MINEX Forum

Tag: copper deposits

  • Altyndara Advances Development of Koktaszhal and Kyzylshoki Deposits in Kazakhstan

    Altyndara Advances Development of Koktaszhal and Kyzylshoki Deposits in Kazakhstan

    A new phase of development has begun at the Koktaszhal and Kyzylshoki deposits in Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region, following the transfer of the project to Altyndara. The company is preparing to expand geological exploration and gradually scale up production across both sites.

    As part of its development strategy, the investor has outlined plans to increase mining activity and construct a processing plant at the Kyzylshoki site. Total investment in the project is expected to exceed 500 million dollars, reflecting a long-term commitment to unlocking the resource base.

    The initiative is projected to create more than 800 jobs and generate broader economic benefits for the region, including growth in supporting services and infrastructure development.

    Preliminary estimates indicate that ore resources at the deposits exceed 50 million tonnes, with confirmed copper reserves surpassing 500 thousand tonnes. The project was previously held by Altai Polymetally before transitioning to its current operator.

    The expansion underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen Kazakhstan’s mining sector by advancing resource development, attracting investment, and increasing domestic production capacity.

  • Karelian Diamonds Discovers Promising Nickel, Copper, and PGE Targets in Northern Ireland

    Karelian Diamonds Discovers Promising Nickel, Copper, and PGE Targets in Northern Ireland

    In a significant development for the mining industry, Karelian Diamonds has uncovered promising signs of nickel, copper, and platinum group elements (PGEs) within its licensed areas in Northern Ireland. The revelation follows a detailed assessment carried out by independent geological consultant Dr. Larry Hulbert, which was spurred by Karelian’s earlier identification of indicator minerals during a stream sediment sampling program.

    Dr. Hulbert’s evaluation highlights geological parallels to the Baraga basin in Michigan—a part of the Mid-Continental Rift system in North America, which is home to major deposits like Eagle and Eagle East. He advised Karelian to base its exploration strategy on the successful Eagle deposit model.

    Furthermore, the assessment noted similarities to other globally renowned nickel, copper, and PGE deposits found in continental flood basalts, such as those in Norilsk, Russia, and the Emeishan Large Igneous Province in China. These parallels underscore the potential significance of Karelian’s findings.

    In his report, Dr. Hulbert stated, “What would have been considered a low potential nickel/copper/PGE exploration area pre-1995 has changed due to recent discoveries and the subsequent development of new exploration models. Recognition of similar geological and metallogenic environments, regardless of geological age, like that between the Proterozoic Baraga Basin Eagle mining camp setting and the KDR property, is what will lead to new nickel/copper/PGE discoveries. What was once not obvious is now obvious!”

    Based on Dr. Hulbert’s recommendations, Karelian Diamonds has pinpointed a series of promising targets within its licensed areas for further exploration. “Dr. Hulbert’s review is extremely encouraging. The geological similarities with areas associated with world-class discoveries of nickel, copper, and PGEs, such as the Eagle and Eagle East deposits, are striking,” commented Karelian’s chairperson, Professor Richard Conroy.

  • First Quantum Minerals Launches Extensive Geological Survey Project in Kazakhstan

    First Quantum Minerals Launches Extensive Geological Survey Project in Kazakhstan

    First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has unveiled plans for extensive geological survey operations in Kazakhstan, aiming to identify promising copper deposits, as reported by inbusiness.kz. Last year saw the establishment of FQM’s Kazakhstan division in Astana, accompanied by the recruitment of local personnel, signaling the company’s commitment to local engagement and investment.

    According to geologist James Banyard, overseeing FQM’s activities in Kazakhstan, the company’s specialists will commence geological surveying activities in the summer of 2024. Initial efforts will focus on mapping and geophysical exploration of subsurface formations, laying the groundwork for potential mining endeavors.

    In collaboration with Pallas Resources, an existing partner in several projects, FQM aims to execute its strategic vision of a five-year presence in Kazakhstan, with aspirations to discover lucrative copper-rich sites worthy of future investment.

    Currently, the company is in the process of securing exploration licenses for multiple sites across various regions of the republic. Prospecting efforts will primarily target areas with known concentrations of copper ore, including the Balkhash-Ili territories, Bozshakol-Chingiz, and the Chu-Sarysu basin.

    FQM’s foray into the Kazakh market follows the enactment of the Subsoil Code in 2018, reflecting the company’s strategic assessment of risks and opportunities within the region. Despite the inherent challenges, FQM remains optimistic about the prospects of collaboration in Kazakhstan’s burgeoning mining sector.