London headquartered gold explorer awarded diamond drilling contract in Kazakhstan

East Star Resources PLC, the Kazakhstan-focused gold and copper explorer, has announced the award of a diamond drilling contract to IG Copper and Gold Kazakhstan.

The contract is for 5,000 metres of drilling this year focused initially on the Apmintas and Dalny Licences in the Chu-Ili orogenic gold belt of central Kazakhstan.

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.

Alex Walker, East Star CEO, commented: “We are delighted to be working with IGG on this 2022 drill programme. 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.

“Diamond drilling is 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 minerology and metallurgy including conducting ‘gravity recovered gold’ testing to begin establishing a processing route for eventual production.’’