Anglo Asian Mining Plc, the AIM-listed gold and copper producer operating in Azerbaijan, has appointed Worley Europe Limited to conduct feasibility studies on its Xarxar and Garadag copper deposits, moving the company closer to development of two significant assets that together host over one million tonnes of copper metal.
Worley, a global resources engineering firm headquartered in Australia, will assess processing options for both deposits, focusing on heap leach and solvent extraction-electrowinning technology.
This approach would produce marketable copper metal directly on-site, rather than lower-grade concentrate for export and smelting, a first for both the company and Azerbaijan.
The feasibility study for Xarxar is targeted for mid-2027, with Garadag following in the first half of 2028. Anglo Asian is currently finalising its contract with Worley and has already begun core drilling at Xarxar with two rigs operating, with drilling at Garadag expected to commence in the third quarter of 2026.
The company has launched a 90,000 metre drilling programme spanning 2026 and 2027 to support the feasibility work and exploration.
The programme splits into approximately 55,000 metres of exploration drilling targeting extensions at existing deposits and new discoveries across the company’s licence areas, and 35,000 metres of infill and geotechnical drilling directly supporting the feasibility studies.
Exploration drilling will focus on extensions at Xarxar and Garadag, follow-up work in the Gedabek contract area, and targets at Demirli and Demirli South. Underground drilling at Gilar will target upper and deeper levels of that deposit.
Stephen Westhead, vice president of Anglo Asian Mining, said the Worley appointment followed a rigorous selection process and signalled the company’s commitment to its growth strategy.
The feasibility studies and associated drilling would enable the company to construct the mines, he added, positioning Anglo Asian for transition towards a mid-tier multi-asset producer focused on copper and gold.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in de-risking the company’s development pipeline. With two substantial copper deposits entering the feasibility phase and an aggressive exploration programme running in parallel, Anglo Asian is moving from purely production-focused operations towards a growth-stage company with multiple development options.
The company’s licence areas still contain unexplored prospective ground, providing potential for additional discoveries to support the mid-tier producer ambition.
