A LEADER IN NEXT-GENERATION METALLURGY
PROCESSING ORES
Mining is a vital industry in Central Asia and significantly contributes to its economy, with Kazakhstan dominating this thriving sector due to its abundant fossil fuel reserves and vast deposits of minerals and metals.
Against this backdrop, Caravan Resources Group (Caravan Resources), which was founded in 2015 and
is based in the region, aims to revolutionise mining by focusing on complex ore bodies often overlooked by traditional operators in copper.
“What began as a modest and determined endeavour has grown into a vertically integrated enterprise,” introduces Kairat Satylganov, Chairman of the Board.
“We deliberately chose a narrow specialisation,
ORES
Caravan Resources Group is redefining the mining landscape in Central Asia, positioning Kazakhstan as a leader in next-generation metallurgy and mining whilst addressing the challenges of dwindling mineral resources. Kairat Satylganov, Chairman of the Board, and CEO, Rustam Dussipov, shares insights into the company’s unique approach
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton
rather than concentrating on widely-spread traditional production, and we prioritise achieving excellence which distinguishes our approach to business,” he continues.
Caravan Resources employs over 3,000 geology, mine and metallurgy, chemical engineering, and manufacturing professionals and its main production facilities are at the Almaly and Ashyktas deposits in Central Kazakhstan,
where it tests the innovative heap leaching procedure for base metals and gold/silver.
Caravan Resources focuses on processing poor-quality feedstock with a copper grade below 0.3 percent and gold grade of around one gram per tonne (g/t), a method rare in Central Asia that is used by only a few companies globally. Kazakhstan’s ore resources are depleting, and the quality
of remaining deposits is declining, necessitating the adoption of efficient technologies for low-grade minerals.
Recent projects have focused on low-metal-content ores with substantial reserves, but many are either already developed or unsuitable for traditional mining methods.
Caravan Resources’ expertise in processing poor and complex ores helps utilise previously wasted resources represented by tailings and dumps, and creates new opportunities for industry growth, including in international markets.
“As the feedstock base has decreased, processing accumulated technogenic formations is becoming a more viable alternative to conventional mining. Our expertise
gives us a competitive edge, allowing us to utilise previously wasted resources without affecting people or the environment.
“For Caravan Resources, Kazakhstan is not just a mining hub – it represents a frontier for next-generation metallurgy, and the work we are doing here is attracting worldwide attention,” impassions Rustam Dussipov, CEO.
EQUIPPED WITH INNOVATION
Caravan Resources applies newgeneration leaching technologies adapted to processing low-grade ores and anthropogenic feedstock, including previously difficult-toprocess sulphide minerals.
“Our experience and continuous
development allow us to effectively engage feedstock with copper content of 0.2 to 0.3 percent into processing, achieving recoveries between 75 and 80 percent, comparable to costly plant flotation schemes,” Dussipov outlines.
This technology utilises an industrially proven chlorine-sulfuric acid leaching method, optimised for primary and secondary sulphides and exhausted feedstock.
It features low capital and operating costs, high climate resilience, and a strong tolerance for harmful impurities like arsenic.
“Unlike traditional mill-based methods, the technology produces high-purity copper cathode directly at the mine site without the concentrate
stage and associated logistics and processing costs. Simultaneously, water and electricity consumption remain significantly lower, and construction of the facilities takes no more than two to three years,” Dussipov explains.
The technology is scalable and easily integrated into new projects, including flotation tailings and other waste processing.
It has proven efficient for various copper sulphide minerals – oxidised (malachite and azurite), secondary (chalcocite and covellite), and primary (bornite, enargite, and chalcopyrite) – the latter with recovery rates of up to 75 percent.
“In parallel, we are actively developing technologies for gold containing feedstock, including the leaching of gold from poor and hardto-recover ores using state-of-the-art equipment and innovative reagent combinations,” Dussipov tells us.
“Thus, the industrial reliability, technological flexibility, and experience in working with such minerals make our methods one of the most effective solutions for the sustainable processing of raw ore in the current market and environmental conditions.”
A TECHNICALLY SKILLED COMPANY
What sets Caravan Resources apart from other companies is its specialisation, flexibility, and deep understanding of technology.
“We built Caravan Resources from the ground up, focusing on an efficient and scalable low-cost copper production model. Our streamlined structure allows for agile decisionmaking, quick implementation of technology and organisational solutions, and adaptation to field conditions, which significantly
reduce project implementation time,” Dussipov details.
“Our expertise lies in leaching, combining local specialists experienced in handling poor, complex compositions and harmful impurities like arsenic, bismuth, and antimony. By collaborating with an international team, we leverage local knowledge and global experience, providing us with a technological edge.”
Caravan Resources’ technology has proven effective in the continent’s sharp climate, which is characterised by frigid winters and hot summers, across various types of ores including oxidised, secondary, primary, and high clay ores.
“We collaborate closely with leading engineering companies to provide innovative solutions and integrated equipment supplies and maintain our internal infrastructure, including engineering and research centres, a construction company, logistics, and a trading house. This set-up allows us to initiate projects from geology to production efficiently at minimal cost,” notes Dussipov.
CARAVAN RESOURCES’ PRIMARY PROJECTS
ALMALY DEPOSIT – Caravan Resources’ first bold step into the industrial-scale heap leaching deployment of sulphide ores has been operational since 2018 and produced over 60,000 tonnes (t) of cathode copper to date. The current expansion phase, Almaly-2, adds another 30,000t annually and introduces new modular automation systems.
