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Company Registration No. 13025608 (England and Wales)
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CONTENTS
Directors
Mr Alexander (“Sandy”) Barblett
Non
-
Chairman
Mr Alexander Walker – Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Director
Mr Christopher van Wijk – Technical Director
Mr Anthony Eastman – Non-Executive Director
Company Secretary
Orana Corporate LLP
Company number
13025608
Registered office
& place of operations
Eccleston Yards
25 Eccleston Place
London SW1W 9NF
Independent Auditors
Kreston Reeves
Audit
LLP
2
nd
Floor
168 Shoreditch High St
London E1 6RA
Broker
Si Capital
Limited
46 Bridge Street
Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HL
Registrars
Share Registrars Limited
27/28 Endcastle Street
London W1W 8DH
Financial Public Relations
Vigo Consulting
78-79 New Bond Street
London W1S 1RZ
Bankers
Alpha FX
2 Eastbourne Terrace
London WC 6LG
Website
www.eaststarplc.com
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CONTENTS
Page
Chairman’s
s
tatement
3
Key personnel
6
Strategic report
7
Directors’ report
1
5
Directors’ remuneration report
1
9
Corporate governance report
23
Independent auditors’ report
2
8
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
42
Consolidated statement of financial position
43
Company statement of financial position
44
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
4
5
Company statement of changes in equity
4
6
Consolidated statement of cashflows
4
7
Company statement of cashflows
4
8
Notes to the financial statements
49
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 3
Introduction
I am pleased to present the annual report for East Star Resources PLC (the "Company", the “Group” or "East
Star") for the year ended 31 December 2025. This was a transformational year culminating in:
a US$25 million earn-in and joint venture agreement with a subsidiary of Endeavour Mining PLC (LSE:
EDV/TSX: EDV) ("Endeavour"), one of the world's leading gold producers and a constituent of the
FTSE 100 Index, for gold exploration;
a staged farm-in agreement with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services Limited ("Xinhai") for the
development of the Verkhuba Copper Deposit (“Verkhuba”); and
a £1.8 million strategic investment by Endeavour, comprising a share subscription and convertible
loan note, taking Endeavour's holding to 14.3% on conversion in February 2026.
These agreements represent a step change in the Company’s trajectory, validating our exploration
capabilities, asset base and personnel, while providing a clear pathway toward development and discovery
at scale.
Operationally, we drilled high priority Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (“VMS”) copper targets and secured
additional VMS and porphyry licences.
Review of Operations
VMS Copper
Verkhuba Copper Deposit
With 20.3Mt at 1.16% copper, 1.54% zinc and 0.27% lead, and copper prices rising considerably, Verkhuba is
a cornerstone asset. During 2025, we undertook multiple drilling programmes designed to define and extend
known mineralisation beyond the current resource envelope. Several newly identified ore-intersections
included encouraging grades such as 0.7m at 2.94% Cu and 4.0m at 0.69% Cu, as well as zinc-rich intervals.
Deeper zinccopper and additional shallow copper mineralisation was intersected reinforcing Verkhuba’s
value in our portfolio.
In December, East Star signed a staged farm-in joint venture agreement with Xinhai, a privately owned, global
process engineering and contracting company that specialises in providing engineering design, procurement,
construction services and contract mining services to the mining industry. Under the agreement, Xinhai may
earn up to a 70% interest in Verkhuba through a five-stage investment programme through to production
estimated at US$65 million, including funding for feasibility work and development expenditure. East Star
will be fully carried.
The Board considers that these advances continue to move Verkhuba closer to development whilst retaining
meaningful upside for shareholders through our retained 30% interest, and 100% of neighbouring prospects.
Rulikha
At nearby Rulikha, the digitisation process of historical data demonstrated outstanding grades, including an
81.2m ore grade interval, within East Star's licence area and proximal to a distinct electromagnetic anomaly
and three Induced Polarisation ("IP") anomalies to the north and northeast of these intersections. Follow-up
induced IP surveys further refined our priority targets and extended the mineralised footprint. Subsequent
drilling intersected additional zones of copper mineralisation.
In October 2025, East Star was awarded a new exploration licence encompassing the remaining part of the
IP anomaly north of the Rulikha deposit. The entire IP anomaly at Rulikha is now under 100% ownership by
East Star.
In November 2025, we announced a significant independent JORC-compliant Exploration Target for the
Rulikha deposit, underlining its potential to become a major copper asset within the Rudny Altai VMS belt.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 4
The estimate contains an upper limit of 23Mt at 2.4% copper equivalent for over 550,000 tonnes of contained
copper, constrained by an open pit - nearly double the copper equivalent metal of Verkhuba.
We look forward to updating shareholders on future exploration activities.
Porphyry Exploration
Porphyry systems represent a compelling strategic complement to East Star’s VMS focus. In November, East
Star was awarded two new porphyry licences, derived from work conducted as part of the BHP Xplor
programme in 2024. The Piket and Judzha projects, cover prospective terrain within recognised metallogenic
belts of Kazakhstan. These licences were secured following detailed evaluation of regional geological
datasets which identified features characteristic of fertile porphyry corridors.
These licences lie outside the joint venture area of interest with Endeavour, as the targeting focus is on
copper–gold porphyry systems rather than gold projects. Field teams have commenced compilation of
historical data and intend to complete detailed archival review over the winter to inform a programme of
geochemical and mapping work ahead of drilling in 2026. 
Sedimentary Copper Exploration
Considering the Company’s new joint ventures it has decided to focus time and resources on VMS and
porphyry copper, and orogenic gold. As such, the Company does not intend to pursue further its greenfield
sediment-hosted copper exploration strategy in the Teniz Basin with Getech at this time. The Board is
grateful to Getech for its technical work on this strategy to date and has formally ceased the Joint Venture.
Gold
Gold Exploration including JV with Endeavour
The Company continued to advance its gold exploration programme, with an initial focus on the Snowy
licence. During 2025, additional satellite spectral data supported the existence of a large gold in soil anomaly
at Snowy, approximately 4km by 1km in extent, which was interpreted as a significant epithermal gold target
worthy of followup work.
In October 2025, further field work comprising detailed mapping and rock chip sampling was completed over
the Snowy target. Rock chip samples returned gold values of up to 1.44g/t at surface, with the prospective
vein system traced over at least 100m of strike and remaining open to the north. Based on the surface
geology and geochemistry observed, we have updated our deposit model to a lowsulphidation epithermal
system, reflective of geological characteristics seen at significant gold deposits elsewhere in the world. Work
planned for 2026 includes detailed mapping and sampling over the vein system and a ground geophysical
survey to inform future drill planning.
A transformative milestone for the Company in 2025 was the signing of a binding US$25 million earn-in and
joint venture agreement with Endeavour for the exploration and development of gold projects in Kazakhstan.
This agreement represents a strategic partnership with a globally recognised gold producer and provides East
Star with unparalleled access to capital, technical expertise, and exploration capabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Endeavour may invest over US$25 million in staged exploration
expenditure to earn up to an 80% interest in the joint venture vehicle. An initial two-year phase provides for
US$5 million of committed expenditure to earn a 51% interest, with subsequent staged investments
increasing Endeavour’s interest upon continued funding and project advancement. East Star will retain a
meaningful minority interest throughout and, upon full earn-in, a 20% stake. East Star will receive bonus
payments linked to any future maiden JORC resource and Preliminary Feasibility Study.
This partnership materially de-risks East Star’s gold exploration strategy while simultaneously providing
significant discovery upside potential for shareholders alongside a top 10 global gold producer. By aligning
with Endeavour, East Star gains the opportunity to fast-track the advancement of gold targets, potentially
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 5
unlocking transformative value from the Company’s Kazakhstan portfolio. The Board views this joint venture
as a defining moment in East Star’s evolution and a strong validation of our exploration strategy.
Corporate Activities
During 2025, East Star conducted several capital raising initiatives to support exploration. In June, the
Company raised over £0.62 million from a subscription and oversubscribed retail offer, including the
participation again of directors.
Towards the end of the Year, Endeavour committed a £1.8 million strategic investment in East Star,
comprising a £96,600 share subscription and a £1,711,000 unsecured convertible loan note ("CLN"). The
£1,711,000 of CLN proceeds were received in cash in January 2026, with the CLN subsequently converting in
full into ordinary shares on 10 February 2026, resulting in the gold major owning 14.3% of the Company
today.
Key Financial Indicators
Cash and cash equivalents at year-end were £442,000 (2024: £678,000)
Loss before taxation for the year was £2,301,000 (2024: £1,102,000)
The Group held net assets at year-end of £2,435,000 (2024: £3,155,000)
The Group held total assets at year-end of £4,428,000 (2024: £3,271,000)
Outlook
East Star began 2026 on a strong footing with external funding from Endeavour to commence epithermal
gold exploration, an agreement with Xinhai to fund Verkhuba through to development with no cost to East
Star, a large VMS exploration target 100% owned by East Star, and a healthy balance sheet to support
exploration outside of our joint venture strategies.
Key near-term workstreams include:
Ground electromagnetic surveys for massive sulphides at the Rulikha and Talovskoye targets
Follow-up drilling of the Rulikha and Talovskoye targets
Establishment of the JV company with Xinhai to advance Verkhuba Stage 1 with associated resource
definition drilling
Geochemical work to advance targeting porphyry and gold prospects at Piket, Judzha and Snowy
On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate our excellent team. That East Star has been able to attract
partners and investors such as Endeavour and Xinhai is a function not only of the Company’s existing and
potential future projects, but of the quality of the exploration team generating and advancing opportunities,
with skill and in-country knowledge.
Kazakhstan’s rich endowment of copper and gold, combined with favourable infrastructure and mining-
friendly conditions, positions East Star to capitalise on favourable macroeconomic trends for these metals.
With multiple high-priority VMS, porphyry, and epithermal gold projects or targets, robust commodity
market fundamentals, and the backing of globally recognised mining partners, East Star is well positioned to
deliver discoveries and developments.
………………………………….
Sandy Barblett
Non-Executive Chairman
11 May 2026
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
KEY PERSONNEL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 6
Key personnel of the Group are comprised of the Directors:
Alexander Walker, Age 41 - Chief Executive Officer
Alex Walker is an investment banker and resources executive with more than 15 years’ experience in natural
resources investment with Norwegian Bank, Pareto Securities, London-based investment bank, Brandon Hill
Capital and Australian broking firm Patersons Securities. Mr. Walker co-founded Discovery Ventures
Kazakhstan, the unlisted Company acquired by East Star Resources PLC. He also co-founded and was the
General Manager of ASX listed ScandiVanadium Ltd. Mr. Walker holds a MSc in Mineral and Energy
Economics from Curtin University of Technology, Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance, BComm, BSocSci,
and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Alexander (“Sandy”) Barblett, Age 59 - Non-Executive Chairman
Sandy Barblett has over 20 years’ experience working with private and public listed international companies.
He sits as a director and advises companies both private and listed on AIM and the ASX in relation to raising
private equity and general fund raising, admission onto public markets, strategy and management selection.
Additionally, he has previously held senior leadership roles within the technology sector, most notably with
former FTSE 250 company Pace PLC.
Mr. Barblett has a Bachelor of Business from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia and a
Bachelor of Law from the University of Queensland; he previously worked for Minter Ellison as a solicitor.
Anthony Eastman, Age 51 – Non-Executive Director
Anthony Eastman is a member of the CAANZ and ICAEW and a Partner at Orana Corporate LLP. Mr. Eastman
has a number of years’ experience in financial management and corporate advisory services, primarily in the
natural resources sector, along with extensive experience in the public company environment, having been
a director and company secretary of a number of ASX and UK listed junior mining and oil & gas focused
companies. He has previously worked with Ernst & Young and CalEnergy Gas Ltd, a subsidiary of the Berkshire
Hathaway Group of Companies in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Christopher van Wijk, Age 44 – Technical Director
Chris van Wijk is an experienced geologist, who specialises in project evaluation and project generation. Mr.
van Wijk brings to his role in East Star a wealth of relevant experience including base metal and gold
exploration in Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australia as well as joint venture management and project
evaluation for major mining companies including BHP, IAMGOLD, First Quantum Minerals and Fortescue
Metals Group. Mr. van Wijk has managed various successful exploration projects including the Scoping Study
at Mount Nimba in Guinea for BHP Billiton and the resource drilling at First Quantum’s Sentinel Project in
Zambia. Mr. van Wijk has a Master of Science in Ore Deposit Geology from the University of Western
Australia and is a member of the AUSIMM.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 7
The Directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2025 for the Company and all
its subsidiaries collectively referred to as “the Group.
