REG - East Star Resources - Snowy Project: Exploration Update
22/05/2026 07:00
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RNS Number : 1607F East Star Resources PLC 22 May 2026
22 May 2026
East Star Resources Plc
("East Star" or the "Company")
Snowy Project: Exploration Update
Rock chips indicate fertile epithermal gold target at Snowy
East Star Resources Plc (LSE:EST), the Kazakhstan-focused gold and copper
exploration and development company, is pleased to provide an update on recent
exploration activities and future work plans in relation to its Snowy gold
project.
Highlights:
Snowy Epithermal Gold Target
· Additional rock chip analyses and mapping highlight prospective vein
system
· Vein samples show gold up to 1.44g/t in veins at surface
· Veins traced out along strike for up to 200m
· Current interpretation fits with a low-sulfidation epithermal
mineralisation model
· IP Survey has commenced - results expected in Q2 2026
Alex Walker, East Star CEO, commented:
"The latest mapping and rock chip geochemistry is delivering encouraging
results at our Snowy gold project. Recent field work by the East Star
geological team has included several mapping and sampling transects over the
Snowy alteration system with an expansive hydrothermal breccia identified at
surface with encouraging gold results.
Our low-sulfidation epithermal geological model is based on the geology
observed at surface and we are excited to progress the project which has the
potential to host a large gold system."
To watch a video of Christopher van Wijk, Technical Director, discussing this
announcement, visit: https://eaststarplc.com/link/yzY93P
(https://eaststarplc.com/link/yzY93P)
Copper Porphyry/Epithermal Gold
The Company conducted a short mapping and surface sampling campaign over the
Snowy target to follow up on anomalous soil results announced previously. This
work identified a series of auriferous veins at surface with peak results of
1.44g/t Au, 0.66g/t Au (Figure 1) and numerous samples reporting over 0.2g/t
Au. All samples also carry anomalous silver (up to 2.86g/t). Based on our
field work and surface expression of the anomalism, our interpretation of the
anomaly has changed to focus on a low sulfidation style of mineralisation
which better fits the style of veining and alteration observed at surface.
Figure 1 - Snowy schematic map with rock chip results
The Snowy veins are typically composed of quartz with minor occurrences of
pyrite and the gold is associated with the veins at surface and proportional
to the pyrite content of the rocks. The veins have been traced along strike
for up to 200m and run approximately east-west, dipping steeply to the north
(around 70⁰) and cross-cutting the stratigraphy.
The Snowy alteration as observed in the hyperspectral data is characterised by
a pyrophyllite anomaly at the western end (which was the initial focus of the
exploration work), followed by a high Al-OH sericite anomaly running along the
northern strike of the ridge and a low Al-OH sericite anomaly running along
the southern strike of the ridge, which hosts the Eastern Target (See Figures
1 & 2). The current interpretation is that the variation between the high
and low Al-OH sericite marks a stratigraphic contact between the
volcaniclastic units.
The stratigraphy consists of a series of bedded volcaniclastic units which dip
moderately (30-40⁰) to the north. All of the rocks are pervasively silica
and sericite altered at surface. The auriferous veins cut the stratigraphy at
a steep angle, presenting an attractive conceptual target at depth where there
is potential to find the 'boiling zone' where the ascending fluids meet a more
permeable, usually volcaniclastic host rock: an attractive host rock for gold
(See Figure 4).
Note on Low-sulfidation Epithermal Mineralisation
East Star is now evaluating the potential for gold at Snowy using a
low-sulfidation epithermal deposit model. Low-sulfidation epithermal gold
deposits form in the near surface environment where hot ascending hydrothermal
fluids mix with meteoric water which cools the hydrothermal fluids and induces
mineral precipitation. The fluids forming the deposit are typically neutral to
mildly acidic and the alteration is typically less intense than high
sulfidation systems, consisting mostly of adularia and sericite alteration.
The spectral data demonstrates that the Snowy alteration system is mostly
composed of sericite and is indeed less intense than the nearby lithocap to
the south-west of the Snowy target.
Snowy has a number of the key features expected when targeting this deposit
style:
1. Veining at surface - Quartz veins with gold and low base metal content
at surface - see pictures in Figure 3 above.
2. Alteration - Sericite alteration confirmed through Terraspec and
hyperspectral data
3. Permissive host rocks - Tuffaceous and volcaniclastic rocks
4. Scale - Demonstrated alteration over a very large area - multiple
kilometres of altered strata along strike
The biggest examples of low-sulfidation deposits in production are Round
Mountain in Nevada (20Moz contained) and Silicon/Merlin in Nevada (16Moz).
Next Steps
Given that the gold at Snowy is directly proportional to the pyrite content in
the rocks and that no other sulphide species have been observed, it is
expected that this target will respond to basic geophysics in the form of an
Induced Polarisation survey. It is expected that the quartz will produce a
discrete resistivity signature whilst the chargeability should correspond to
the pyrite content of the rocks and highlight more prospective areas within
the vein system. If a chargeable anomaly can be identified, this would present
a compelling target for follow-up. The Company has planned two lines of IP
over the breccia zone with results expected in the second quarter of 2026.
