For best results when printing this announcement, please click on link below:
https://newsfile.refinitiv.com/getnewsfile/v1/story?guid=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20251231:nRSe2769Na&default-theme=true
RNS Number : 2769N East Star Resources PLC 31 December 2025
31 December 2025
East Star Resources Plc
("East Star" or the "Company")
VMS Drilling Update
Results from Verkhuba Confirm Deep Mineralisation
East Star Resources Plc (LSE:EST), the Kazakhstan-focused gold and base metals
explorer, is pleased to provide an update on drilling activities which have
been completed at the Verkhuba Copper Deposit ("Verkhuba"). Drilling aimed to
test two important components of Verkhuba: deep resources defined by only
historical drilling and shallow areas outside of the 2024 resource model.
Highlights
· Deep intervals of Zn-Cu mineralisation intersected
· Shallow extension of mineralisation to the north
· Confirm area of study for 2026 in JV with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services
Limited ("Xinhai")
Alex Walker, East Star CEO, commented:
"This drill programme was designed to test large distances between drill holes
in the deeper part of the resource and a potential northern extension to the
shallower part of the resource in the southwest. We intersected mineralisation
at depth and an additional shallower ore lens, while also finding a
continuation of the shallow mineralisation to the north. These are important
results for the future study work at Verkhuba and have helped us to confirm
the area of study for 2026 with Xinhai, who are farming into the project.
These advances at Verkhuba will refine the deposit model and continue moving
it closer to development. Lenses and stringer veinlets of sulphides logged in
the core provide further evidence of massive sulphides at Verkhuba and we plan
to test this in 2026 along with drilling the shallower resources with Xinhai
to inform the feasibility study and mining licence application."
Deep Resource Confirmation
Three drill holes tested the deep resources (Figure 1). The holes intersected
significant intervals of deeper Zn-Pb and Cu mineralisation. The
mineralisation occurs within the major volcaniclastic unit as stringers and
lenses of sulphide mineralisation (Figure 2). The drill holes infilled the
drill spacing in the central deep ore body to ~120m (from ~200 - 250m
spacing). Notably, additional shallow mineralisation was noted in drill hole
VU_25_DD_009 at 75.5m. The drilling confirmed the thickness of the ore bodies
in the central part of the ore body with VU_25_DD_009 containing 17.90m @ 0.66
% Zn and 0.10 % Cu from 307m.
The drilling also provided additional geological and structural information on
the deposit. VU_25_DD_010 confirmed the presence of a fault cutting and
displacing the ore body (Figure 3), demonstrating the requirement for more
drilling into the parts of the resource with wider drill spacing.
Hole_ID From To Interval
VU_25_DD_009 75.5 76.5 1.00m @ 0.81 % Cu and 0.03 % Zn
VU_25_DD_009 293.7 294.8 1.10m @ 1.00 % Zn and 0.23 % Cu
VU_25_DD_009 297 299 2.00m @ 0.96 % Zn and 0.05 % Cu
VU_25_DD_009 307 324.9 17.90m @ 0.66 % Zn and 0.10 % Cu
VU_25_DD_009 329.1 333.5 4.40m @ 0.86 % Zn and 0.03 % Cu
VU_25_DD_011 74.5 76.5 2.00m @ 0.93 % Zn, 0.08 % Cu and 0.17 % Pb
VU_25_DD_012 31.1 32.5 1.40m @ 1.00 % Cu and 0.04 % Zn
VU_25_DD_012 110 112 2.00m @ 0.77 % Cu and 0.08 % Zn
Figure 1: Plan view showing the Position of the holes drilled at Verkhuba
during 2026
Figure 2: Lenses of disseminated sulphides in chlorite altered
volcaniclastics, including sphalerite at 315 m
Figure 3: Section A-A' Deep resource drill holes confirm mineralisation and
demonstrate faulting not accounted for in historical sections (image shows
EST's interpretation, alternative geological explanations may apply)
Shallow Mineralisation
In addition to testing the deeper resources, East Star drilled four holes into
the shallower resources. While disseminated sulphides were noted in these
holes, only VU_25_DD_011 had significant mineralisation at 74.50 m containing
2.00m @ 0.93 % Zn, 0.08 % Cu and 0.17 % Pb. Additional geological information
from drilling is required to understand the controls on the distribution of
mineralisation in these shallow intervals.