Review of the business
A review of the Group's business, financial performance and key activities during the year, together with the
principal risks and uncertainties, future developments and key financial indicators, is set out in the
Chairman's Statement on pages 3 to 5 and the sections of this Strategic Report below, which together
constitute the Strategic Report.
The principal activity of the Group during the year was the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources
in Kazakhstan, with a focus on copper and gold. The Group held 8 active exploration licences at 31 December
2025.
Key financial indicators for the year were:
Loss before taxation: £2,301,000 (2024: £1,102,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at year-end: £442,000 (2024: £678,000)
Total assets at year-end: £4,428,000 (2024: £3,271,000)
Net assets at year-end: £2,435,000 (2024: £3,155,000)
Principal risks and uncertainties
There are a number of risks associated with entities focused on natural resources exploration, particularly in
Central Asia. The Board regularly reviews the risks to which the Company is exposed and endeavours to
minimise them as far as possible. They consider the following risks are of relevance to the Company’s
activities. It should be noted that the list is not exhaustive and that other risk factors not presently known or
currently deemed immaterial may apply.
Political and country risk
Kazakhstan has continued to grow in popularity as a destination for foreign direct investment across mining
and other sectors, cementing its position as the leading investment hub in Central and Northern Asia.
Tourism infrastructure continues to develop, with more than 75 countries now benefiting from visa-free
travel arrangements.
Kazakhstan recorded a foreign direct investment inflow of $15.7 billion in 2024, marking an 88% increase
over 2023 and the highest figure in its post-Soviet history. As of January 2025, Kazakhstan’s total stock of FDI
stood at $166 billion according to the National Bank of Kazakhstan, with the United States remaining one of
its largest foreign investors. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has also grown its
exposure significantly, with investment rising from €600 million in 2020 to a projected €1.2 billion in 2025.
In October 2024, the Government of Kazakhstan approved its Concept of Investment Policy 2024–2029,
setting an ambitious target of attracting at least $150 billion in FDI and launching a national digital investment
platform enabling investors to submit permits online without direct government interaction.
A notable geopolitical development during 2025 was the signing of a memorandum of understanding
between Kazakhstan and the United States government in the field of critical minerals in November 2025,
reflecting Kazakhstan’s growing strategic importance as a source of minerals for Western supply chains.
Kazakhstan’s government is actively positioning the country as a preferred alternative source of strategic
and critical metals amid global supply chain realignment.
On the regulatory front, the National Geological Service had digitised 83% of geological archives — including
Soviet-era surveys by December 2025, with plans to complete digitisation of all geological data by 2026,
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 8
an initiative designed to unlock historical exploration insights for investors and drive new exploration activity.
A new tax code came into force on 1 January 2026 which transitions to a royalty-based system for greenfield
projects, differentiated by processing level, and the MINEX Kazakhstan 2026 forum noted the opening of the
entire territory for subsoil use rights. The government’s aim to increase the area of geological exploration by
680,000 sq. km by 2026, alongside approximately $1 billion in private sector investment attracted into the
minerals sector over the past five years, underscores the depth of international confidence in Kazakhstan as
an exploration destination.
New foreign exploration companies entering Kazakhstan include:
2021: East Star, Fortescue Metals Group, Arras and IG Global
2023: First Quantum, Sarytogan Graphite
2024: Barrick, B2Gold, Eremet, Laramide, BHP (via the Xplor programme, including East Star)
2025: Endeavour Mining (via JV with East Star) and Ivanhoe Mines
2026: Further major international investors are expected as the territory opens fully for subsoil use
rights under the new regulatory framework
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to be monitored carefully given Kazakhstan’s
shared border with Russia. Kazakhstan has been diligent in ensuring it does not become subject to secondary
sanctions and its government has pursued a deliberate multi-vectoral foreign policy to maintain relationships
across East and West. Groups such as Solidcore (formerly Polymetal) and KAZ Minerals have continued to
separate their Russian and Kazakhstani assets into distinct entities and have committed significant new
capital to downstream processing within Kazakhstan to remove dependency on Russian processing
infrastructure. The US–Kazakhstan critical minerals MOU signed in November 2025 is a further signal of
Kazakhstan’s strategic pivot towards Western partnerships. The Board does not consider the current
geopolitical environment to present a material operational risk to the Group’s Kazakhstan activities at this
time but will continue to monitor developments closely.
Exploration and development risks
There is a high degree of risk associated with mineral exploration and development, which can be highly
speculative. The economics of developing mineral properties are affected by many factors including the cost
of operations, variations in the grade of ore mined, fluctuations in the price of the minerals being mined,
fluctuations in exchange rates, costs of development, infrastructure and processing equipment, and such
factors as government regulations including those relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and
exporting of minerals, and environmental protection.
In addition, the grade of mineralisation ultimately mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results
and such differences could be material. As a result of these uncertainties, there can be no guarantee that
mineral exploration and development of any of the Company’s investments will result in profitable
commercial operations. The Group mitigates this risk through the quality of its technical team, the
application of modern geophysical techniques, and by advancing multiple exploration strategies across
different geological play-types and licence areas simultaneously.
Industry-specific risks
The natural resources sector is inherently tied to the performance of the global economy and, in particular,
fluctuations in the price of global commodities. As a result, segments of the natural resources sector could
be affected by changes in general economic activity levels and other changes beyond the Company’s control.
The Company will be unable to control the prices for commodities, which may adversely affect its business,
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 9
results of operations, financial condition or prospects. The Board notes however that copper, the Group’s
primary target commodity, continues to trade at elevated levels at approximately US$12,677 per tonne
as of March 2026 — underpinned by a widely predicted structural supply deficit driven by the global energy
transition. The Directors consider this macro backdrop to be supportive of the Group’s strategy.
Government regulation risk
The mineral exploration and development activities undertaken by the Company are subject to various laws
governing prospecting, development, production, taxes, labour standards and occupational health, mine
safety, toxic substances, land use, water use, land claims of local people and other matters.
Exploration and development activities may also be affected in varying degrees by government regulations
with respect to, but not limited to, restrictions on future exploration and production, price controls, export
controls, currency availability, foreign exchange controls, income taxes, delays in obtaining or the inability to
obtain necessary permits, opposition to mining from environmental and other non-governmental
organisations, limitations on foreign ownership, expropriation of property, ownership of assets,
environmental legislation, labour relations, limitations on repatriation of income and return of capital,
limitations on mineral exports, high rates of inflation, increased financing costs, and site safety.
No assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and
regulations will not be applied in a manner which could limit or curtail development or future potential
production. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations and activities of mining or
more stringent implementation thereof could have a substantial adverse impact on the Company.
East Star is a founding member of the Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines, and its CEO, Alex Walker, is a founding
Director. The Chamber was established to foster productive and open dialogue between industry and the
Government on laws affecting the sub-soil sector. Notable members include Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals
Group, KAZ Minerals, Eramet and a number of other local and international explorers and developers. This
membership provides the Company with a degree of influence and early visibility over potential regulatory
changes.
Permitting risk
The Company’s operations are subject to receiving and maintaining permits from appropriate governmental
authorities. There is no assurance that delays will not occur in connection with obtaining all necessary
renewals of such permits for future operations. Management believes it has received the necessary permits
for current operations. Prior to any development on any tenements, the Company must receive permits from
appropriate governmental authorities and private parties. There can be no assurance that the Company will
obtain and/or continue to hold all permits necessary to develop or continue operating at any particular
tenement.
The Group notes that the planned incorporation of the Xinhai Mining joint venture company within the
Astana International Financial Centre and the transfer of the relevant licence into the joint venture company
will require the necessary regulatory and governmental approvals in Kazakhstan. Management is actively
progressing these steps and does not currently anticipate material delays.
Environmental and other regulatory requirement risk
A breach of environmental or regulatory requirements may give rise to reputational, financial or other
sanctions. The Board considers these risks seriously and designs, maintains and reviews its policies and
processes so as to mitigate or avoid them. The Company has an in-house environmental manager specifically
responsible for maintaining and monitoring the Group’s legal and environmental obligations.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 10
The Group’s exploration licences in Kazakhstan, renewed in 2024, confirmed that the primary obligation to
restore land plots disturbed by exploration activities rests with the licence holder. The Group has assessed
its rehabilitation and restoration obligations in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities
and Contingent Assets and has concluded that no provision is required as at 31 December 2025. Further
detail is provided in Note 11.
Financing risk
The development of the Company’s tenements and its ability to earn into projects will require substantial
additional financing. Failure to obtain sufficient financing may result in delaying or indefinite postponement
of exploration, development or production on any or all of the Company’s tenements, or even a loss of
tenement interest. There can be no assurance that additional capital or other types of financing will be
available if needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favourable to the Company.
The Board notes that the strategic investment by Endeavour Mining PLC during FY25, together with the fully-
carried structure of the Xinhai Mining joint venture agreement — under which Xinhai will bear 100% of costs
from resource definition drilling through to commissioning materially reduces the Group’s near-term
financing risk with respect to the Verkhuba Copper Deposit. East Star is fully carried to production and will
hold a 30% interest in the producing mine at no further cost to the Company.
Foreign currency risk
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, principally between the British pound, US Dollar and Kazakhstan
Tenge, can impact the Company’s earnings and cash flows. If the value of the Tenge or US Dollar increases
relative to the British pound, the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be
materially adversely affected. The Group monitors its currency exposures regularly and holds the majority of
Group funds in Sterling through its forex platform.
Market conditions
Market conditions, including general economic conditions and their effect on exchange rates, interest rates
and inflation rates, may impact the ultimate value of the Company regardless of its operating performance.
The Company also faces competition from other organisations, some of which may have greater resources
or are more established in Kazakhstan. The Board considers and reviews all market conditions to try and
mitigate any risks that may arise. The Board notes that the current copper price environment, at levels above
US$12,000 per tonne, and the increasing strategic interest from major mining companies in Kazakhstan,
evidenced by the participation of Endeavour Mining, Barrick, and Ivanhoe Mines in the jurisdiction, is
supportive of the Group’s asset base and development strategy.
Key personnel risk
The Company has a small management team and the loss of a key individual or the inability to attract suitably
qualified personnel could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company has
proactively developed greater depth of expertise to build redundancy. The Group has a Technical Director
and a qualified East Region exploration manager, and has expanded its team as a result of the BHP Xplor
programme and the advancement of the Xinhai and Endeavour Mining joint ventures. The long-term
incentive plan implemented in FY23 and extended in FY25 is designed to retain and incentivise key personnel
over the medium term.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 11
Joint Venture and Partner Risk
The Group has entered into two significant joint venture agreements during and subsequent to FY25, with
Endeavour Mining PLC and with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services Limited. Joint venture arrangements carry
inherent risks including the potential for disagreement between partners on strategy, funding or operations,
the financial capability of partners to meet their obligations, and delays in satisfying agreed milestones. The
Board mitigates these risks through the negotiation of clearly documented joint venture agreements, the
selection of established and well-capitalised partners, and ongoing monitoring of partner obligations and
milestone progress.
Section 172 Statement
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires Directors to take into consideration the interests of
stakeholders and other matters in their decision making. The Directors continue to have regard to the
interests of the Group’s employees and other stakeholders, the impact of its activities on the community,
the environment and the Group’s reputation for good business conduct, when making decisions. In this
context, acting in good faith and fairly, the Directors consider what is most likely to promote the success of
the Group for its members in the long term.
We aim to work responsibly with our stakeholders, including suppliers. The key Board decisions made during
the period and post-period end are set out in the Chairman’s statement and include: the oversubscribed
share subscription and WRAP Retail Offer completed in June 2025; the strategic investment by Endeavour
Mining PLC and the issue of the convertible loan note in December 2025; the conversion of the loan note
into equity in February 2026; and the formalisation of the joint venture agreement with Xinhai Mining
Services Limited for the development of the Verkhuba Copper Deposit in March 2026.
Gender analysis
A split of our employees and directors by gender during the year is shown below:
Male
Female
Directors
4
-
Employees
4
5
The Group is committed to gender equality as evidenced by its fair distribution of genders in its workforce.
