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Central Asia Gold Mining Spotlight: Comprehensive Asset Analysis

I. General Overview

Category Details
Project Name AKSU Gold Mine (also known as Aqsu), including the Quartzite Hills deposit.
Location Akmola Region, Northern Kazakhstan. Approx. 18 km north of Stepnogorsk and 180 km southeast of Kokshetau. Coordinates: 52°27’3″ N, 71°57’45″ E.
Operator Aksu Technology LLP, a subsidiary of AK Altynalmas JSC.
Mining History One of Kazakhstan’s historic sites; operations began in 1929 (Aksu) and 1954 (Quartzite Hills).
Tenement Scope Comprises six mining sectors: Zapadnyi (West), Tsentralnyi (Central), Staratelskyi, Oktyabrskyi I, Oktyabrskyi II, and Budennovskyi.

II. Resources, Reserves & Grades

  • Primary Mining Areas: Current underground operations are centered on the Oktyabrskyi II sector. Concurrent exploration is underway at the West, Oktyabrskyi I, and Budennovskyi sectors.

  • Resource Estimation: Conducted by SRK Consulting in accordance with JORC standards, covering Quartzite Hills and adjacent Oktyabrskyi deposits. This includes the Kotenko Open Pit and the planned Kariernoye Pit.

  • Production Scale: Annual output is approximately 770 kg (~24,750 oz) of gold. Notably, in 2021, the mine produced 48,000 ounces.

III. Mining & Processing Facilities

1. Mining Methods

  • Underground Mining: Utilizes four operational shafts (including a dedicated ventilation shaft). Primary targets include the Quartzite Hills, Central, and Budennovskyi vein zones, and the Northern Oktyabrskyi ore bodies.

  • Open-Pit Mining: Commenced in November 2020 within the Aksu ore field, centered on the Kotenko Pit.

2. Gold Recovery Plant (GRP)

  • Commissioning: Officially entered commercial operation on August 25, 2021.

  • Throughput Capacity: 5 million tonnes of ore per annum (Mtpa), making it one of the largest and most advanced gold processing facilities in Kazakhstan.

  • Technical Highlights: Employs modern gold extraction technologies that significantly extend the Life of Mine (LOM) for the Aksu district.

  • Strategic Milestone: This represents the 5th gold plant built and launched by AK Altynalmas JSC in the past decade.

IV. Operations & Development Dynamics

  • Operational Performance:

    • 2021: Produced 48,000 ounces of gold following the full commissioning of the GRP.

    • Exploration: Aggressive drilling programs continue in the West, Oktyabrskyi I, and Budennovskyi sectors to identify new resource reserves.

  • Corporate Background:

    • AK Altynalmas JSC is a premier Kazakh gold producer, managing 9 gold mines across the Zhambyl, Karaganda, Abay, and Akmola regions.

    • The company aims to lead the Central Asian gold mining sector with a focus on sustainable development and environmental stewardship (ESG).


Post time: Feb-11-2026