The UK-based Anglo Asian Mining (AAM) has engaged Worley Europe Limited to prepare feasibility studies for the development of the Kharghar and Garadagh copper deposits in Azerbaijan.
The company is currently finalizing a contract with Worley Europe Limited to conduct the relevant studies.
The feasibility study will explore options for copper processing using heap leaching and solvent extraction followed by electrowinning (SX-EW) at the Kharghar and Garadagh deposits. This technology allows for the production of commercial copper directly at the mine, rather than producing copper concentrate for subsequent processing abroad.
“This is the first time that Azerbaijan is considering producing copper as a finished metal product,” the statement reads.
According to AAM’s plans, the feasibility study for the Kharghar deposit will be completed in mid-2027, and for the Garadagh deposit in the first half of 2028.
In parallel, AAM intends to implement a drilling program totaling 90,000 meters in 2026-2027, including approximately 55,000 meters of exploration drilling and 35,000 meters of drilling as part of the feasibility study. Drilling operations at the Kharghar deposit have already begun, and at the Garadagh deposit, drilling will begin in the third quarter of 2026.
“Exploration work will focus on the continuation of the deposits at Kharghar and Garadagh and adjacent areas, follow-up drilling in the Gadabay contract area, and the continuation of the target areas of the Demirli and Demirli South mines. Underground drilling has also begun at the Gilar deposit to explore the upper levels and continue the deeper strata of the deposit,” the statement said.
Drilling as part of the feasibility study includes geological exploration drilling to update the mineral resource estimate, as well as geotechnical, hydrogeological, metallurgical, and control drilling at the Kharghar (approximately 10,000 meters) and Garadagh (approximately 25,000 meters) sites.
“Following a rigorous selection process, we are pleased to appoint Worley Europe Limited as our contractor for the feasibility study for the Kharkhar and Garadagh deposits, which contain over 1 million tons of copper and are critical to our growth strategy. These studies, combined with the associated drilling program, will enable us to commence mine construction,” said Stephen Westhead, Vice President of Anglo Asian Mining.
Worley Europe Limited is part of Worley, a global energy, chemical, and resources company headquartered in Australia. (Report)