Corporate social responsibility
We aim to conduct our business with honesty, integrity and openness, respecting human rights and the
interests of our shareholders and employees. We aim to provide timely, regular and reliable information on
the business to all our shareholders and conduct our operations to the highest standards.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
The Group is aware that it needs to measure its operational carbon footprint in order to limit and control its
environmental impact. Before work can commence on an awarded exploration licence, the total amount of
emissions and the total amount of permitted work (drilling metres, sampling etc.) is approved by the
Government of Kazakhstan. As part of its operations, each licence is required to report quarterly on the
environmental impact, including emissions during that quarter. The Company manages these reports to
ensure approved emission limits are not exceeded.
The Group has not made separate disclosures relating to energy consumption and efficiency as the entity
consumed less than 40,000 kWh of energy during the period. The Board is aware that as operations expand
particularly with the anticipated commencement of resource definition drilling at Verkhuba under the
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 12
Xinhai joint venture in 2026 energy consumption will increase and additional reporting may become
appropriate in future periods.
Health and Safety
We strive to create a safe and healthy working environment for the wellbeing of our staff and to foster a
trusting and respectful environment, where all members of staff are encouraged to feel responsible for the
reputation and performance of the Group. We aim to establish a diverse and dynamic workforce with team
players who have the experience and knowledge of the business operations and markets in which we
operate. Through maintaining good communications, members of staff are encouraged to realise the
objectives of the Group and their own potential.
Certain staff members undertake training in Kazakhstan for workplace safety, with certificates awarded upon
completion. The Group had no reportable health and safety incidents during the year.
Future developments
The Company has made significant strategic progress during FY25 and into 2026, and is now well positioned
to transition from pure exploration toward resource development and, in the case of Verkhuba, production.
The key developments shaping the Group’s outlook are as follows.
Verkhuba Copper Deposit — Xinhai Mining Joint Venture
Subsequent to the year end, on 19 March 2026 the Group formalised a joint venture agreement with Hong
Kong Xinhai Mining Services Limited (“Xinhai”), a global EPC company that has completed more than 500
contracts globally, to take the Verkhuba Copper Deposit into production. Xinhai will bear 100% of costs from
resource definition drilling through to commissioning, earning up to a 70% interest in the joint venture
company, with East Star retaining a 30% interest in the producing mine at no further cost to the Company.
Xinhai’s estimated total investment is approximately US$65 million. Resource definition drilling is targeted
to commence by June 2026.
The Verkhuba deposit has a current JORC Inferred Resource of 20.3Mt at 1.16% copper, 1.54% zinc and 0.27%
lead. The farm-in will proceed in five stages:
Stage Milestone Xinhai obligation
Resulting shareholding
(Xinhai / East Star)
1 Establishment of JVCo & Initial Funding
Invests A$1.5 million for
resource definition drilling
15% / 85%
2 Feasibility Study Completion
Funds feasibility study
sufficient for Kazakhstan
mining licence application
20% / 80%
3 Detailed Engineering Design
Funds detailed engineering
and design work
30% / 70%
4 Equipment Transfer
Transfer of ownership (Bill of
Lading) of construction
equipment to JVCo
51% / 49%
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 13
5 Project Commissioning
Successful commissioning of
1 million tonne per annum
capacity mining and
processing project
70% / 30%
Xinhai will provide all necessary working capital and bear all costs incurred up to commissioning. East Star is
fully carried to production. Upon successful commissioning, the JVCo shall assume full operational
management responsibility. As of March 2026, copper was trading at approximately US$12,677 per tonne
with a widely predicted future supply deficit, and Xinhai’s current anticipated production profile is more than
10,000 tonnes per annum of copper equivalent metal.
Endeavour Mining Strategic Partnership
In December 2025, Endeavour Mining PLC — a FTSE 100 gold producer and one of the world’s leading gold
companies — made a strategic investment of over £1.8 million in East Star, comprising a share subscription
of 4,200,000 ordinary shares at £0.023 per share and an unsecured convertible loan note of £1,711,000. The
loan note was converted in full into 74,391,304 new ordinary shares in February 2026, bringing Endeavour’s
total shareholding to 78,591,304 ordinary shares, representing 14.3% of the Company’s enlarged issued
share capital.
The partnership also encompasses a $25 million-plus strategic gold exploration joint venture, providing East
Star with a well-capitalised partner to advance its epithermal gold and porphyry copper targets across its
Balkash-Ili arc licences.
Rulikha VMS Deposit
East Star retains 100% of its nearby advanced VMS prospects including the Rulikha deposit, independently
modelled to contain an upper limit JORC Exploration Target of 23Mt at 2.4% copper equivalent. The Company
is progressing the permitting for Rulikha with the aim of commencing exploration in 2026.
Copper Porphyry and Epithermal Gold — Snowy Licence
The Snowy licence, a 121km² tenement on the Balkash-Ili arc located approximately 150km north of the large
Kounrad open pit copper mine, hosts a 4km by 1km epithermal gold anomaly displaying anomalous gold (up
to 0.28g/t) and silver (up to 7.2g/t), as well as arsenic, molybdenum and weak mercury in soils. A copper-
molybdenum anomaly in the western portion is prospective for a porphyry copper target. Geological
mapping is planned at the start of the 2026 field season, followed by an IP survey, with the target expected
to be drill-ready in 2026 under the Endeavour Mining joint venture.
Outlook
The Company will continue to advance its portfolio of copper and gold opportunities in Kazakhstan with the
dual objectives of progressing Verkhuba toward production through the Xinhai joint venture, and making
new Tier 1 discoveries across its remaining licence portfolio. The Group has made significant progress over
the past year: December 2025 drilling at Verkhuba confirmed deep zinc and copper mineralisation and
identified a northern extension to the shallow resources, directly informing the 2026 Xinhai work
programme; the Endeavour Mining strategic investment was completed and converted to equity in February
2026, cementing a partnership that encompasses a $25 million-plus gold exploration joint venture with
US$2.3 million already committed in Stage 1; and the Xinhai joint venture agreement was formalised in
March 2026, with Xinhai committing an estimated US$65 million to take Verkhuba to production at no
further cost to East Star shareholders. Looking into 2026, ground electromagnetic surveys across two VMS
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 14
targets are being contracted, follow-up drilling on those targets is anticipated in Q2, geochemical results
from three Karaganda porphyry and epithermal gold licences Snowy, Piket and Judzha — are awaited, and
permitting for the Rulikha deposit is underway. The Group enters the 2026 field season essentially cash flow
neutral at the corporate level, with all material exploration and development expenditure funded by its
strategic partners.
……………………………
Sandy Barblett
Non-Executive Chairman
11 May 2026
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 15
The Directors present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Principal activities
In the 2025 year the Group was primarily concerned with the exploration and exploitation of its 8 mineral
licenses held through its various Kazakhstan based subsidiaries.
Results
The Group recorded a loss for the year ended 31 December 2025 before taxation of £2,301,000 (2024:
£1,102,000), which included an impairment charge on exploration assets of £1,286,000 (2024: £62,000). The
Company recorded a loss before taxation for the year ended 31 December 2025 of £614,000 (2024:
£144,000).
Dividends
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2024: £nil).
Directors
The following directors have held office during the period and to the date of these financial statements:
Sandy Barblett
Anthony Eastman
Alex Walker
Christopher van Wijk
Details of the Directors’ holding of Ordinary Shares and Warrants are set out in the Director’s Remuneration
Report.
Substantial Shareholdings
At 11 May 2026, the Company had been informed of the following substantial interests over 3% of the issued
share capital of the Company:
* Executive Director of East Star Resources Plc
Number of Shares
Percentage Holding
Endeavour Mining PLC
78,591,304
14.3
Alexander Casey Walker*
57,323,972
10.4
Ilwella Pty Ltd
53,203,950
9.7
Rainer Heinz Ellmies
25,699,363
4.7
Oberon Investments Limited
23,765,927
4.3
Reedbuck Nominees Pty Ltd
22,699,363
4.1
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 16
Share Capital
Details of the Company's issued share capital, together with details of the movements during the year, are
shown in Note 19. The Company has one class of Ordinary Share, and all shares have equal voting rights and
rank pari passu for the distribution of dividends and repayment of capital.
Future developments
The Group's future developments and outlook are set out in the Chairman's Statement on pages 3 to 5 and
the "Future developments" section of the Strategic Report.
Financial risk management
The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as practical without unduly
affecting the Group's competitiveness and flexibility. Further details regarding the Group's financial risk
management policies are referenced in Note 23.
Going concern
The Directors have assessed the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that it has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of not less than 12 months from the
date of approval of these financial statements. Further details of this assessment are set out in Note 2.2.
Disclosure and Transparency Rules
Details of the Company's share capital and warrants and options are given in Notes 19 and 20 respectively.
There are no restrictions on transfer or limitations on the holding of the ordinary shares. None of the shares
carry any special rights with regard to the control of the Company. There are no known arrangements under
which the financial rights are held by a person other than the holder and no known agreements or restrictions
on share transfers and voting rights. As far as the Group is aware there are no persons with significant direct
or indirect holdings other than the Directors and other significant shareholders as shown above. The
provisions covering the appointment and replacement of Directors are contained in the Company's articles,
any changes to which require shareholder approval. There are no significant agreements to which the
Company is party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control following a takeover bid and
no agreements for compensation for loss of office or employment that become effective as a result of such
a bid.
Requirements of the Listing Rules
The Company is admitted to the equity shares (transition) category of the FCA's Official List and is therefore
subject to the UK Listing Rules as applicable to that category. The Directors have reviewed the disclosure
requirements of the UK Listing Rules applicable to the Company and confirm that there is no information
required to be disclosed in a single identifiable section of this Annual Report or by way of a cross-reference
table that has not already been included within this report.
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)
The Group consumed less than 40,000 kWh of energy during the year and accordingly qualifies as a low
energy user. The Group has not made separate disclosures relating to energy consumption and efficiency
under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting framework. Further commentary on the Group's
environmental impact is set out in the Strategic Report and in the Climate change risk (TCFD) section of the
Corporate Governance Report.
Political donations
The Group did not make any donations to political parties during the year (2024: £nil).
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 17
Directors' indemnity provisions
The Group has implemented Directors' and Officers' Liability Indemnity insurance, which remained in place
throughout the year and to the date of approval of this report.
Events after the reporting period
Material events after the reporting period are set out in Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements.
Re-appointment of auditors
Kreston Reeves Audit LLP have indicated their willingness to continue in office. A resolution to re-appoint
Kreston Reeves Audit LLP as auditors and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration will be
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Disclosure of information to auditors
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors' Report confirm that, so far as they are
each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's and Group's auditors are
unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's and Group's auditors are aware
of that information. This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions
of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.
Matters covered in the Strategic report
Items required under Schedule 7 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and
Reports) Regulations 2008 to be disclosed in the Directors' Report, including a description of principal risks
and uncertainties, future developments, and the Group's financial risk management objectives and policies,
are set out in the Strategic Report in accordance with section 414C(11) of the Companies Act 2006.
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with
applicable laws and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law
the Directors have prepared the Group financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, and the Parent Company financial
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom
Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group
and the Parent Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.
In preparing these financial statements the Directors are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
State whether applicable UK-adopted International Accounting Standards have been followed for
the Group financial statements and applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been
followed for the Parent Company financial statements, subject to any material departures disclosed
and explained in the financial statements; and
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the Group and Parent Company will continue in business.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 18
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and
explain the Group's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of
the Group and the Parent Company, enabling them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and Parent Company
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information
included on the Company's website at www.eaststarplc.com. The work carried out by the auditors does not
involve consideration of the maintenance and integrity of the website and accordingly, the auditors accept
no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially
presented on the website. Visitors to the website need to be aware that legislation in the United Kingdom
covering the preparation and dissemination of the financial statements may differ from legislation in their
jurisdiction.
On behalf of the Board, this Directors' Report and Statement of Directors' Responsibilities were approved on
11 May 2026.
……………………
Sandy Barblett
Non-Executive Chairman
11 May 2026
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 19
Remuneration Policies
The remuneration policy of the Group is that each Director shall be entitled to a salary per annum from the
date of Admission to manage the operations of the Group.
The remuneration committee has been appointed to reassess an appropriate level of Directors’
remuneration and it is envisaged that the remuneration policy will assist to attract, retain and motivate
Executive Directors and senior management of a high calibre with a view to encouraging commitment to the
development of the Group and for long term enhancement of shareholder value. The Board believes that
share ownership by Directors strengthens the link between their personal interests and those of
shareholders although there is no formal shareholding policy in place.
