REG - East Star Resources - Piket Project: Large Copper-Gold Target Identified
20/05/2026 07:00
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RNS Number : 9827E East Star Resources PLC 20 May 2026
20 May 2026
East Star Resources Plc
("East Star" or the "Company")
Piket Project: Large Copper-Gold Target Identified
Large potential lithocap-hosted Cu-Au porphyry or epithermal system identified
at Piket Project
East Star Resources Plc (LSE:EST), the Kazakhstan-focused gold and copper
exploration and development company, is pleased to announce the first results
from exploration at the Company's Piket Licence which was awarded in 2025.
Recent geological mapping, hyperspectral interpretation and geochemical
sampling have identified a large and geochemically anomalous lithocap as a
potential host for a copper-gold porphyry or epithermal system. The work has
significantly enhanced the Company's understanding of the regional geological
setting and identified one large priority target for follow-up exploration at
the Symbyl 2 Prospect area.
Highlights
· Recognition of a large-scale alkaline intrusive system geologically
similar to the Macquarie Arc in Australia and younger alkalic porphyry systems
in British Columbia, Canada
· Extensive advanced argillic alteration system defined over an
area of 8km x 3km
· Soil sampling has outlined a 2km x 2km multi-element anomaly at the
Symbyl 2 Prospect with coherent Au-Mo-Bi-Sn-W anomalism and gold values up to
0.2g/t Au
· The Symbyl 2 Prospect identified as the priority target with intense
quartz-pyrophyllite-alunite alteration and evidence of oxidised sulphides and
porphyry-style "A" veins
· Low sulfidation epithermal Au-Ag veins identified approximately 5km
east of the main alteration corridor, confirming district-scale fertility and
preservation of the epithermal environment
· Next steps to advance Symbyl 2 to include detailed mapping and
systematic sampling of historic trench material and additional rock chip
sampling over defined anomalies
Alex Walker, CEO of East Star Resources, commented:
"We are delighted with the progress made at Piket which has again demonstrated
that our team can identify and acquire ground, and conduct the initial field
work on prospective targets, in a single season. The positive results from
this work are a strong demonstration that our strategy for porphyry target
generation in Kazakhstan is working well and we are looking forward to the
next phase of work to advance the project to drill-ready status."
To watch a video of Christopher van Wijk, Technical Director, discussing this
announcement, visit: https://eaststarplc.com/link/Pw7j3P
(https://eaststarplc.com/link/Pw7j3P) .
Large Alkalic Intrusive System Identified
Recent geological interpretation has recognised an alkaline intrusive suite at
Piket with geological characteristics comparable to major alkalic copper-gold
porphyry districts, including the Macquarie Arc in New South Wales and younger
alkalic porphyry systems in British Columbia, Canada.
Field mapping confirmed the presence of classic alkalic alteration assemblages
within monzonitic intrusions, including hematite-dusted potassium feldspar
alteration ("Red Rock Alteration") and epidote-chlorite alteration associated
with hornblende-bearing intrusive rocks.
The recognition of this geological setting substantially increases the
prospectivity of the broader project area for both porphyry copper-gold
mineralisation and associated epithermal gold-silver systems.
Furthermore, the Company believes that the regional potential for additional
alkalic-related porphyry and epithermal systems remains underexplored and
warrants broader scale regional targeting.
Figure 1 - Geology Map of the Piket Project
Extensive Lithocap Alteration Corridor
Exploration at Piket has defined a large advanced argillic alteration ("AAA")
system extending approximately 8km in strike length and 3km in width. The
Piket Trend is dominated by lithocap-related alteration facies, interpreted to
represent the upper portions of a large hydrothermal system. Over the past
several decades, lithocap environments have become increasingly important
exploration targets globally as many new porphyry discoveries are concealed
beneath advanced argillic alteration zones or lithocaps.
Ground validation work confirmed the quality and reliability of the satellite
hyperspectral products, which were used extensively to map alteration
mineralogy across the project (See Figure 1). Interpretation of alteration
zonation and geology suggests that the deeper portions of the hydrothermal
system may be exposed in the southern portion of the corridor, particularly
around the Symbyl 2 Prospect. This may reflect structural tilting or block
faulting along the interpreted Piket Fault.
