Aim-listed gold, copper and silver producer Anglo Asian Mining has appointed Worley Europe as its contractor to complete the Xarxar and Garadag feasibility studies, in Azerbaijan.

The feasibility studies will assess the options for copper heap leach processing and solvent extraction and electrowinning for the projects.

This process produces marketable copper metal directly at the mine site, instead of copper concentrate which has to be exported to produce copper metal through smelting and refining.

If successful, it will mark the first time that copper will be produced as copper metal by Anglo Asian or, in fact, in Azerbaijan.

The Xarxar feasibility study is expected to be completed by mid-2027, while the Garadag feasibility study is anticipated during the first half of 2028.

Meanwhile, Anglo Asian is planning a 90 000 m core drill programme for 2026 and 2027. This will comprise both new exploration drilling of about 55 000 m and drilling for the feasibility studies of about 35 000 m.

Core drilling has already started at Xarxar with two drill rigs in operation. It is expected that drilling will start at Garadag in the third quarter.

Exploration will focus on extensions at Xarxar and Garadag and the surrounding areas, follow-up drilling in the Gedabek contract area and extensions to the Demirli mine and Demirli South target areas. Underground drilling has also started at Gilar, to target the upper levels and for extensions of the deeper levels of the deposit. 

Anglo Asian VP Stephen Westhead says Worley Europe was appointed contractor for the feasibility studies on the two projects following a rigorous selection process.

Combined, the projects host more than one-million tonnes of copper metal and are critical to the company's growth strategy.

“These studies, combined with the associated drilling programme, will enable us to construct the mines," Westhead confirms. 

The company's licence areas still have significant potential for mineral discoveries.

|We are continuing our exploration programme which has historically been very successful. The future roadmap for our transition to become a midtier multi-asset, copper and gold producer is clear, and these initiatives will ensure the continued growth of the company as we continue to deliver shareholder value," Westhead states.

Worley Europe Limited is part of Worley, a global company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia. It partners with customers to deliver projects and create value across the life of their assets.