The current Directors’ remuneration comprises a basic fee and a long-term incentive plan at present.
Service contracts
The Directors entered into Service Agreements with the Company and its subsidiaries and continue to be
employed until terminated by the Company or subsidiary. In the event of termination or loss of office the
Director is entitled only to payment of his basic salary in respect of his notice period. In the event of
termination or loss of office in the case of a material breach of contract the Director is not entitled to any
further payment.
During the year each Director was paid for directors’ services with the parent company at a rate per annum
as follows:
Alex Walker £12,000 per annum
Sandy Barblett £24,000 per annum
Anthony Eastman £24,000 per annum
Christopher van Wijk £12,000 per annum
Particulars of Directors’ Remuneration
Particulars of Directors’ remuneration, including Directors’ warrants which, under the Companies Act 2006
are required to be audited, are given below.
Remuneration paid to the Directors’ during the year ended 31 December 2025 was:
2025
Salary (UK)
Salary
(Kazakhstan)
Bonus
Benefits
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Sandy Barblett
24
5
29
Anthony Eastman
24
5
29
Alexander Walker
12
113
40
31
196
Chris van Wijk
12
56
20
88
72
169
70
31
342
At its meeting on 29 January 2026, the Remuneration Committee resolved to award bonuses in respect of
services rendered by the directors during FY2025. These bonuses, payable in FY2026, recognise the
significant work undertaken in advancing the Company’s two joint venture transactions during the year. The
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 20
Committee confirmed that the awards align with the Company’s remuneration framework and support the
retention and incentivisation of key personnel.
2024
Salary (UK)
Salary
(Kazakhstan)
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
Sandy Barblett *
26
26
Anthony Eastman *
26
26
Alexander Walker *, **
13
130
143
Chris van Wijk (appointed 22 January 2024) **
7
77
84
David Minchin (retired 26 June 2024)
4
4
76
207
283
* Each director received an additional months fee in the current year as compensation for the reduction and
deferral of fees in the prior year.
** £90,000 of CEO, Alexander Walker’s and £77,000 of CTO Chris Van Wijk salary included here has been
capitalised as attributable to exploration assets in Kazakhstan.
Amounts outstanding at year end was £nil.
Bonus and incentive plans
On 28 March 2023 the Company implemented a Long-Term Incentive Plan available to employees of the
Group, whereby employees are incentivised to remain in the employ of the Group through share options
that vest based on service milestones. Bonuses awarded by the Remuneration Committee in respect of
FY2025 services are disclosed in the Particulars of Directors' Remuneration table above.
Percentage change in the remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)
CEO remuneration has increased in the current year, primarily driven by a £40,000 bonus and £31,000 of
other director benefits, partially offset by a £17,000 reduction in Kazakhstan salary.
Directors’ interests in shares
The beneficial interest of the Directors in the Ordinary Share Capital of the Company at 11 May 2026 were:
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 21
Ordinary
Shares
#
Percentage of issued
share capital
11 May 2026
%
Sandy Barblett
3,442,976
0.
6
Alexander Walker
57,323,972
10.4
Anthony Eastman
1,369,565
0.
2
Chris van Wijk
870,000
0.2
6
3,006,513
11.
5
The Directors held the following warrants as at 11 May 2026:
Director
31 December
2024
Granted during
the period
Lapsed during
the period
16 February
2026
Sandy
Barblett
-
-
-
-
Alexander Walker
1,254,679
-
(
1,254,679
)
-
Anthony Eastman
1,399,681
-
-
1,399,681
Chris van Wijk
-
-
-
-
2,654,360
-
(1,254,679)
1,399,681
The Directors held the following options as at 11 May 2026:
Director
31 December
2024
Granted during
the period
Lapsed during
the period
16 February
2026
Sandy
Barblett
539,855
510,145
-
1,050,000
Alexander Walker
10,898,511
1,601,489
-
1
2,500,000
Anthony Eastman
289,855
510,145
-
800,000
Chris van Wijk
-
2,500,000
-
2,500,000
11,728,221
5,121,779
-
16,850,000
UK 10-year performance graph
The Directors have considered the requirement for a UK 10-year performance graph comparing the Group's
Total Shareholder Return with that of a comparable indicator. The Directors do not currently consider that
including the graph will be meaningful because the Company has only been listed for a relatively short period
of time. The Group is not paying dividends and is currently incurring losses and hence the remuneration of
Directors is not specifically linked to performance. Therefore, we do not consider the inclusion of this graph
to be useful to shareholders at the current time. The Directors will review the inclusion of this table for future
reports.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 22
UK 10-year CEO table and UK percentage change table
The Directors have considered the requirement for a UK 10-year CEO table. The Directors do not currently
consider that including these tables would be meaningful given that the Company has only been listed since
January 2022. The Directors will review the inclusion of this table for future reports.
……………………
Sandy Barblett
Non-Executive Chairman
11 May 2026
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 23
As a Company listed on the equity shares (transition) category of the FCA's Official List, the Company is not
required to comply with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. Nevertheless, the Directors
are committed to ensuring that appropriate standards of corporate governance are maintained, so far as is
appropriate given the Enlarged Group’s current stage of development, the size and composition of the Main
Board and available resources. The Board will aim to comply with the QCA Guidelines on Corporate
Governance (“QCA Guidelines”). The Board has reviewed the recent changes to the code and have assessed
their potential impact on the management of the Group.
The QCA Code has ten principles of corporate governance that the Group applies to establish the
governance foundations of the business. These principles are:
1. Establish a purpose, strategy and business model which promote long term value for shareholders;
2. Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours;
3. Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations;
4. Take into account wider stakeholder interests, including social and environmental responsibilities, and
their implications for long term success;
5. Embed effective risk management, considering both internal controls and assurance activities,
considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation;
6. Establish and maintain the board as a well-functioning balanced team led by the Chair;
7. Maintain appropriate governance structures and ensure that individually and collectively the directors
have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities;
8. Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement;
9. Establish a remuneration policy which is supportive of long-term value creation and the Company’s
purpose strategy and culture; and
10. Communicate how the Group is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with
shareholders and other key stakeholders.
Here follows a short explanation of how the Group applies each of the principles, including where applicable
an explanation of why there is a deviation from those principles.
Principle One
Business Model and Strategy
The Group holds several mining licenses in Kazakhstan and is actively carrying out explorative activities
across a number of these licenses. It has a clear strategy of exploring these licenses and looking to capitalise
on future opportunities as detailed in the Strategic Report. Further to earlier comments on risk and strategy
the Group is committed to broadening its area and scope of operations as appropriate.
Principle Two
Corporate Culture
The Board recognises that their decisions regarding strategy and risk will impact the corporate culture of
the Group as a whole which in turn will impact the Group’s performance. The Directors are very aware that
the tone and culture set by the Board will greatly impact all aspects of the Group and the way that
consultants or other representatives behave. The corporate governance arrangements that the Board has
adopted are designed to instil a firm ethical code to be followed by Directors, consultants and
representatives alike throughout the entire organisation. The Group strives to achieve and maintain an open
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 24
and respectful dialogue with representatives, regulators, suppliers and other stakeholders. Therefore, the
importance of sound ethical values and behaviours is crucial to the ability of the Group to successfully
achieve its corporate objectives. The Board places great importance on this aspect of corporate life and
seeks to ensure that this flows through everything that the Group does. The Directors are focused on
ensuring that the Group maintains an open culture facilitating comprehensive dialogue and feedback and
enabling positive and constructive challenge. The Group has adopted, a code for Directors' dealings in
securities which is appropriate for a company whose securities are traded on this main market and is in
accordance with the requirements of the Market Abuse Regulation. Issues of bribery and corruption are
taken seriously. The Group has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and has recently put
an anti-bribery and corruption policy in place to protect the Group, its employees and those third parties to
which the business engages with.
Principle Three
Understanding Shareholder Needs and Expectations
The Board is committed to maintaining good communication and having constructive dialogue with its
shareholders. They will be encouraged to attend the AGM and participate in hearing the CEO who provides
regular updates on social media platforms.
Principle Four
Considering wider stakeholder and social responsibilities
The Board recognises that the long-term success of the Group is reliant upon open communication with its
internal and external stakeholders: investee companies, shareholders, contractors, suppliers, regulators
and other stakeholders. The Group has created close ongoing relationships with a broad range of its
stakeholders and will ensure that it provides them with regular opportunities to raise issues and provide
feedback to the Group. The Group is committed to delivering lasting benefit to the local communities and
environments where we work as well as to our shareholders, employees and contractors. As the Group
evolves, we anticipate that this aspect of community engagement will evolve further.
Principle Five
Risk Management
The Board is responsible for ensuring that procedures are in place and are being implemented effectively
to identify, evaluate and manage the significant risks faced by the Group. The Group has a framework of
internal financial controls to address financial risk and regularly reviews the non-financial risks to ensure all
exposures are adequately managed. The Group maintains appropriate insurance cover in respect of legal
actions against the Directors as well as against material loss or claims against the Group. The Group's
approach to environmental risk management, including the assessment of rehabilitation and restoration
obligations arising under the terms of its Kazakhstan exploration licences, is set out in the Strategic Report
and in the Climate change risk (TCFD) section of this report. The principal risks and uncertainties are as set
out in the Strategic Report.
Principle Six
A Well-Functioning Board of Directors
The Board will maintain a balance of executives and non-executive Directors. Currently there are 2 non-
executives including the Chairman and 2 Executives. The CEO is required to commit 100% of his working
time to the Group. The non-executive Directors are available for any Group business when it may arise and
are expected to dedicate sufficient time to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
Further information about the Directors can be found in the Key Personnel report as well as the Company
website at www.eaststarplc.com. The Directors met 6 times throughout the year to discuss key issues and
to monitor the overall performance of the Group. All Directors attended all meetings during the year.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 25
Principle Seven
Appropriate governance structures
The Group's governance structures are appropriate for a Group of its size. The Board also meets regularly
and the Directors continuously maintain an informal dialogue between themselves. The Chairman is
responsible for the effectiveness of the Board as well as primary contact with shareholders, while the
execution of the Group's strategy is a matter reserved for the Chief Executive. The current Governance
structure is outlined below:
Audit Committee
The Group audit committee comprises two members, being Anthony Eastman (as Chair) and Sandy Barblett,
which will have primary responsibility for monitoring the quality of internal control and ensuring that the
financial performance of the Group is properly measured and reported on and for reviewing reports from
the Group's auditors relating to the Group's accounting and internal controls.
The committee is also responsible for making recommendations to the Board on the appointment of auditors
and the audit fee and for ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is properly monitored and
reported. The audit committee has met twice during the year and will meet to approve these financial
statements.
Remuneration Committee
The Group committee comprises two directors, Mr Sandy Barblett (as Chair) and Mr Anthony Eastman, being
responsible for both the review and recommendation of the scale and structure of remuneration for senior
management. In reviewing the remuneration policy of the Group, this will include any bonus arrangements
or the award of share options with due regard to the interests of the Shareholders and the performance of
the Group.
The members of the committee shall serve for an initial term of three years from re-admission. The
remuneration committee has met twice during the year.
Nominations Committee
No nominations committee has been established with all matters to be considered by the Board as a whole.
The Group believes that the Directors have wide ranging experience working for/and/or advising businesses
operating within the natural resources sector. They also have an extensive network of relationships to reach
key decision-makers to help achieve their strategy. The Board recognises that it currently does not have any
female Directors however as it grows, it will look to recruit and develop a diverse and more gender-balanced
executive team.
Principle Eight
Evaluation of Board Performance
Internal evaluation of the Board, the Committees and individual Directors will be undertaken on an annual
basis in the form of peer appraisal and discussions to determine the effectiveness and performance against
targets and objectives. As a part of the appraisal the appropriateness and opportunity for continuing
professional development whether formal or informal is discussed and assessed.
Principle Nine
Remuneration policies
The Board is committed to ensuring that the creation of value for shareholders aligns with the interests of
executives and employees of the Group. The implementation during the year of the long-term incentive
plan helps to align these interests and the Board clearly communicates to employees how remuneration is
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 26
linked to the performance of the Group. At its meeting on 29 January 2026, the Remuneration Committee
resolved to award bonuses to Directors in respect of services rendered during FY2025, recognising the
significant work undertaken in advancing the Group's strategic transactions during the year. Full details of
Directors' remuneration are set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report.