Study Areas for 2026
The drilling completed in 2025 tested the possibility of extending the shallow
resources and the continuity of the deeper resources. Drilling in 2026 will be
part of the Joint Venture with Xinhai and will focus on the shallower
resources. Additionally, East Star is planning a ground EM survey to test the
potential for massive sulphides that have not yet been discovered.
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 / Peter Jacob
Tel: +44 (0)20 7390 0234
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)
Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-star-resources/
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-star-resources/)
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EastStar_PLC
(https://twitter.com/EastStar_PLC)
Subscribe to our email alert service to be notified whenever East Star
releases news:
www.eaststarplc.com/newsalerts (http://www.eaststarplc.com/newsalerts)
The person who arranged for the release of this announcement was Alex Walker,
CEO of the Company.
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.
Competent Person Statement
Scientific or technical information in this disclosure related to exploration
was reviewed by Dr Tremain Woods, a full-time employee of Discovery Ventures
Kazakhstan Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of East Star Resources PLC. Dr Woods
is a member in good standing with the Geological Society of South Africa. He
has sufficient experience that is relevant to the commodity, style of
mineralisation or type of deposit under consideration and activity which he is
undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person under the JORC code (2012
Edition).
Table 1 Drill Results
Table 1a Drill Collars
Hole_ID Max Depth NAT_East NAT_North NAT_RL Azimuth Dip NAT_Grid_ID
VU_25_DD_009 356.5 603937 5591646 559 280 -80 WGS84_44N
VU_25_DD_010 295.3 604098 5591580 505 300 -75 WGS84_44N
VU_25_DD_011 149.7 603401 5591556 454 0 -90 WGS84_44N
VU_25_DD_012 295.1 604247 5591771 498 280 -75 WGS84_44N
VU_25_DD_013 197.5 603541 5591520 488 280 -80 WGS84_44N
VU_25_DD_014 152.5 603651 5591730 556 280 -80 WGS84_44N
VU_25_DD_015 150.6 603584 5591612 556 280 -80 WGS84_44N
Table 1b Significant Intercepts
Hole_ID Depth From Depth To Intercept Description
VU_25_DD_009 75.5 76.5 1.00m @ 0.81 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb; 0.03 % Zn
VU_25_DD_009 166.2 167.2 1.00m @ 0.35 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb; 0.01 % Zn
VU_25_DD_009 320 322 2.00m @ 0.53 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb; 0.57 % Zn
VU_25_DD_012 31.1 32.5 1.40m @ 1.00 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb; 0.04 % Zn
VU_25_DD_012 110 112 2.00m @ 0.77 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb; 0.08 % Zn
VU_25_DD_012 170 172 2.00m @ 0.38 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb; 0.02 % Zn
VU_25_DD_012 236 240 4.00m @ 0.24 % Cu; 0.01 % Pb; 0.76 % Zn
VU_25_DD_012 251 252 1.00m @ 0.32 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb; 0.01 % Zn
VU_25_DD_009 293.7 294.8 1.10m @ 1.00 % Zn; 0.23 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb
VU_25_DD_009 297 299 2.00m @ 0.96 % Zn; 0.05 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb
VU_25_DD_009 307 324.9 17.90m @ 0.66 % Zn; 0.10 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb
VU_25_DD_009 329.1 333.5 4.40m @ 0.86 % Zn; 0.03 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb
VU_25_DD_010 219 221 2.00m @ 0.51 % Zn; 0.02 % Cu; 0.34 % Pb
VU_25_DD_011 65 66.5 1.50m @ 0.60 % Zn; 0.18 % Cu; 0.06 % Pb
VU_25_DD_011 74.5 76.5 2.00m @ 0.93 % Zn; 0.08 % Cu; 0.17 % Pb
VU_25_DD_012 233 247 14.00m @ 0.60 % Zn; 0.08 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb
VU_25_DD_012 250 251 1.00m @ 0.76 % Zn; 0.02 % Cu; 0.00 % Pb
VU_25_DD_010 219 221 2.00m @ 0.34 % Pb; 0.02 % Cu; 0.51 % Zn
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 · Samples were taken from half drill core through sulphide or oxide
specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the mineralised intervals.
minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF
instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad · Sampling was conducted through mineralized intervals, with
meaning of sampling. samples taken 2 meters into the hanging wall and footwall for intervals larger
than 3 meters. For smaller intervals (<2 meters), only the mineralized
· Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity portion is sampled.
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.
· Sample quality is ensured by a structured scheme, including
· Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to blanks, certified reference materials (CRM), and duplicates.
the Public Report.
· Banks are inserted at the beginning and end of large, mineralized
· In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be intervals, but not for smaller isolated intervals.
