All the evidence starts to make sense when coupled with the country’s geological backdrop. It sits within the massive Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) that spans as far as the Urals in the west to Mongolia in the east and is home to several multi-million-tonne copper porphyry deposits.

The company says its aeromagnetic surveys have revealed six other promising features, such as the Aurtas prospect where malachite was discovered in historical test pits and the Aminbay prospect where ancient artisanal mining was noted.

Exploration is now set to continue at the prospects, with a big push to finish soil sampling before the winter season sets in. That data, in conjunction with information from the recently-flown aeromagnetic survey, will then give Sarytogan the opportunity to refine drill targets ready for next season.

The company’s primary focus remains on its nearby graphite project and the push to bring the massive 229 million-tonne, 28.9 per cent total graphitic carbon (TGC) deposit into production.

However, during its time in Kazakhstan, Sarytogan has also spent considerable time and effort building a team with local expertise in geological and regulatory matters in that country, which has led ultimately to the decision to explore for the significant potential of untapped copper porphyry mineralisation in addition to graphite.

As part of its plan to build a portfolio of two to four copper exploration projects, management has also just locked in a second exploration license focused on copper, with more details to come once the official approval is in.

With its graphite project now starting to attract global attention and funding, Sarytogan has taken the opportunity to leverage off its newfound status and play to its twin strengths of good local savvy and government relations to pick up new copper leases that will give the company a second string to its bow.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au