Principle Ten
Shareholder Communication
The Board is committed to maintaining good communication and having constructive dialogue with its
shareholders in compliance with regulations applicable to companies quoted on the LSE's Main Market. All
shareholders are encouraged to attend the Company's Annual General Meeting where they will be given the
opportunity to interact with the Directors. Investors also have access to current information on the Group
through its website (www.eaststarplc.com).
During the year the Group completed an oversubscribed share subscription and WRAP Retail Offer in June
2025, raising gross proceeds of £622,292, and a strategic investment by Endeavour Mining PLC in December
2025, a FTSE 100 constituent and one of the world's leading gold producers, which committed a total of over
£1.8 million, comprising a £96,600 share subscription and a £1,711,000 unsecured convertible loan note. The
loan note was subsequently converted in full into 74,391,304 new ordinary shares in February 2026,
increasing Endeavour Mining's shareholding to 14.3% of the Company's enlarged issued share capital. The
Board communicated each of these developments to shareholders via the regulatory news service and the
Company's corporate website in a timely manner.
The Board takes feedback from a wide range of shareholders (large and small) and endeavours at every
opportunity to pro-actively engage with all shareholders via regular regulatory news reporting and in
response to any specific queries raised from time to time. The Board considers that its key decisions during
the year have impacted equally on all members of the Group.
Climate change risk - (TCFD)
The Board considers the impact that the Group has on the environment and aims to conduct its operations
in a responsible and sustainable way as it relates to climate change. The Kazakhstan government ensures
that Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited ("DVK") completes environmental surveys detailing impacts on
the environment and particularly the soil. These surveys also assess estimated costs to restore any drilling
site to its original condition. As a result of this, DVK outlays significant funds to ensure adequate Sub Soil
insurance to cover its obligations. Following the 2024 licence renewals, which confirmed that the primary
obligation to restore disturbed land plots rests with the licence holder, the Group has assessed its
rehabilitation and restoration obligations in accordance with IAS 37 and concluded that no provision is
required as at 31 December 2025. Further detail is provided in Note 11
The Board is also aware that as operations expand, energy consumption will increase alongside. Currently
the Board does not consider the energy consumed in relation to drilling to be at a level where it needs to put
in place mitigators.
The Directors consider the environmental compliance requirements imposed by the Kazakhstan Government
to be sufficient and hence have not explored any additional reporting. The Directors will continue to monitor
the requirements in Kazakhstan and will look to potentially include further disclosures in future annual
reports when the information becomes material to shareholders and other key stakeholders.
In line with the requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules, and for the above reasons,
we note that we have not made the disclosures, in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2025, in
line with the recommendations and recommended disclosures of the TCFD.
External Auditor
The Audit Committee has met with the auditor at least twice a year to consider the results, internal
procedures and controls and matters raised by the auditor. The Board considers auditor independence and
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 27
objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit process. It also considers the nature and extent of the non-
audit services supplied by the auditor, reviewing the ratio of audit to non-audit fees, and ensures that an
appropriate relationship is maintained between the Group and its external auditor.
As part of the decision to recommend the appointment of the external auditor, the Board considers the
tenure of the auditor in addition to the results of its review of the effectiveness of the external audit process
and considers whether there should be a full tender process. There are no contractual obligations restricting
the Board's choice of external auditor. The Group has a policy of controlling the provision of non-audit
services by the external auditor in order that their objectivity and independence are safeguarded.
Internal financial control
Financial controls have been established so as to provide safeguards against unauthorised use or disposition
of the assets, to maintain proper accounting records and to provide reliable financial information for internal
use.
Key financial controls include:
a schedule of matters reserved for the approval of the Board;
evaluation, approval procedures and risk assessment for acquisitions; and
close involvement of the Directors in the day-to-day operational matters of the Group.
Shareholder Communications
The Group uses a regulatory news service and its corporate website (www.eaststarplc.com) to ensure that
the latest announcements, press releases and published financial information are available to all
shareholders and other interested parties.
The Annual General Meeting is used to communicate with both institutional shareholders and private
investors and all shareholders are encouraged to participate. Separate resolutions are proposed on each
issue so that they can be given proper consideration and there is a resolution to approve the Annual Report
and Financial Statements. The Company counts all proxy votes and will indicate the level of proxies lodged
on each resolution after it has been dealt with by a show of hands.
On behalf of the board:
…………………………………………….
Sandy Barblett
Non-Executive Chairman
11 May 2026
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 28
We have audited the financial statements of East Star Resources PLC (the ‘Parent Company’) and its
subsidiaries (the “Group”), for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated and company statements of financial position, the
consolidated and company statements of changes in equity, the consolidated and company statement of
cashflows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial
statements is applicable law United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
In our opinion:
the financial statements of East Star Resources PLC give a true and fair view of the state of the
Group’s and of the Parent Company's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of the Group’s loss for
the year then ended and of the Group’s cash flows position as at 31 December 2025;
the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted
international accounting standards; and
the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
the Group and Parent Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and
applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the
Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements
in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we
have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
An overview of the scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in
the financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for
example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering
future events that are inherently uncertain. We also addressed the risk of management override of internal
controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of
material misstatement due to fraud.
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able to give an opinion
on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the Parent
Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 29
Our scoping considerations for the Group audit were based both on financial information and risk. In total
we have identified two distinct components within the group financial statements.
In determining the components of the Group, we considered the legal structure of the Group together with
how the Group’s operations are managed and reported internally. The Group comprises the parent company,
East Star Resources PLC, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited (“DVK”).
DVK in turn holds three operational subsidiaries, all of which are based in Kazakhstan and are engaged in the
Group’s exploration activities.
For the purposes of the Group audit, component identification was based on a combined assessment of
geographical location and finance operations. Under this approach, East Star Resources PLC was identified
as a component, as it is based in the United Kingdom and has distinct finance operations, including
responsibility for Group financing, treasury activities and strategic management. Discovery Ventures
Kazakhstan Limited, together with its three operational subsidiaries, was identified as a single component.
These entities operate within the same jurisdiction, are subject to a common regulatory and operating
environment, and are managed and reported on a consolidated basis through a single finance function.
The three Kazakhstan operational subsidiaries do not maintain independent finance functions and their
financial information is prepared and reviewed centrally by the DVK finance team. As such, they were not
identified as separate components for audit purposes.
Based on our assessment of financial significance and risk, both the UK parent company and the Kazakhstan
component were determined to be in scope for audit procedures as part of the Group audit. The financial
information of the Kazakhstan component was audited directly by the Group engagement team, using an
allocated component performance materiality, to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence for the Group
financial statements
No component auditors were engaged for the purposes of the Group audit, and all audit procedures on the
components were performed directly by the Group audit team. However, in performing our audit, we
engaged a member firm to assist with the translation of certain accounting documentation and journal entry
descriptions prepared by management in a foreign language. The member firm acted under our direction
and supervision, and we remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of
identified misstatements on the audit and in forming our audit opinion. Based on our professional
judgement, we determined materiality and performance materiality for the financial statements of the
Group and of the Parent Company as follows:
Group financial statements
Parent company financial
statements
Materiality
£110,700 (2024: £81,800)
£99,500 (2024: £78,000)
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 30
Basis for determining
materiality
c.2.5% of gross assets (2024:
c.2.5% of gross assets)
c.2.5% of gross assets,
capped below group
materiality (2024: c.2.5% of
gross assets, capped below
group materiality)
Rationale for benchmark
applied
The group's principal activity is
that of a mining exploration
and development business.
The business is highly asset
focused and has no
operational revenues at this
stage. Therefore, a benchmark
for materiality of the gross
assets of the group is
considered to be appropriate.
This is consistent with the key
financial indicators disclosed
in the Chairman’s statement,
which also includes loss before
taxation for the year.
However, given the business is
pre-revenue stage we have
focused on gross assets for the
current period audit, as also
included in the Chairman’s
statement disclosure
The company primarily
operates as a holding
company for the group and
has historically had no
material income. Therefore, a
benchmark based on the
gross assets of the company is
considered to be appropriate.
This will also be the key
performance indicator for
stakeholders in the business.
Performance materiality
£83,000 (2024: £61,350)
£70,550 (2024: £57,035)
Basis for determining
performance materiality
75% of group materiality
(2024: 75% of group
materiality)
75% of parent company
materiality, capped at a lower
ISA 600 component
materiality figure (2024: 75%
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 31
of parent company
materiality, capped at a lower
ISA 600 component
materiality figure)
Reporting threshold
£5,500 (2024: £4,090)
£4,700 (2024: £3,800)
Basis for determining
reporting threshold
5% of group materiality
(2024:
5% of group materiality)
5% of parent company
materiality, capped at a lower
ISA 600 component
materiality figure (2024: 5%
of parent company
materiality, capped at a lower
ISA 600 component
materiality figure)
We reported all audit differences found in excess of our reporting threshold to the audit committee.
For each Group component within the scope of our Group audit, we determined performance materiality
that is less than our overall Group performance materiality. The performance materiality determined for each
Group company was £70,550.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our
audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of
material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest
effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the
engagement team.
These matters, including going concern, were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on
these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. The use of the Going Concern
basis of accounting was assessed as a key audit matter and has been covered in the subsequent Material
uncertainty relating to going concern’ section of this report
Valuation & recoverability of investments £6.3m (2024: £6.3m) & receivables due from subsidiary
companies £5.6m (2024: £4.6m)
Significance and nature of the key audit
matter
The monetary value of both the investment
figure and the receivables balance with
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We confirmed that the subsidiary company,
including the other subsidiary companies owned
by this subsidiary, do not have sufficient net
assets in order to repay the receivable balance.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 32
subsidiary company (Discovery Ventures
Kazakhstan Limited) are highly material.
The recovery risk associated with both figures
is also raised due to the subsidiary not
currently being revenue generating and having
net liabilities at the year end.
We also confirmed that the investment value has
not changed from prior period.
We obtained management’s assessment over
recoverability and audited the key assumptions
included in this, these being;
That the rights to explore the related
reserve areas have been secured via
mining licenses and management
continues to monitor the remaining
licenses for possible impairments in the
future.
That continued exploration of these areas
is budgeted as part of the minimum
spending commitments as per each
mining license.
That early results to date are positive and
that there is no evidence to suggest that
the ultimate commercial viability of the
business is threatened at this stage.
Initial technical reports produced suggest
the estimated net present value of
returns are far in excess of the value of
these assets.
That the Endeavour Mining PLC Earn In
and Joint Venture agreement signed
alongside the strategic investment as at
year end represents compelling
independent third-party validation of the
value of the underlying assets and, by
extension, the investment in DVK.
That the Xinhai Mining – Binding Heads of
Agreement for Verkhuba signed as at
year end provides evidence that the
group’s exploration portfolio carries
economic value substantially in excess of
the current carrying value of the
investment.
We have considered each assumption made and
agree that these are consistent with audit
evidence available.
The Group’s principal operations are conducted
through its Kazakhstan subsidiaries, whose
activities comprise the exploration of gold and
copper prospects at the Verkhuba and Rulikha
projects. These projects represent the Group’s
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 33
core exploration assets and underpin the carrying
value of the Parent Company’s investment in its
Kazakhstan subsidiaries. Accordingly, the
recoverability of the Parent Company’s
investment is dependent on the ongoing technical
and economic prospects of the Verkhuba and
Rulikha projects and the Group’s ability to
continue exploration activities in Kazakhstan.
Work undertaken on the viability of the
exploration projects including valuation and
classification of exploration assets can be seen
below.
Key observations
We have no concerns over the material existence and accuracy of these assets in the financial
statements based on audit evidence available. However, as noted in our going concern section,
given that there is a material uncertainty over going concern arising from the Group’s prerevenue
exploration stage and the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future revenue generation, there
is therefore also a material uncertainty over the recoverability of these balances. This is as the
recovery strategy is ultimately dependent on a commercially successful mining operation.
Valuation & classification of exploration assets £1.9m (2024: £2.4m)
Significance and nature of the key audit
matter
The exploration assets have the potential to be
materially overstated due to the incorrect
capitalisation of exploration expenses as a
result of not meeting the IFRS 6 recognition
criteria. Additionally, impairment indicators
may exist which would trigger the need for an
impairment assessment resulting in the assets
being reduced in value.