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 · CRMs are inserted at every 50th and 100th sample to monitor
assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there consistency.
is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or
mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of · Coarse duplicates are taken every 40th and 80th sample, focused
detailed information. on mineralized portions, and 5% of mineralized pulps are sent for external lab
analysis.
· A total of 1407.60 meters of core were sampled (of a total of
1597.20 m drilled), with 733 core samples collected, including 48 blanks, 20
CRMs, and 27 duplicate samples.
· Core samples were prepared by ALS Kazgeochemistry LLP, using
standard methods like crushing, sieving (<70% passing 2mm), and milling
(>85% passing 75μm).
· Samples are analysed using the ME-ICP41 method for routine
analysis, and for over-limit ore samples, the ME-OG62 method is used.
Drilling techniques · Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary · Drilling was conducted using stand HQ sized diamond drilling
air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple technique.
or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type,
whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). · Positive Group Kazakhstan undertook drilling.
· Drill core was orientated using a REFLEX Act III orientation tool.
All holes that weren't drilled vertically were orientated once solid core was
intersected.
· After drilling was completed, all holes were survey at 50 m intervals
using the REFLEX EZ TRAC survey tool
Drill sample recovery · Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and · Core recovery was measured by East Star geologists, an average of 96
results assessed. % recovery was recorded for the three completed drill holes.
· Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative · Through the mineralized intervals, core recovery was 97% and greater.
nature of the samples.
· There is no relationship between Cu, Pb or Zn grades and recovery.
· Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and
whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of · There does not appear to have been any bias due to sample material
fine/coarse material. loss/grain
Logging · Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and · East Star geologists undertook core logging.
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral
Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. · Quantitative data for mineralization, lithology, structure,
alteration, oxidation, and weathering was logged.
· Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or
costean, channel, etc) photography. · All recovered core was logged and photographed before and after
sampling
· 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 · Half core samples were collected for processing, the remaining half
taken. core is securely stored at East Star's core storage facilities in Verkhuba
Village
· If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and
whether sampled wet or dry. · Samples were crushed into chips; the chips were passed through a
riffle splitter several times to obtain 500 g samples for milling. Crushed
· For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of the sample duplicates were analysed to confirm homogeneity of crushed samples.
sample preparation technique.
· Blank granite material was also inserted into the sample stream to
· Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to ensure no contamination occurs during crushing or milling.
maximise representivity of samples.
· ALS laboratories weigh samples before and after sieving, to ensure
· Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the that the thresholds for size fractions are met for each sample.
in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
· Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the
material being sampled.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests · The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and · Aqua regia is a partial digest method well suited to base metal
laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or analyses, the method at ALS is internationally recognized and provides precise
total. and accurate analyses.
· For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, · Standard assay quality controls are used by the laboratory and East
the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and Star inserted QA/QC samples to evaluate and confirm the assay results. All
model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. QA/QC samples reported within limits.
· Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks,
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of
accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.
Verification of sampling and assaying · The verification of significant intersections by either independent · Significant intersections were confirmed visually by East Star's
or alternative company personnel. exploration manager, no independent verification has been completed to date.
· The use of twinned holes. · Logged data was inspected by East Star's exploration manager, any
changes to the logged data were made before data was sent to Rock Solid based
· Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data in Perth, Australia to be added to the maintained SQL database
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 · Drill holes were surveyed using Garmin GPSMAP 62S handheld GPS
and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in device. DGPS surveys are planned once all drilling is completed.
Mineral Resource estimation.
· Grid system WGS83, UTM44N
· Specification of the grid system used.
· Some errors were noted in the elevation readings (from 5 - 14 m
· Quality and adequacy of topographic control. errors), these were adjusted to the elevation values of the LIDAR topography
survey at the coordinates of the drill hole.
· A drone LIDAR survey was conducted in 2023. The survey conducted by
Aurora Geophysics used a drone mounted LIDAR sensor (DJI Zenmuse L1 Lidar on a
DJI Matrice 300 RTK Combo D-RTK 2 drone) with a base station (Trimble R12 and
Trimble TDL 450 radio modem). Flight lines were 90 m apart, and the resolution
produced was 3.44 cm/pixel. The processed digital terrane model was checked
against control points.
Data spacing and distribution · Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. · Historical drilling was drilled along NW-SE trending lines, the lines
were spaced between 200-300m apart and drill holes were spaced between 100 and
· Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish 250 m apart.
the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. · Current drilling aims to infill the spacing to ~120m.
