A Canadian investor has concluded field studies on prospective sites near Ekibastuz and plans to begin exploration drilling in early 2025, reports Kursiv.
Arras Minerals, which has been exploring copper and gold deposits in Kazakhstan for several years, is focusing on areas in the Pavlodar region. In 2023, the company surveyed blocks spanning 1,700 km², collecting 35,000 samples. These exploration efforts are concentrated near existing Arras Minerals projects, including Beskauga, Tau, and Elemess.
The primary site, covering 1,300 km², lies adjacent to the Bozshakol copper mine operated by KAZ Minerals, located 56 km northwest of Ekibastuz. A secondary site, situated 90 km southeast of the city, has been divided into the Norgubekand Akkuduk projects.
Arras Minerals plans to continue drilling operations in 2025. The company holds the third-largest license portfolio for copper and gold exploration in Kazakhstan, following major international players Rio Tinto and Fortescue.
Meanwhile, another major project in the Pavlodar region is underway. By the end of 2026, Fonet Er-Tai Mining aims to launch a hydrometallurgical plant capable of producing up to 5,000 tons of cathode copper annually, further boosting the region’s metallurgical industry.