The assessment around whether IFRS 6 criteria
is being met as well as the overall impairment
assessment requires a significant level of
estimation and judgement from management.
As such this is considered a key audit risk.
How our audit addressed the key
audit matter
We have considered the stage of all the current
projects being undertaken by the business and
considered the evidence available to determine if
IFRS 6 is the appropriate standard to consider for
the accounting treatment of costs incurred on
these projects.
After determining that the IFRS 6 standard is the
most appropriate accounting basis we selected a
sample of additions for the current year.
Supporting audit evidence was obtained for each
allowing us to determine if capitalisation of the
expenses as in accordance with IFRS 6. We
further determined whether the value and date
of capitalisation was appropriate.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 34
We obtained management’s assessment over
exploration assets and audited the key
assumptions which are listed in the
‘Valuation/recoverability of investments &
receivables in subsidiary companies’ audit risk
assessment.
We have considered each assumption made and
agree that these are consistent with audit
evidence available.
The Group’s principal operations are conducted
through its Kazakhstan subsidiaries, whose
activities comprise the exploration of gold and
copper prospects at the Verkhuba and Rulikha
projects. These projects represent the Group’s
core exploration assets in its Kazakhstan
subsidiaries.
In the prior year, management prepared a
comprehensive technical report on the Verkhuba
Project incorporating valuation and financial
sensitivity analysis, which we reviewed and
stresstested to assess headroom between the
net present value of the projects and the carrying
amount of the related exploration assets. This
analysis demonstrated sufficient financial
headroom at that time. We obtained and
reviewed the current year technical report
prepared for the Rulikha Project, including
assessing the preparer of this to ensure it could
be relied upon. We noted that sensitivity analysis
in the report is limited to technical and
conceptual sensitivities, not financial headroom
in a valuation sense and there is sufficient
technical headroom to support continued
capitalisation of exploration expenditure under
IFRS 6.
An impairment provision was recognised with
respect to the expired licenses during the year.
Key observations
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 35
We have no concerns over the material accuracy of these assets in the financial statements based
on audit evidence available. However, as noted in our going concern section, given that there is a
material uncertainty over going concern arising from the Group’s prerevenue exploration stage
and the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future revenue generation, there is therefore also a
material uncertainty over the recoverability of these balances. This is as the recovery strategy is
ultimately dependent on a commercially successful mining operation.
Material uncertainty relating to going concern
We draw attention to Note 2.2 in the financial statements, which sets out the matters considered
by management in assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and the related
material uncertainty.
East Star Resources PLC is a natural resources exploration group focused on gold and copper. In
order to undertake this work, there will need to be sufficient amounts of cash held in the business
which, at the balance sheet date, was £440,000 (2024: £658,000).
The business has incurred significant losses, totalling to £2.2m in the 12-month period ended 31
December 2025 (2024: year ended loss of £0.9m). Given the significant losses incurred this period
and previous, the Group’s accumulated loss reserves at the balance sheet date are £8.1m (2024:
accumulated losses of £5.8m). These losses are attributable to the ongoing drilling and exploration
expenditure programme which is yet to reach a development stage that could begin to generate
revenues. Subsequent to the year end, the Group’s cash position has strengthened materially
following the receipt of approximately £1.7m in January 2026 from the conversion of the Endeavour
Mining convertible loan note in February 2026. Together with existing cash balances, this provides
the Group with funding headroom over the short to medium term. Accordingly, the Group is able
to fund its current exploration and licence obligations and there is no indication of immediate
liquidity stress.
As part of our evaluation of going concern, we performed the following procedures:
Overheads and debt costs assumptions – we considered projected overheads for the
2026/27 period to ensure that these were reasonable after considering both the current
and expected future profile of the business moving forward.
Credit / cash control management assumptions we identified within the forecasting the
most significant cash inflows and ensured that the valuation and timing of these inflows
were reasonable.
We performed sensitivity analysis to assess the level of working capital headroom should
key assumptions be less favourable than included in management’s model.
We considered post year end performance data available, including the Group’s future
commitments, to gain additional assurance over the effectiveness of management’s
intention to remain as a going concern.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 36
Based on the work we have performed we have gained sufficient assurance in order to rely on
management’s forecasting in forming our assessment. We have also gained assurance over the
credibility of management’s ambitions over the next 12 months, which drives the sustainability of
East Star Resources PLC. We have further confirmed the adequacy of working capital available in
order to settle external liabilities as they fall due and where this is not available, we have reviewed
the directors’ assessment that they can raise the funding required through future share capital
raises.
However, the Group remains in a prerevenue exploration stage, with no committed production
timetable and no operating cash inflows. This situation will remain the same for the foreseeable
future given the timescales involved in moving from the mining exploration stage into full
production stage. As a result, the Group’s continued viability remains dependent on the successful
execution of development plans and ongoing access to funding. While management’s plans and
recent strategic developments are positive and mitigate this risk, they do not eliminate the
underlying uncertainty inherent in a prerevenue exploration business.
Therefore, the above matters indicate the existence of a material uncertainty related to going
concern, arising from the Group’s prerevenue exploration stage and the uncertainty surrounding
the timing of future revenue generation. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter and
the accounts do not include any adjustment which would be required if the company was
determined to not be a going concern.
Our consideration of climate change related risks
The financial impacts on the Group of climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy (climate
change) were considered in our audit where they have the potential to directly or indirectly impact key
judgements and estimates within the financial statements.
The Group continues to develop its assessment of the potential impacts of climate change. Climate risks have
the potential to materially impact the key judgements and estimates within the financial report. Our audit
considered those risks that could be material to the key judgements and estimates in the assessment of the
carrying value of non-current assets and closure and rehabilitation provisions.
The key judgements and estimates included in the financial statements incorporate actions and strategies,
to the extent they have been approved and can be reliably estimated in accordance with the Group’s
accounting policies. Accordingly, our key audit matters address how we have assessed the Group’s climate-
related assumptions to the extent they impact each key audit matter.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial
statements and our Auditor’s report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. Our
opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is
materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit,
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 37
or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent
material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in
the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a
material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Our opinion on the Remuneration report
Kreston Reeves Audit has audited the Remuneration report set out on pages 19 to 22 of the Annual Report
for the financial year. The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of
the Remuneration report in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. Kreston Reeves Audit’s responsibility
is to express an opinion on the Remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with
International Accounting Standards. In Kreston Reeves Audit’s opinion, the Remuneration report of the
Group for the period complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal
requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and its environment
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or
the directors’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our
audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns;
or
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 38
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement (set out on page 17), the directors are
responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and
fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and Parent
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern
and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or
parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes
our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted
in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can
arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial
statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities,
including fraud, is detailed below.
Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud
Based on our understanding of the group and industry, and through discussion with the directors and other
management (as required by auditing standards), we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance
with laws and regulations related to health and safety, anti-bribery and employment law. We considered the
extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also
considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial
statements such as the Companies Act 2006. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout
our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We evaluated
management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements
(including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks were related to posting
inappropriate journal entries to manipulate results, management bias in accounting estimates and
judgemental areas of the financial statements such as the valuation & recoverability of investments and
receivables due from subsidiary companies, valuation of exploration assets, share based payments reserve
and rehabilitation provisions. Audit procedures performed by the group engagement team included:
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the
Group and determined that the most significant are those that relate to the reporting framework
and the relevant mining regulations and tax compliance regulations in the jurisdictions in which
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 39
the Group operates. In addition, we concluded that there are certain significant laws and
regulations that may have an effect on the determination of the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, mainly relating to minimum spending commitments, health and safety,
employee matters, bribery and corruption practices and environmental requirements; and
Detailed discussions were held with management to identify any known or suspected instances of
non- compliance with laws and regulations; and
Identifying and assessing the design effectiveness of controls that management has in place to
prevent and detect fraud; and
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant accounting
estimates. Specifically, in considering the appropriateness to capitalise expenditure as Exploration
assets under IFRS 6; and
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their assessment of the
valuation and recoverability of investments and receivables from subsidiary companies, share
based payments reserve and rehabilitation provisions; and
Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships, including
related party transactions, that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud; and
Confirmation of related parties with management, and review of transactions throughout the
period to identify any previously undisclosed transactions with related parties outside the normal
course of business; and
Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, and reviewing correspondence
with relevant regulatory authorities; and
Performing integrity testing to verify the legitimacy of banking records obtained from
management; and
Review of significant and unusual transactions and evaluation of the underlying financial rationale
supporting the transactions; and
Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any manual entries made at the year-end for
financial statement preparation.
We ensured our audit team had appropriate industry experience of the mining sector. Our audit
planning included considering external market factors, for example geopolitical risk, the potential
impact of climate change and other major trends in the industry
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities,
including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with
regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events
and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances
of non-compliance.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error,
as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override
of internal control.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 40
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events
or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s or the parent company’s ability to
continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to
draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if
such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit
evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions
may cause the Group or the parent company to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the
disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or
business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial
statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit.
We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope
and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal
control that we identify during our audit.
We provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical
requirements regarding independence and communicate with them all relationships and other matters
that may reasonably be thought to bear our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that
were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore
the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes
public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.
Other matters which we are required to address
We were reappointed by the Audit Committee in the period to audit the financial statements. Our total
uninterrupted period of engagement is three periods, covering the financial year ended 31 December 2025.
The non-audit services prohibited by the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard were not provided to
the Group or the Parent company and we remain independent of the Group and the Parent company in
conducting our audit.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EAST STAR
RESOURCES PLC
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 41
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit Committee.
Use of our Report
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of
the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s
members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor report and for no other purpose. To
the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we
have formed.
Anne Dwyer BSc(Hons) FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of
Kreston Reeves Audit LLP
Accountants
Statutory Auditor
London
Date: 11 May 2026
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 42
AuditedAudited
Year ended 31 Year ended 31
December 2025December 2024
Note
£'000
£'000
Continuing Operations
Revenue --
Administrative expenses
4
(949)
(1,387)
Share based payments
20
(66)
(47)
Impairment
10 & 11
(1,286)
(62)
Other income -394
Loss before taxation (2,301)(1,102)
Taxation on loss or ordinary activities
7
-
-
Loss for the year from continuing operations (2,301)(1,102)
Other comprehensive income
8
82
233
Total comprehensive loss for the year
attributable to shareholders from continuing
operations
(2,219)(869)
Basic & dilutive earnings per share - pence
9
(0.54)
(0.42)
The statement of comprehensive income has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing
operations.
The notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 43
Audited Audited
As at 31 December As at 31 December
2025 2024
Note
£'000
£'000
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Exploration assets
10
1,892
2,448
Earn in advance (financial asset)
11
-
-
Property, plant and equipment
12
38
35
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
1,930
2,483
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
14
442
678
Trade and other receivables
16
2,056
110
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
2,498
788
TOTAL ASSETS
4,428
3,271
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Convertible Loan Note
17
1,711
-
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
1,711
-
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
18
282
116
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
282
116
TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,993
116
NET ASSETS
2,435
3,155
EQUITY
Share capital
19
4,752
3,975
Share premium
19
9,834
9,178
Share based payments reserve
20
420
354
Foreign exchange reserve
346
264
Reverse acquisition reserve
22
(4,795)
(4,795)
Retained earnings
(8,122)
(5,821)
TOTAL EQUITY
2,435
3,155
* Non-controlling interest of £29 (2024: £29)
exists with business partner (Tau Ken Samruk) not stated
above
The Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and consequently a profit and
loss account has not been presented for the Company. The Company’s total comprehensive loss for the
financial period was £614,000 (2024: £144,000). The financial statements were approved and authorised for
issue by the board on 11 May 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
……………………………….. Non-Executive Chairman – Sandy Barblett
The notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 44
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board on 11 May 2026 and were
signed on its behalf by:
………………………………..