· Whether sample compositing has been applied. · The current drill holes have reduced the spacing within the Ultimate
Open Pit generated by AMC in April 2024 to ~100m.
· Geological distribution is sufficient for inferred resources
throughout the ultimate pit shell (from April 2024). Some parts have
sufficient spacing to be classified as indicated resources.
· Significant intercepts are reported for results from 2024 drilling
using the following parameters:
Parameter Report 1 Report 2 Report 3
Element Cu Zn Pb
Min Cut-off Grade % 01% 0.1% 0.1%
Max Cut-off Grade % n/a n/a n/a
Min Intercept Length (metres) n/a 2m n/a
Maximum Consecutive Internal Waste (m) 2m 2m 2m
Minimum Intercept Grade % n/a All (no filter) All (no filter)
Co-elements in report Pb, Zn Pb, Zn Cu, Zn
·
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure · Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of · Sampling is taken for all intervals with sulphide mineralization.
possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the
deposit type. · Sampling adhered to lithological boundaries and additionally the
hanging wall and footwall was sampled.
· If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the
orientation of key mineralized structures is considered to have introduced a · The ore body generally dips 30 to 40 to the SW. In some parts of the
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. deposit the ore body dips steeper 80. These steeper areas of mineralization
are interpreted to be the result of post mineralization deformation.
· The ore body is cut by steep NE faults, these normal faults are
interpreted to throw the lower ore body 20-40 m
Sample security · The measures taken to ensure sample security. · After samples are cut and bagged, they are sealed with zip ties.
Samples were taken by East Star's senior geologist to ALS Oskemen.
· The samples remained sealed until handed over to the laboratory.
· Samples in the laboratory follow ALS standard procedures to ensure
sample security.
Audits or reviews · The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. · No audits were undertaken for this phase of sampling.
· The sample methodology was checked and confirmed by the Competent
Person for the AMC MRE (April 2024)
·
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure
· Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of
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.
· Sampling is taken for all intervals with sulphide mineralization.
· Sampling adhered to lithological boundaries and additionally the
hanging wall and footwall was sampled.
· The ore body generally dips 30 to 40 to the SW. In some parts of the
deposit the ore body dips steeper 80. These steeper areas of mineralization
are interpreted to be the result of post mineralization deformation.
· The ore body is cut by steep NE faults, these normal faults are
interpreted to throw the lower ore body 20-40 m
Sample security
· The measures taken to ensure sample security.
· After samples are cut and bagged, they are sealed with zip ties.
Samples were taken by East Star's senior geologist to ALS Oskemen.
· The samples remained sealed until handed over to the laboratory.
· Samples in the laboratory follow ALS standard procedures to ensure
sample security.
Audits or reviews
· The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.
· No audits were undertaken for this phase of sampling.
· The sample methodology was checked and confirmed by the Competent
Person for the AMC MRE (April 2024)
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 Verkhuba polymetallic deposit is located in the eastern part of
agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, exploration license 1795-EL (the "License"). The license was issued to
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited (the "DVK") on 27 July 2022 for initial
wilderness or national park and environmental settings. period of 6 years 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 resources have servitude for exploration from the local
Akim (administrative head), 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. · Table of previously completed exploration
Principal author, year Period Exploration Results
Yakovlev et al., 1950 1948-1950 Geological mapping Geological map 1:10,000
Krysova et al., 1954 1953-1954 Geological mapping Geological map 1:10,000
Yusupov et al., 1956 1956 Geological traverses, core drilling Potential of oxidation zone
Anoshin et al., 1972 1971-1972 Geological, geochemical survey, shallow prospecting shafts and drilling, Follow-up targets, discovery of new mineralized zones at depth
ground IP, EM, magnetics, core drilling
Rodionov, Gorelova, 1976 1974-1976 Geological traverses, deep drilling Follow-up targets, prognostic resources
Avdonin et al., 1977 1974-1977 Mapping of Devonian volcanic centres Follow-up targets, maps of distal and proximal volcanic facies
Nazarov, San'kov, 1986 1982-1986 Geological mapping at scale 1:50,000, ground IP, EM, magnetics, diamond Prognostic resources
drilling on the anomalies
Radchenko et al., 1987 1985-1987 Grid drilling 800-400 x 400-200 m, geochemical sampling, ground IP, EM, Follow-up targets, tracing of mineralization
magnetics
Grigorovich et al., 1990 1986-1988 Infill diamond drilling 200 x 400, 100 x 200, 75 x 100-180 m, underground Completion of drilling database of the Verkhuba deposit for follow-up MRE
development (an adit and drives) totalling 3001 m, metallurgical testing
Ermolaev et al., 1990 1990 Technical economic consideration of Verkhuba deposit Mineral resource estimate in P(1)-C(2) categories (GKZ)
ESR 2023 Exploration Target estimate Exploration Target estimate report (JORC)
ESR 2024 Drilling of six verification and in-fill holes, topography survey, development MRE report
of lithological model
Geology · Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation. · Verkhuba is Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposit. Historical
reports indicate that the type is felsic bimodal (or Kuroko-type).