Figure 2 - Alteration map of the Piket Project
Symbyl 2 Identified as Priority Target
The Symbyl 2 prospect has emerged as the highest priority target within the
project area. Mapping identified extensive zones of intense advanced argillic
alteration characterised by a quartz-pyrophyllite-alunite assemblage,
hematite-bearing fractures and veins, and evidence of ex-sulphide textures.
Importantly, minor porphyry-style quartz "A" veins were identified within the
lithocap alteration assemblage, suggesting some degree of telescoping between
porphyry and epithermal environments.
Figure 3 - Qtz "A" veins overprinted by advanced argillic alteration
Propylitic alteration within the surrounding host monzonite increases toward
the Symbyl 2 lithocap, with increasing hematite dusting of feldspars and
epidote-chlorite alteration of hornblende-bearing lithologies.
The combination of alteration intensity, structural preparation, pathfinder
geochemistry and porphyry-style veining indicates Symbyl 2 represents the most
compelling target for a concealed copper-gold porphyry system.
Soil Geochemistry defines a large Multi-Element Anomaly
Soil sampling conducted at the end of 2025 has further strengthened the
prospectivity of the Symbyl 2 target area. Sampling defined a coherent 2km x
2km geochemical anomaly with elevated gold values of up to 0.2g/t Au as well
as multiple pathfinder elements commonly associated with fertile porphyry
systems, including molybdenum (Mo), bismuth (Bi) tin (Sn) and tungsten (W),
all of which are high level indicators of fertile porphyry systems, commonly
found in lithocaps above porphyry systems.
Gold anomalism appears spatially associated with the southern portion of the
system and is concentrated within drainage systems adjacent to the lithocap.
Molybdenum anomalism greater than 5ppm is preserved throughout multiple
intervals of the lithocap system, further supporting the interpretation of a
fertile hydrothermal environment (See Figure 3).
Figure 4 - Soil geochemistry maps of gold (Au) and molybdenum (Mo). Soil
spacing is 300m x 300m
Field mapping also identified a series of low sulphidation epithermal ("LSE")
gold-sliver veins approximately 5km east of the main Piket alteration
corridor. The vein field, which was explored in soviet times, extends over
approximately 1.5km x 1.5km and comprises multiple thin gold-silver bearing
veins, which are themselves not considered economic but provide an important
proof of fertility.
The preservation of low sulphidation epithermal mineralisation confirms that
the district has undergone fertile gold-bearing hydrothermal activity and
retains preserved upper epithermal levels. This significantly enhances the
potential for concealed porphyry systems elsewhere within the broader project
area.
The Judzha Project
The Judzha Project was awarded to Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Ltd on 14
October 2025. Initial mapping showed clearly a very active hydrothermal system
with multiple overprinting breccia events including intrusive breccias,
hydrothermal breccias and phreatomagmatic breccias. Additionally, there was
extensive evidence of sulfides with pyrite preserved on the margins of the
system and relic sulfides now overprinted by hematite throughout the core of
the system. A small soil sampling campaign was undertaken in November 2025 to
determine the extent of mineralisation of the system. Results were received in
Q1 2026 and subsequently analysed by East Star and consulting specialist
geologists who's combined conclusion was that fertility did not warrant
further exploration. The Licence has begun the procedure of being
relinquished.
Next Steps
The Company plans to undertake follow-up exploration focused on advancing the
Symbyl 2 target area. Initially, this programme is likely to include detailed
mapping and systematic sampling of historic trench material and additional
rock chip sampling over the defined anomalies.