Non-Executive Chairman – Sandy Barblett
The notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
Audited
As at 31 December
2025
Audited
As at 31 December
2024
Note
£'000
£'000
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Investment in subsidiary 13 6,269
6,269
Intercompany receivables 15 5,593
4,571
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
11,862
10,840
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 14 440
658
Trade and other receivables 16 2,004
52
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
2,444
710
TOTAL ASSETS
14,306
11,550
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Convertible Loan Note 17 1,711
-
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
1,711
-
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 18 227
67
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
227
67
TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,938
67
NET ASSETS
12,368
11,483
EQUITY
Share capital 19 4,752
3,975
Share premium 19 9,834
9,178
Share based payments reserve 20 420
354
Retained Earnings
(2,638)
(2,024)
TOTAL EQUITY
12,368
11,483
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 45
S
hare
based Foreign Reverse Share
Share Share payment exchange acquisition Capital to Retained Total
Capital Premiumreservereserve reservebe issuedEarnings Equity
£’000£’000£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Balance at 31 December 2023
2,187
6,052307
31
(4,795)
3,750
(4,719)
2,813
Loss for period
-
--
-
-
-
(1,102)
(1,102)
Other comprehensive income
-
--
233
-
-
-
233
Total comprehensive income for year
-
- -
233
-
-
(1,102)
(869)
Transactions with owners in own capacity
Ordinary Shares issued in the period
1,788
3,178-
-
-
(3,750)
-
1,216
Share Issue Costs
-
(52)
-
-
-
-
-
(52)
Share based payments
-
-
47
-
-
-
-
47
Transactions with owners in own capacity
1,788
3,12647
-
(3,750)
-
1,211
Balance at 31 December 2024
3,975
9,178354
264
(4,795)
-
(5,82 1)
3,155
Loss for period
-
--
-
-
-
(2,301)
(2,301)
Other comprehensive income
-
--
82
-
-
-
82
Total comprehensive income for year
-
- -
82
-
-
(2,301)
(2,219)
Transactions with owners in own capacity
Ordinary Shares issued in the period 777 710 -
-
-
-
-
1,487
Share Issue Costs
- (54)
-
-
-
-
-
(54)
Share based payments - - 66
-
-
-
-
66
Transactions with owners in own capacity
777
656 66 - - -
-
1,499
Balance at 31 December 2025 4,752 9,834420
346
(4,795)
-
(8,12 2)
2,435
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 46
Share
capital
Share
premium
Share
based
payment
reserve
Share
capital
to issue
Retained
earnings
Total
equity
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Balance at 31 December 2023 2,187
6,052
307
3,750
(1,880)
10,416
Loss for period -
-
-
-
(144)
(144)
Other comprehensive income -
-
-
-
-
-
Total comprehensive income for
year
-
-
-
-
(144)
(144)
Transactions with owners in own
capacity
Ordinary shares issued in the
period
1,788
3,178
-
(3,750)
-
1,216
Share issue costs -
(52)
-
-
-
(52)
Share based payments -
-
47
-
-
47
Transactions with owners in own
capacity
1,788
3,126
47
(3,750)
-
1,211
Balance at 31 December 2024 3,975
9,178
354
-
(2,024)
11,483
Loss for period -
-
-
-
(
614
)
(
614
)
Other comprehensive income -
-
-
-
-
-
Total comprehensive income for
year
-
-
-
-
(614)
(614)
Transactions with owners in own
capacity
Ordinary shares issued in the
period
777
710
-
-
-
1,487
Share issue costs -
(54)
-
-
-
(54)
Share based payments -
-
66
-
-
66
Transactions with owners in own
capacity
777
656
66
-
-
1,499
Balance at 31 December 2025 4,752
9,834
420
-
(2,638)
12,368
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 47
Year ended
Year
ended
31 December 31 December
20252024
Note
£'000
£'000
Cash flow from operating activities
Loss before taxation for the financial year (2,301)(1,102)
Adjustments for:
Share based payments 20 6647
Settlement of fees through issue of equity -10
Impairment charge on exploration assets * 10 1,28662
Foreign exchange movements 187395
Depreciation 12 931
Changes in working capital:
(Increase) / Decrease in trade and other receivables 16 (1,946)9
Increase in trade and other payables 18 1665
Net cash outflow from operating activities (2,533)(543)
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment in exploration assets 10 (821)(578)
Purchase of property, plant & equipment 12 (13)(33)
Net cash flow from investing activities (834)(611)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares 19 1,4871,196
Proceeds from issue of convertible loan notes 17 1,711-
Share issue costs 19 (54)(52)
Net cash flow from financing activities 3,1441,144
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (223)(10)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 678635
Foreign exchange effect on cash balance (13)53
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
14
442
678
* Impairment charge is adjusted to reflect the true cash impact in the period and hence will not reconcile
directly to the value in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
The notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 48
Year ended
31 December 2025
Year ended
31 December 2024
Note
£'000
£'000
Cash flow from operating activities
Loss for the financial year
(614)
(144)
Adjustments for:
Share based payments 20 66
47
Settlement of fees through issue of equity
0
20
Changes in working capital:
(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables 16 (1,952)
(5)
(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables 18 160
(15)
Net cash outflow from operating activities
(2,340)
(97)
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment in subsidiaries 13 -
(1)
Loans to subsidiaries 15 (1,022)
(897)
Net cash flow from investing activities
(1,022)
(898)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares 19 1,487
1,196
Proceeds from issue of convertible loan note 17 1,711
-
Share issue costs 19 (54)
(52)
Net cash flow from financing activities
3,144
1,144
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(218)
149
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
658
509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 14 440
658
The notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 49
1. General Information
East Star Resources PLC (“the Company”) was incorporated on 17 November 2020 in England and Wales and
remains domiciled there with Registered Number 13025608 under the Companies Act 2006, under the name
Cawmed Resources Limited. The Company subsequently changed its name to East Star Resources Limited on
27 January 2021 and on 3 March 2021 re-registered as a PLC.
The address of its registered office and principal place of business is Eccleston Yards, 25 Eccleston Place,
London SW1W 9NF, United Kingdom .
The principal activity of the Group is to explore opportunities in the natural resources sector specifically in
relation to gold and copper extraction.
The Company originally listed on the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) on 4 May 2021. The Company was
suspended from trading on 19 July 2021 whilst managing a reverse takeover transaction and was then re-
admitted to trading on 10
January 2022. The Company successfully completed the acquisition of its
Kazakhstan based subsidiary – “Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited” on 10 January 2022 and since then
has been increasing exploration operations within the region. The consolidated financial statements are
presented for the Company and all of its subsidiaries (“the Group”).
The Group Financial Statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with UK-
adopted International Accounting Standards (”IAS UK”), International standards and Interpretations
(collectively IFRSs) issued by the International Accounting Standards Boards (IASB) and with those parts of
the Companies Act 2006 applicable to those companies reporting under IFRS.
2. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in preparation of these financial statements are set out below.
These policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.
2.1 Basis of preparation
The consolidated and parent company financial statements ("financial statements") for the period ended 31
December 2025 have been prepared by East Star Resources PLC in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards ("IAS UK") and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The Financial Statements
have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The functional currency for each entity in the Group is determined as the currency of the primary economic
environment in which it operates. The functional currency of the Company is Pounds Sterling (£) as this is
the currency that finance was raised in.
The functional currency of its subsidiaries is the Kazakhstan Tenge. For all subsidiaries these are the
currencies that mainly influence labour, material and other costs of providing services. However, the
presentational currency for the subsidiaries is United States Dollar ($) as this is the currency that the
subsidiaries are required to report to national mining authorities in.
The Group has chosen to present its consolidated financial statements in Pounds Sterling (£), as the Directors
believe it is a more convenient presentational currency for users of the consolidated financial statements.
Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out below.
The accounting period for the Group covers the year ending on 31 December 2025. The financial statements
are presented in Pounds Sterling and rounded to the nearest thousand (£'000).
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 50
Basis of measurement
The Financial Statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis.
Reverse acquisition accounting treatment
During the period ended 31 December 2022, the Company acquired the entire share capital of Discovery
Ventures Kazakhstan Ltd. As the Company (“accounting acquiree”) was purely a cash shell at time of
acquisition it did not constitute a business and therefore the acquisition was treated as a reverse acquisition
of DVK (“accounting acquirer”) and outside the scope of IFRS 3.
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty are disclosed in note 2.17.
2.2 Going concern
The Directors have prepared financial forecasts to estimate the likely cash requirements of the Group over
the 18 months from sign off of the annual report. In preparing these financial forecasts, the Directors have
made certain assumptions with regard to the timing and amount of future expenditure, the receipt of
management fee income from Endeavour Mining PLC under the Earn-In and Joint Venture Agreement, and
prevailing exchange rates. The Directors have considered the sensitivity of the financial forecasts to changes
in key assumptions, including potential cost overruns within committed spend and movements in USD:GBP
and KZT:GBP exchange rates.
The assessment takes account of two transformational transactions completed before 31 December 2025:
the binding Earn-In and Joint Venture Agreement with Endeavour Mining PLC (signed 13 November 2025),
under which Endeavour commits to invest up to US$25 million in staged exploration expenditure across the
Group's Kazakh gold licences with East Star expressly free-carried throughout; and the associated Endeavour
strategic investment of £1,807,600. Subsequent to the year end, Endeavour converted its £1,711,000
convertible loan note in full into ordinary shares in February 2026, and East Star formalised a binding joint
venture agreement with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services Limited in March 2026, under which Xinhai will
fund an estimated US$65 million to take the Verkhuba Copper Deposit to production at no further cost to
East Star. Under a conservative base case budget covering the 18-month period to 30 June 2027, the Group's
cash balance remains positive throughout, reaching a minimum of approximately US$2.4 million at 30 June
2027, with no additional fundraising assumed.
The Group remains in a pre-revenue exploration stage, and its continued viability beyond the period of the
going concern forecast is dependent on the successful execution of its development plans and on continued
access to funding. Whilst the recent strategic transactions described above are positive and serve to mitigate
this risk, they do not eliminate the underlying uncertainty inherent in a pre-revenue exploration business.
The Directors therefore consider, consistent with the position taken in the prior year and as is common for
exploration-stage companies, that conditions exist which represent a material uncertainty that may cast
significant doubt over the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern. This material
uncertainty is also referred to in the Auditor's Report.
After due consideration of these forecasts, current cash resources, the Group's partnership arrangements
and the sensitivity of key inputs, and notwithstanding the material uncertainty described above, the
Directors are satisfied that the going concern basis of preparation remains appropriate. The Group will have
adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period
of at least 12 months from the date of this report, and for this reason the financial statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would be
required should the going concern basis of preparation no longer be appropriate.
2.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities
controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Per IFRS 10, control is
achieved when the Company:
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 51
has the power over the investee;
is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
has the ability to use its power to affects its returns.
The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there
are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above. When the Company has less than
a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it considers that it has power over the investee when the voting
rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally.
The Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company’s
voting rights in an investee are sufficient to give it power, including:
the size of the Company’s holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of
the other vote holders;
potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;
rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and
any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have,
the current ability to direct the relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made,
including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings.
Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when
the Company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of
during the year are included in profit or loss from the date the Company gains control until the date when
the Company ceases to control the subsidiary. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial
statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with the Group’s accounting policies.
All intragroup assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions
between the members of the Group are eliminated on consolidation.
2.4 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, and demand deposits with banks and other
financial institutions. The Group holds the majority of group funds in Lloyds bank equivalent accounts
through a forex platform (Alpha FX). Supplementary working capital funds are held in online banking
platforms in the UK (Alpha, Revolut account was closed effective June 2025) and physical banks in
Kazakhstan.
2.5 Equity
Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued.
The Share premium account includes any premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any
transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from the Share premium account, net
of any related income tax benefits.
Equity-settled share-based payments are credited to a share-based payment reserve as a component of
equity until related options or warrants are exercised or lapse.
Retained losses includes all current and prior period results as disclosed in the income statement.
Foreign currency differences are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign
exchange reserve except to the extent that the translation difference is allocated to non-controlling
interests.
The reverse acquisition reserve was recognised during the formation of the Group when the legal acquiree
was considered to be the accounting acquirer under the rules of IFRS 3. As the accounting acquiree was not
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 52
a business under IFRS 3, a part of the transaction was outside the scope of IFRS 3. This resulted in the
recognition of a ‘reverse acquisition reserve’ on consolidation and is set out in more detail in note 20.
Share capital to issue reserve relates to shares to be settled via the issue of the Company’s shares at the
year-end which meet the definition of equity per IAS 32 are classified as shares to be issue within equity and
are held at fair value.