· The mineralization is lenticular massive and disseminated sulphides
hosted in volcaniclastic units sub horizontal units.
· Mineralisation occurs as a copper rich unit at shallower depths
(<150 m) and a zinc-copper unit deeper (~200m)
· The area has seen post depositional deformation in the form of
folding and faulting
Drill hole Information · A summary of all information material to the understanding of the · Drill hole information: see table 1a
exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for
all Material drill holes: · Significant intercepts: see table 1b
o easting and northing of the drill hole collar · No material information has been excluded from this report
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, · Samples were composited by ALS Geochemistry by combining split
maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and samples of individual meter samples into a single composite sample,
cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. homogenised and then an aliquot was taken for sample analysis.
· Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade · No metal equivalents are reported.
results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations · Results for 32 elements received, but only Cu, Pb Zn is reported.
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 · The ore bodies are generally concordant to lithology (perpendicular
Exploration Results. to core axis). At some depths mineralization occurs as steeply dipping veins
and veinlets with limited extent (low angles to core axis).
· If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole
angle is known, its nature should be reported. · Drill holes were planned at 65 - 70° towards the north to intercept
mineralisation at perpendicular angles. Mineralisation is typically
· If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there sub-horizontal in core indicating that the true thickness is ~90% of the
should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width thickness of intervals in core. Therefore, one can assume that intervals
not known'). thickness are as drilled.
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 · Grades below the cut off parameters have not been reported with these
practical, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths results. However, the mineralization has been noted within East Star's models
should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. and will inform future estimates
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 · Further drilling is planned in 2026, however the amount and locations
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). have not been determined yet
· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, · A ground EM survey over the Verkhuba Deposit is planned
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,
provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
Geology
· Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation.
· Verkhuba is Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposit. Historical
reports indicate that the type is felsic bimodal (or Kuroko-type).
· The mineralization is lenticular massive and disseminated sulphides
hosted in volcaniclastic units sub horizontal units.
· Mineralisation occurs as a copper rich unit at shallower depths
(<150 m) and a zinc-copper unit deeper (~200m)
· The area has seen post depositional deformation in the form of
folding and faulting
Drill hole Information
· A summary of all information material to the understanding of the
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.
· Drill hole information: see table 1a
· Significant intercepts: see table 1b
· No material information has been excluded from this report
Data aggregation methods
· In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques,
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.
· Samples were composited by ALS Geochemistry by combining split
samples of individual meter samples into a single composite sample,
homogenised and then an aliquot was taken for sample analysis.
· No metal equivalents are reported.
· Results for 32 elements received, but only Cu, Pb Zn is reported.
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths
· These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of
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').
· The ore bodies are generally concordant to lithology (perpendicular
to core axis). At some depths mineralization occurs as steeply dipping veins
and veinlets with limited extent (low angles to core axis).
· Drill holes were planned at 65 - 70° towards the north to intercept
mineralisation at perpendicular angles. Mineralisation is typically
sub-horizontal in core indicating that the true thickness is ~90% of the
thickness of intervals in core. Therefore, one can assume that intervals
thickness are as drilled.
Diagrams
· Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of
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.
· Relevant diagrams have been included in the body text
Balanced reporting
· Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not
practical, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths
should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
· Grades below the cut off parameters have not been reported with these
results. However, the mineralization has been noted within East Star's models
and will inform future estimates
Other substantive exploration data
· Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be
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.
· Not applicable
Further work
· The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,
provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
· Further drilling is planned in 2026, however the amount and locations
have not been determined yet
· A ground EM survey over the Verkhuba Deposit is planned
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact
rns@lseg.com (mailto:rns@lseg.com)
or visit
www.rns.com (http://www.rns.com/)
.
RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our
Privacy Policy (https://www.lseg.com/privacy-and-cookie-policy)
. END DRLWPGWAPUPAUQG
Copyright 2019 Regulatory News Service, all rights reserved