East Star Resources Plc
Alex Walker, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +44 (0)20 7390 0234 (via Vigo Consulting)
SI Capital (Corporate Broker)
Nick Emerson
Tel: +44 (0)1483 413 500
Vigo Consulting (Investor Relations)
Ben Simons / Seb Weller
Tel: +44 (0)20 7390 0234
Glossary
Ag Silver
Au Gold
Bi Bismuth
Mo Molybdenum
Sn Tin
W Tungsten
About East Star Resources Plc
East Star Resources is focused on the discovery and development of copper and
gold in Kazakhstan. The Company is pursuing multiple exploration strategies
including:
· A joint venture with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services Limited to take the
Verkhuba Deposit (20.3Mt @ 1.16% copper, 1.54% zinc and 0.27% lead) into
production (at no further cost to East Star) with East Star retaining 30%
ownership in production
· A second VMS Exploration Target with up to 23Mt @ 2.4% copper equivalent in
the same region, with numerous other targets being advanced to drill-ready
status
· A $25 million+ strategic gold exploration joint venture with Endeavour Mining
· Tier 1 potential copper porphyry targets and epithermal gold targets in a
proven copper porphyry and epithermal belt
Visit our website:
www.eaststarplc.com (http://www.eaststarplc.com)
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(https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-star-resources/)
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Engage with us by asking questions, watching video summaries and seeing what
other shareholders have to say. Navigate to our interactive Investor Hub here:
https://eaststarplc.com/link/Pw7j3P (https://eaststarplc.com/link/Pw7j3P)
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This announcement contains inside information.
The person who arranged for the release of this announcement was Alex Walker,
CEO of the Company.
Competent Person Statement
The technical information related to East Star Resources assets contained in
this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on information
compiled by Mr Christopher van Wijk, who is a Member of the Australasian
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and who is a Geologist employed by East
Star Resources as an Executive Director. Mr van Wijk has sufficient experience
which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under
consideration, and to the activity which he is undertaking, to qualify as a
Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr van
Wijk consents to the inclusion in the release of the matters based on the
information he has compiled in the form and context in which it appears.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7
of Regulation 2014/596/EU which is part of domestic UK law pursuant to the
Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (SI 2019/310) ("UK MAR"). Upon
the publication of this announcement, this inside information (as defined in
UK MAR) is now considered to be in the public domain.
Table 2 - JORC Code, 2012 Edition
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling techniques · Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or · Systematic soil sampling was completed on a nominal 300m x 300m
specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the triangular grid
minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF
instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad · Samples were collected from approximately 30cm below the ground
meaning of sampling. surface where possible to avoid collecting organic matter. Small stones and
debris were removed by hand prior to bagging.
· Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. · Each sample was described, the location and coordinates noted and
entered into EST's database
· Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to
the Public Report.
· In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be
relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m
samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire
assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there
is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or
mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of
detailed information.
Drilling techniques · Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary · Not applicable
air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple
or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type,
whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).
Drill sample recovery · Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and · Not applicable
results assessed.
· Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative
nature of the samples.
· Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and
whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
fine/coarse material.
Logging · Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and · Samples were described by EST geologists into excel datasheets and
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral imported into EST's database
Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.
· EST's database is maintained by independent contractors Rock Solid in
· Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or Perth, Australia
costean, channel, etc) photography.
· Logging is completed visually according to EST procedures.
· The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation · If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core · Whole samples were submitted.
taken.
· Samples were collected in sample bags and sent to ALS Ust Kamenogorsk
· If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and for sample preparation
whether sampled wet or dry.
· ALS sample preparation technique involves drying (at >100°C for
· For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of the rocks), fine crushing to 70% passing <2mm, riffle splitting a 250g
sample preparation technique. subsample, and pulverizing to better than 85% passing 75 microns; it is a
high-quality, standard method appropriate for geochemistry analysis of drill
· Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to core, rock, and chip samples to produce homogeneous subsamples
maximise representivity of samples.
· Quality control procedures in at ALS include internal verifications
· Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the at each size reduction stage to confirm particle size specifications, cleaning
in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field equipment with clean rock, silica, and compressed air between samples to
duplicate/second-half sampling. prevent carryover, and availability of QC data via Webtrieve™ to maximize
sample representivity during sub-sampling
· Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the
material being sampled. · No QA/QC materials were submitted by EST.
· Sample sizes were deemed appropriated for the material being sampled
· Sample pulps will be returned to EST for long term storage.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests · The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and · Samples were analysed using the ME-MS61L method. This involves a
laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or four-acid digestion (HNO₃-HClO₄-HF-HCl) of a 0.25 g sample aliquot,
total. providing near-total dissolution of most geological materials, followed by
ICP-MS multi-element analysis. The method reports up to 50 elements with
· For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, super-trace detection limits (including Ag, As, Cu, Pb, Zn and other
the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and pathfinder elements, gold analyses obtained using AU-ICP21). The accuracy and
model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. precision for a wide range of ore and lithogeochemical concentrations is
appropriate for the geological exploration of epithermal deposits.
· Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks,
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of · Samples were analysed for gold using the Au-ICP21 method. This
accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. involves fire assay fusion of a 30 g sample aliquot with lead collection,
cupellation to produce a silver bead, followed by digestion and ICP-AES
analysis. The method provides a detection limit of approximately 0.001 ppm Au
(1 ppb) with an upper range to 10 ppm.
· All samples were analysed using the TRSPEC-20 method. Crushed rejects
were analysed using the TerraSpec® 4 HR spectrometer, which collects
visible-near infrared to short-wave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) reflectance spectra.
Raw spectral data files are produced in ASD format or ASCII format. These
spectra enable identification of minerals, particularly those with diagnostic
absorption features in the VNIR-SWIR range (e.g., clays, micas, carbonates,
sulfates, and many alteration minerals). Data was interpreted by ALS using the
spectral geologist (TSG) software. The spectral results were used to support
geological characterisation and alteration mapping.
Verification of sampling and assaying · The verification of significant intersections by either independent · Not applicable to soil results.
or alternative company personnel.
· The use of twinned holes.
· Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data
verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
· Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
Location of data points · Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar · Sample locations were surveyed using handheld GPS.
and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in
Mineral Resource estimation. · Grid system WGS84, UTM43N.
· Specification of the grid system used. · Topographic control using SRTM is sufficient for early-stage
exploration
· Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
Data spacing and distribution · Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. · Sampling was completed on a 300 x 300m triangular grid over the whole
of the identified lithocap.
· Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish
the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral · Areas outside of this were covered by regolith rendering sampling
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. unrepresentative of bedrock.
· Whether sample compositing has been applied. · Soil samples are not included in Mineral Resource estimation.
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure · Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of · Not applicable at this stage of exploration
possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the
deposit type.
· If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the
orientation of key mineralized structures is considered to have introduced a
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
Sample security · The measures taken to ensure sample security. · Sample security is maintained by East Star geologists until delivered
to the ALS laboratory
Audits or reviews · The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. · No audits were undertaken for this work.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status · Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including · The Piket Target is located on exploration license 3720-EL (the
agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, "License"). The license was granted in 2025 for an initial period of 6 years
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, with a possibility of further five years extension subject to reduction of the
wilderness or national park and environmental settings. license area by 40%.
· The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with · East Star owns 100% owns of the license.
any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.
· East Star resources have servitude for exploration from the local
Akim (administrative head), and local landholders, over some areas within the
Licence and the license can be explored under these agreements.
· There are no known legal or security impediments to obtaining a
mining license.
Exploration done by other parties · Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. · At this stage of exploration, no historical exploration programmes
are known for the Symbyl Target aside from 1:50,000 scale geology mapping over
the area and soviet era trenching.
Geology · Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation. · The deposit type being explored is alkalic porphyry Cu-Au and
epithermal Au-Ag.
Drill hole Information · A summary of all information material to the understanding of the · Not applicable, no drilling reported.
exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for
all Material drill holes:
o easting and northing of the drill hole collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of
the drill hole collar
o dip and azimuth of the hole
o down hole length and interception depth
o hole length.
· If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that
the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the
understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why
this is the case.
Data aggregation methods · In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, · Not applicable, all soil results reported.
maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and
cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
· Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade
results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations
should be shown in detail.
· The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values
should be clearly stated.
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths · These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of · Not applicable
Exploration Results.
· If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole
angle is known, its nature should be reported.
· If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there
should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width
not known').
Diagrams · Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of · Relevant diagrams have been included in the body text.
intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported
These should include but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar
locations and appropriate sectional views.
Balanced reporting · Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not · All soil samples have been reported.
practical, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths
should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
Other substantive exploration data · Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be · Not applicable.
reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical
survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical
and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
Further work · The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral · East star is planning to undertake systematic sampling and detailed
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). mapping as a next step.
· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,
provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
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