Cove Kaz Capital Group LLC will begin site preparation in July at the Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty tungsten deposits in Kazakhstan to support the Definitive Feasibility Study. The work includes land surveying, road establishment, drill pad preparation, and site office setup, marking the first major commercial activity at the location since Soviet-era exploration. This follows the company's April 2026 acquisition of a 70% controlling interest in Severniy Katpar LLP through its joint venture with Kazakhstan's Tau-Ken Samruk. The initiative represents a pivotal step in advancing one of the world's largest untapped tungsten resources toward production, with the company emphasizing collaboration with local partners to ensure regulatory compliance and responsible development practices.
Northern Katpar Site Preparation Activities Launch in July
Site preparation activities commence in July at the open pit mine location of Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty, collectively known as Severniy Katpar. The work includes initial land survey, site road establishment, initial drill pad preparation, and opening of a site office to support the commencement of the Definitive Feasibility Study. These activities will support drilling and engineering teams as the company proceeds with final engineering studies to develop the tungsten project. Core drilling samples are scheduled for August, with existing access roads to be upgraded. Perimeter fencing and weather monitoring stations will also be installed, with heavy industrial equipment supporting drilling site preparation. Road activity will increase between July and November. The presence of heavy industrial equipment underscores the scale of preparation required for the DFS, which will inform critical decisions about mine design, extraction methods, and infrastructure needs. This phase follows extensive preliminary assessments and positions the project for accelerated development once feasibility is confirmed.
Severniy Katpar LLP Holds World's Largest Undeveloped Tungsten Resource
Severniy Katpar LLP owns the largest known undeveloped tungsten resource globally, with April 2023 feasibility studies reporting total JORC-compliant mineral resources containing 1.4 million tonnes of tungsten trioxide (WO3). The project anticipates production of approximately 5,000 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) at Northern Katpar and 7,000 mtpa from Upper Kairakty, totaling 12,000 mtpa, which represents approximately 15% of current global tungsten mine production. The project is advancing through feasibility, permitting, and development toward commercial production, guided by Kazakhstan's regulatory framework and international standards for environmental protection, health and safety, and responsible mining practices. The resource's scale positions it as a cornerstone asset for critical mineral supply chains, particularly given tungsten's essential role in high-strength alloys, electronics, and defense applications. Development is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Kazakhstan, including infrastructure upgrades, job creation, and integration into global critical minerals value chains, while supporting U.S. and international demand for secure tungsten supplies.
Adil Amerkhanov Joins as Kazakhstan CFO Ahead of Business Combination
Adil Amerkhanov has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Kazakhstan Operations, bringing more than 20 years of professional experience in finance, reporting, and transformation across mining, metals, oil and gas, energy and infrastructure. Amerkhanov previously spent over two decades with PwC, including international assignments and leadership of complex finance, accounting and capital markets readiness engagements across Eurasia. His appointment signals strategic focus on financial governance and regulatory alignment as the company prepares for its business combination with Skyline Builders Group Holding Limited. On April 30, 2026, Cove Kaz Capital Group LLC and Skyline Builders Group Holding Limited (Nasdaq: KAZR) announced entry-into a Transaction Agreement to effect a business combination. Upon completion, the combined company plans to operate under the name "Kaz Resources Inc." and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "KAZR." Amerkhanov emphasized his commitment to supporting the project's development milestones, leveraging his background in natural resources and industrial finance to navigate the complexities of international mining operations and public market readiness.
Key Takeaways
- Site preparation begins in July at Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty tungsten deposits to support the Definitive Feasibility Study, including land surveying, road establishment, and drill pad preparation
- Severniy Katpar LLP holds the world's largest undeveloped tungsten resource with 1.4 million tonnes of tungsten trioxide and anticipated production of 12,000 mtpa representing 15% of global tungsten mine production
- Adil Amerkhanov joins as CFO of Kazakhstan Operations with 20+ years experience in mining and energy finance, as the company advances toward a business combination with Skyline Builders Group to form Kaz Resources Inc.
EnergyInsyte's Take
This development represents a tangible step forward for critical minerals supply chain diversification, with the Northern Katpar project positioned to become a significant tungsten producer supporting industrial and high-technology applications. The appointment of local financial leadership and planned Nasdaq listing signal commitment to transparent capital deployment and regulatory compliance, though execution risks remain around permitting timelines and infrastructure development in remote Kazakhstan locations. Energy sector participants should monitor the DFS completion timeline and the business combination's progress toward establishing Kaz Resources Inc. as a publicly traded vehicle for critical mineral investment.
Source: Businesswire