ASHYKTAS DEPOSIT – The Ashyktas Gold Processing Complex in Ulytau, commissioned in December 2023, utilises experimental heap leaching methods to extract gold-bearing alloys. This major investment aims to increase gold production to 1.5t per year, showcasing innovative metallurgical techniques and sustainable mining practices.
ADAIKOL PROSPECT – Looking ahead, Adaikol represents Caravan Resources’ most ambitious vision yet. With a copper reserve of around 2 million t and a projected capacity of 60,000t of copper production per year, it will be Caravan Resources’ largest and most integrated site, with the full roll-out scheduled for 2026 to 2028.
“EACH PROJECT IS A CHAPTER IN OUR EVOLUTION WHERE WE BUILD, LEARN, AND PUSH THE BOUNDARIES EVEN FURTHER”
– RUSTAM DUSSIPOV, CEO, CARAVAN RESOURCES GROUP
Caravan Resources is expanding internationally, planning to leverage its experience in Chile, Latin America, Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). It is eager to pursue joint projects and partnerships in new regions, particularly where unique technological solutions are required.
Thus, Caravan Resources is always looking for cooperation with major copper producers for the utilisation of tailings and dumps, seeking sustainable technological solutions.
“We see significant potential in processing technogenic formations, which pose environmental challenges for companies and can lead to lost profits. However, we view these as valuable resources.
“Our team has the experience and technology to work with these materials, and we excel at tackling difficult challenges where others may give up,” Dussipov acknowledges.
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CARAVAN RESOURCES’ STRATEGIC GOALS
• Scaling Almaly’s copper output to 40,000 tonnes per annum through Almaly-2.
• Validation of experimental methods through increasing gold production at Ashyktas.
• Piloting chloride leaching at new sites.
• Launching of Adaikol with a world-class manufacturing infrastructure, enabling the use of green technologies to eliminate negative impact on the environment.
• Fully deploying its ERP system to streamline production and planning.
“WE ARE SCALING UP WITH INTENT. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT PRODUCING MORE – IT’S ABOUT DOING IT SMARTER, CLEANER, AND WITH A LASTING IMPACT”
– KAIRAT SATYLGANOV, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CARAVAN RESOURCES GROUP
EMPOWERING GROWTH AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Aside from innovation and cuttingedge technology, Caravan Resources values empowerment; far from a buzzword, it is part of daily operations.
As such, whether analysing metallurgical samples or managing field logistics, its people are
open dialogue, transparency, and sustainable community impact.
“We’re deeply connected to the communities we serve. Our contributions aren’t just financial, but cultural and structural, helping build long-term resilience,” affirms Satylganov.
The enterprises belonging to Caravan Resources make significant tax contributions in the regions where they operate, thereby making a substantial contribution to the formation of national and regional budgets.
These funds support the construction of social facilities and modernisation of local infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for local populations.
“We maintain close ties with residents and public authorities and emphasise corporate social responsibility and charitable initiatives,” Satylganov highlights.
encouraged to make decisions and grow into leadership roles.
“It means being available, listening, and trusting people to take the initiative,” Satylganov expresses earnestly.
Caravan Resources is equally committed to social responsibility, running various annual social and charitable projects, focusing on
STRATEGICALLY REVOLUTIONISING OPERATIONS
Investment in digital transformation – particularly in implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, advanced mine planning, scheduling systems, and manufacturing execution systems (MES) solutions – is a cornerstone for Caravan Resources.
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“We view this as more than a technology upgrade; it’s a strategic shift with significant return on investment. Digitisation is key to enhancing efficiency across our business, from procurement to production planning and financial visibility. An integrated system enables us to operate faster, smarter, and with full transparency,” Dussipov explains.
The ERP roll-out is the backbone of Caravan Resources’ broader goal to streamline decision-making, enhance agility, and drive collaboration across departments and external partners. Thus, it’s a transformation that goes far beyond IT.
“We’re not just implementing software – we’re reshaping how we work together as a team and deliver value to the business,” adds Satylganov.
Caravan Resources is transforming its supply chain into a data-driven backbone, aiming to implement an
end-to-end procure-to-pay (P2P) process via an advanced ERP system this year.
This digital transformation will enhance transaction transparency, inventory tracking, and real-time supplier collaboration.
“Our goal is to turn procurement into a strategic function. By integrating planning and budgeting, we become faster and more responsive,” Satylganov points out.
In tandem with this system upgrade, Caravan Resources is pursuing long-term strategic partnerships with key international suppliers, especially in areas where specialised process knowledge and high-quality equipment are essential.
These partnerships will extend beyond simple transactions to include co-development, co-planning, and technical innovation. As Caravan Resources grows, these alliances will help maintain consistent standards across all locations.
A collaborative approach and forming partnerships with companies like Metso is essential. This involves purchasing equipment and the joint development of new solutions that have not existed previously.
“Caravan Resources is more than its technology or production figures. It’s a belief system – mining can be intelligent, responsible, and transformative.
“We’re building a legacy for our employees, communities, and the industry. That sense of responsibility drives us every day,” Satylganov emphatically concludes.
kairat.satylganov@caravanresources.com rustam.dussipov@caravanresources.com timur.akhmetov@caravanresources.com
kairat.satylganov@caravanresources.com rustam.dussipov@caravanresources.com timur.akhmetov@caravanresources.com