Figure 4- Schematic cross-section of the exploration model at Snowy.
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
Al Aluminium
Au Gold
G/t Grams per tonne
Moz Million ounce(s)
OH Hydroxyl
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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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-star-resources/
(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/yzY93P (https://eaststarplc.com/link/yzY93P)
Subscribe to our news alert service: https://eaststarplc.com/regulatory-news
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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 1 Assay Results
Note, only samples >0.1g/t Au are reported.
Sample ID Grid ID Northing Easting Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Lab Method
R104004 WGS84_43N 5346192 457777 0.14 0.27 ME-MS61L
R104006 WGS84_43N 5346157 457771 0.12 0.24 ME-MS61L
R104009 WGS84_43N 5346277 457914 0.33 0.35 ME-MS61L
R104010 WGS84_43N 5346280 457942 0.13 0.35 ME-MS61L
R104012 WGS84_43N 5346277 457871 0.25 0.21 ME-MS61L
R104013 WGS84_43N 5346261 457742 0.66 0.38 ME-MS61L
R104018 WGS84_43N 5346259 457844 0.47 1.41 ME-MS61L
R104019 WGS84_43N 5346236 457827 0.21 0.20 ME-MS61L
R12752 WGS84_43N 5346231 457768 0.14 0.20 ME-MS41L
R12753 WGS84_43N 5346239 457778 0.16 0.10 ME-MS41L
R12754 WGS84_43N 5346241 457790 1.44 0.89 ME-MS41L
R12755 WGS84_43N 5346249 457806 0.24 0.40 ME-MS41L
R12756 WGS84_43N 5346255 457870 0.26 2.86 ME-MS41L
R12757 WGS84_43N 5342897 459918 0.11 0.08 ME-MS41L
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 · Grab samples were taken at sites noted to contain quartz veins or
specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the veinlets
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 taken from in-situ outcrop
meaning of sampling.
· The sulphide content of samples was noted in the geological
· Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity descriptions
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.
· Easch sample was described, the location and coordinates noted and
· Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to entered into EST's database
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 with the guidance of the Exploration
· The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Manager and other Competent Persons
· All samples were described and photographed. Photographs are kept on
EST's secured file storage system
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 at
· Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the 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 laboratory · Some samples were analysed using the ME-MS61L method. This involves a
procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. four-acid digestion (HNO₃-HClO₄-HF-HCl) of a 0.25 g sample aliquot,
providing near-total dissolution of most geological materials, followed by
· For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, ICP-MS multi-element analysis. The method reports up to 50 elements with
the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and super-trace detection limits (including Ag, As, Cu, Pb, Zn and other
model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. pathfinder elements, gold analyses obtained using AU-ICP21). The accuracy and
precision for a wide range of ore and lithogeochemical concentrations is
· Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, appropriate for the geological exploration of epithermal deposits.
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of
accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. · Some samples were analysed using the ME-MS41L method. This utilises a
standard aqua regia digestion of a 0.5 g sample aliquot for partial
extraction, followed by ICP-MS multi-element analysis. The method provides
super-trace detection limits for a broad suite of elements (this method
includes Au and other pathfinder elements). It is well-suited for exploration
geochemistry, particularly in soils, sediments, and partial extractions
relevant to sulphide-associated mineralisation.
· Some samples were analysed for gold using the Au-ICP21 method. This
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.
· The difference in aqua regia and four acid digest methods did not
introduce any relevant bias in the results and both are deemed suitable for
surface geological mapping, but EST prefers the use of four acid digests for
total rock compositions.
· EST didn't include QA/QC samples for this exploration work.
Verification of sampling and assaying · The verification of significant intersections by either independent or · Not applicable to soil results.
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 and · Sample locations were surveyed using handheld GPS.
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. · Initial sampling took only samples of interest
· Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish · Additional work sampled on a 25m grid over the exposed veining. Only
the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral samples with veining or sulphides were taken within 3 m of the grid points
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.
· Whether sample compositing has been applied.
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 Snowy Target is located in the eastern part of exploration license
agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, 2506-EL (the "License"). The license was issued to Copperland Limited on 16
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, February 2024, then reissued on 10 November 2025 for initial period of 6 years
wilderness or national park and environmental settings. with a possibility of further five years extension subject to reduction of the
license area by 40%.
· The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with
any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. · East Star owns 100% owns of the license (2506-EL)
· 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 Snowy Target aside from 1:50,000 scale geology mapping over the
area.
Geology · Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation. · The deposit type being explored is low sulphidation epithermal Au-Ag.
· The area is underlain by volcaniclastics and andesites, typical of
epithermal deposit settings
Drill hole Information · A summary of all information material to the understanding of the · Not applicable
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
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 · Samples with grades below the 0.1g/t have not been reported with these
practical, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths results.
should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
Other substantive exploration data · Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported · Not applicable.
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 IP surveys over the mineralised
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). target
· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, · Target area is defined in figure 1 of the body text, highlighting the
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, location of the target shown in section in figure 4.
provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
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