chingiz magmatic arc.

    “We recently completed our second summer field season across the regional licence package and are now analysing more than 50,000 soil samples we have collected across the approximately 3,300km² licence package. This programme was based on the successful 2022 field programme where more than 16,000 soil samples identified new targets to follow up.”