Central Asia Metals increased zinc and lead output at its Sasa mine in North Macedonia during the third quarter of 2026, while advancing exploration and acquisition plans aimed at expanding its copper exposure across Kazakhstan, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Sasa produced 4,968 tonnes of contained zinc and 7,255 tonnes of contained lead during the quarter, representing year-on-year increases of approximately 18% and 21%, respectively. Higher ore grades and improved throughput contributed to the stronger performance. For the first nine months of 2026, the mine delivered 14,062 tonnes of zinc and 20,568 tonnes of lead, keeping production on track to meet the company’s full-year guidance. The operating gains support cash generation from Central Asia Metals’ established zinc-lead operation as the company develops a broader portfolio of copper exploration and development assets.
Kazakhstan Drilling Tests Copper Mineralisation
At the Yuzhnoe target in Kazakhstan, drilling intersected 311 metres grading 0.22% copper, including a higher-grade interval of 13 metres at 0.52% copper.
Central Asia Metals plans approximately 3,600 metres of additional drilling to investigate the extent and continuity of the mineralisation. The programme is intended to provide further information on the target’s scale and copper potential. The Kazakhstan work forms part of the company’s wider efforts to increase its exposure to copper alongside its existing operations and other exploration interests.
Canadian Copper-Gold Acquisition
A key component of the expansion strategy is the planned acquisition of Cygnus Metals, which owns the Chibougamau copper-gold project in Canada. The transaction is expected to close and could add a high-grade development asset to Central Asia Metals’ portfolio. Completion would broaden the company’s geographic exposure and add another project to its copper growth pipeline. Integration of the Cygnus business will be an important step in implementing the expanded portfolio strategy.
Aberdeen Minerals Stake Supports Scottish Exploration
Central Asia Metals has also increased its interest in Aberdeen Minerals to approximately 38.9%. The investment is helping finance a planned programme comprising at least 2,600 metres of exploration drilling in Scotland. Together, the Yuzhnoe drilling campaign, the proposed Chibougamau acquisition and the Aberdeen Minerals investment provide the company with copper-related exposure across Kazakhstan, Canada and the UK.
Sasa Cash Flow Underpins Expansion
Despite the growing copper pipeline, Sasa remains central to Central Asia Metals’ operating and financial position. The North Macedonian mine’s stronger production performance supports cash generation that can be directed towards exploration and corporate expansion, reducing reliance on additional equity financing. The company’s latest operating figures combine higher zinc and lead output with ongoing investment in copper exploration and a planned acquisition. The next major corporate milestone is completion and integration of the Cygnus transaction, alongside further exploration work across its enlarged portfolio.