2.6 Foreign currency translation
The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a
hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are
translated into the presentation currency as follows:
i) assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing
rate at the date of that statement;
ii) income and expenses for each income statement are translated at spot exchange rates (unless the
spot is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the
transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the
transactions); and
iii) all resulting exchange differences are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and
accumulated in the foreign exchange reserve in equity.
When a foreign operation is disposed of in its entirety or partially such that control is lost, the cumulative
amount in the translation reserve related to that foreign operation is reclassified to profit or loss as part of
the gain or loss on disposal. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive
income and accumulated in a foreign exchange reserve (attributed to non-controlling interests as
appropriate).
2.7 Financial instruments
IFRS 9 requires an entity to address the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and
liabilities.
a) Classification
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:
those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through Other comprehensive income or
through profit or loss);
those to be measured at amortised cost; and
those to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss.
The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the
contractual terms of the cash flows.
For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will be recorded either in profit or loss or in OCI. For
investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether the Group has
made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair
value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).
b) Recognition
Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade date (that is, the date on which the Group
commits to purchase or sell the asset). Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash
flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 53
c) Measurement
At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset
not at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition
of the financial asset.
Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVPL are expensed in profit or loss.
Debt instruments
Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows
represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost. Interest income from
these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss
arising on derecognition is recognised directly in profit or loss and presented in other gains/(losses) together
with foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses are presented as a separate line item in the
statement of profit or loss.
Equity instruments
The Group subsequently measures all equity investments at fair value. Where the Group’s management has
elected to present fair value gains and losses on equity investments in OCI, there is no subsequent
reclassification of fair value gains and losses to profit or loss following the derecognition of the investment.
Dividends from such investments continue to be recognised in profit or loss as other income when the
Group’s right to receive payments is established. Changes in the fair value of financial assets at FVPL
are recognised in other gains/(losses) in the statement of profit or loss as applicable. Impairment losses (and
reversal of impairment losses) on equity investments measured at FVOCI are not reported separately from
other changes in fair value.
d) Impairment
The Group assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the expected credit losses associated with any debt
instruments carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has
been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach
permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the
receivables.
2.8 Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using
the effective interest method, less any allowance for expected credit losses. Trade receivables are generally
due for settlement within 30 days.
2.9 Trade and other payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the consolidated entity prior to the
end of the financial year and which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature, they are measured at
amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of
recognition.
2.10 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated
impairment losses.
When the Group acquires any plant and equipment it is stated in the accounts at its cost of acquisition less
a provision.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 54
Depreciation is charged to write off the costs less estimated residual value of plant and equipment on a
straight basis over their estimated useful lives being:
- Plant and equipment 5-7 years
- Furniture and fittings 5-7 years
- Computer equipment 3 years
- Motor vehicles 5 years
Estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed each year and amended as required.
2.11 Exploration and evaluation assets
Intangible assets represent exploration and evaluation assets (IFRS 6 assets), being the cost of acquisition by
the Group of rights, licences and know-how. Such expenditure requires the immediate write-off of
exploration and development expenditure that the Directors do not consider to be supported by the
existence of commercial reserves.
All costs associated with mineral exploration and investments, are capitalised on a project-by-project basis,
pending determination of the feasibility of the project. Costs incurred include appropriate technical and
administrative expenses but not general overheads and these assets are not amortised until technical
feasibility and commercial viability is established. If an exploration project is successful, the related
expenditures will be transferred to “mining assets” and amortised over the estimated life of the commercial
ore reserves on a unit of production basis.
The recoverability of all exploration and development costs is dependent upon the discovery of economically
recoverable reserves, the ability of the Group to obtain necessary financing to complete the development of
reserves and future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.
Exploration and evaluation assets shall no longer be classified as such when the technical feasibility and
commercial viability of extracting mineral resources are demonstrable. When relevant, such assets shall be
assessed for impairment, and any impairment loss recognised, before reclassification to “Mine
development”.
2.12 Share based payments
The Group has made awards of warrants and options on its unissued share capital to certain parties in return
for services provided to the Group. The valuation of these warrants involved making a number of critical
estimates relating to price volatility, future dividend yields, expected life of the options and interest rates.
These assumptions have been integrated into the Black Scholes Option Pricing model and the Monte Carlo
valuation model to derive a value for any share-based payments. These assumptions are described in more
detail in the notes.
2.13 Taxation
Tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the period. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported
in the income statement because it excludes items of income and expense that are taxable or deductible in
other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The liability for current tax is
calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on temporary differences between the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities in the group or parent company financial statements and the corresponding
tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability
method. As there is no reasonable expectation of future revenues to which tax losses could be applied no
deferred tax asset has been recognised.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 55
2.14 Leases
The Group recognises the guidelines set out in “IFRS 16 Leasesand are allocated between principal and
finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period. Right-of-use assets are
measured at cost which comprises the following:
- The amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;
- Any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received;
- Any initial direct costs; and
- Restoration costs.
Payments associated with short-term leases (term less than 12 months) and all leases of low-value assets
(generally less than £5k) are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. The short term
lease exemption has been utilised by the Group in relation to property leases held in the Kazakhstan and the
UK. These leases are on a rolling month-month basis and hence there is no long term commitment entered
into and are also low-value assets.
2.15 Contingent asset
A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events, and whose existence will be confirmed
only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the
control of the entity. Contingent assets in these financial statements relate to VAT that is only offsetable
against future revenue and hence these amounts are contingent on this occurrence and are classified as so.
2.16 Other comprehensive income
Gains or losses on the translation of currencies into the presentational currency are recognised as other
comprehensive income in the Statement of Profit and Loss and Other Comprehensive Income and
transferred to a separate foreign exchange reserve under equity.
2.17 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates
and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are
recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. The areas
involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are
significant to the financial statements, are disclosed below:
Impairment of investments and loans to subsidiaries – Note 13 & 15
The Group and the Company assess at each reporting date whether there is any objective evidence that
investments in and loans to subsidiaries are impaired. The value of the Company’s investment in DVK
amounts to £6.269 million (2024: £6.269 million) and intercompany loans amount to £5.593 million (2024:
£4.571 million). To determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment, a considerable amount of
estimation is required in assessing the ultimate realisation of these investments/receivables, including
valuation, creditworthiness and future cashflows. As at the year end the Directors do not assess there to be
any impairment of these amounts.
Recoverable value of exploration assets – Note 10
Costs capitalised in respect of the Group’s mining assets are required to be assessed for impairment under
the provisions of IFRS 6. The carrying value of the Group's exploration assets at 31 December 2025 was
£1.892 million (2024: £2.448 million). An impairment charge of £1.286 million was recognised in the year
(see Note 10). Such an estimate requires the Group to exercise judgement in respect of the indicators of
impairment and also in respect of inputs used in the models which are used to support the carrying value of
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 56
the assets. Such inputs include estimates of mineral reserves, production profiles, commodity prices, capital
expenditure, inflation rates, and pre-tax discount rates that reflect current market assessments of (a) the
time value of money; and (b) the risks specific to the asset for which the future cash flow estimates have not
been adjusted. Management have concluded that it is appropriate to process an impairment charge in the
year in relation to exploration assets and can be further evidenced at note 10.
Rehabilitation and restoration provisions – Note 11
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether a rehabilitation and restoration provision is required
under IAS 37 in respect of its exploration activities in Kazakhstan. This assessment requires judgement in
determining whether the three recognition criteria are met: a present obligation arising from a past event, a
probable outflow of resources, and a reliable estimate of the amount. As at 31 December 2025, the Directors
have concluded that none of these criteria are met in respect of the Group's active exploration licences. No
decision has been taken to cease operations on any active licence and no physical disturbance has occurred
that would crystallise a present restoration obligation. The Directors will continue to monitor this position as
exploration activities advance.
Share based payments – Note 20
The Group issues options and warrants to its employees, directors, investors and advisors. These are valued
in accordance with IFRS 2 “Share-based payments” with expense for the year being £0.07 million (2024: £0.05
million). In calculating the related charge on issuing shares and warrants the Group will use a variety of
estimates and judgements in respect of inputs used including share price volatility, risk free rate, and
expected life. Changes to these inputs may impact the related charge.
In the period the Group implemented a long-term incentive program for employees which can be evidence
further at note 20. These options have various vesting dates and conditions and have been valued using the
Black-Scholes method to assign an appropriate value in the financial statements.
2.18 New standards and interpretations adopted by the Group in the Year
The standards and interpretations that are relevant to the Group, effective in this financial year are listed
below. There has been no impact on the financial statements from the adoption of these standards.
Standard
Impact on initial application
Effective date
Amendments to IAS 21
Lack of Exchangeability
An entity is impacted by the amendments
when it has a transaction or an operation in a
foreign currency that is not exchangeable into
another currency at a measurement date for a
specified purpose.
A currency is exchangeable when there is an
ability to obtain the other currency (with a
normal administrative delay), and the
transaction would take place through a market
or exchange mechanism that creates
enforceable rights and obligations.
There has been no impact on the financial
statements from the adoption of this standard.
Annual periods
beginning on or after
1 January 2025
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 57
2.19 Future new standards and interpretations not yet adopted by the Group
The standards and interpretations that are relevant to the Group, effective in future financial years are listed
below. The Directors do not expect there to be an impact on the financial statements from the adoption of
these standards when they do become effective.
Standard
Impact on initial application
Effective date
Amendment to IFRS 9
and IFRS 7
Classification and
Measurement of
Financial Instruments
These amendments:
- clarify the requirements for the timing of
recognition and derecognition of some
financial assets and liabilities, with a new
exception for some financial liabilities settled
through an electronic cash transfer system;
- clarify and add further guidance for assessing
whether a financial asset meets the solely
payments of principal and interest (SPPI)
criterion;
- add new disclosures for certain instruments
with contractual terms that can change cash
flows (such as instruments with features linked
to the achievement of ESG targets); and
- make updates to the disclosures for equity
instruments designated at Fair Value through
Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI).
1 January 2026
(early adoption
permitted)
Amendment to IFRS 9
and IFRS 7 – Power
Purchase
Agreements (PPAs)
These amendments address power purchase
agreements. The amendments outline the factors that
an entity must consider when applying the ‘own-use
exception under IFRS 9 to contracts for purchasing and
taking delivery of renewable electricity. This is
particularly relevant when the electricity source is
dependent on natural factors and the purchaser faces
significant volume risk.
1 January 2026
(early adoption
permitted)
IFRS 18
Presentation and
Disclosure in
Financial Statements
This is the new standard on presentation and
disclosure in financial statements, with a focus on
updates to the statement of profit or loss. The key new
concepts introduced in IFRS 18 relate to:
the structure of the statement of profit or loss;
required disclosures in the financial statements for
certain profit or loss performance measures that
are reported outside an entity’s financial
statements (that is, management-defined
performance measures); and
enhanced principles on aggregation and
disaggregation which apply to the primary financial
statements and notes in general
1 January 2027
(early adoption
permitted)
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 58
3. Segmental analysis
The Group manages its operations in two segments, being exploration activities in Kazakhstan and corporate
functions in the United Kingdom. The results of these segments are regularly reviewed by the board as a
basis for the allocation of resources, in conjunction with individual investment appraisals, and to assess their
performance.
The Group generated no revenue during the year ended 31 December 2025 (2024: £nil).
31 December 2025
United Kingdom
Kazakhstan Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
Administrative expenses
(546)
(403) (949)
Share based payments
(66)
- (66)
Impairment charge
-
(1,286) (1,286)
Other income
-
- -
Operating loss from continued operations (612) (1,689) (2,301)
per reportable segment
Reportable segment assets
2,
586
1,842
4,428
Reportable segment liabilities
(
1,938
)
(
5
5
)
(
1,99
3
)
Total
648
1,78
7
2,43
5
31 December 2024
United Kingdom
Kazakhstan Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
Administrative expenses
(491)
(896) (1,387)
Share based payments
(47)
- (47)
Impairment charge
-
(62) (62)
Other income
394
- 394
Operating loss from continued operations (144) (958) (1,102)
per reportable segment
Reportable segment assets
785
2,486
3,271
Reportable segment liabilities
(67)
(49)
(116)
Total
718
2,437
3,155
Segment assets and liabilities are allocated based on geographical location.
Standard
Impact on initial application
Effective date
IFRS 19 – Subsidiaries
without Public
Accountability:
Disclosures
This new standard works alongside other IFRS
Accounting Standards. An eligible subsidiary
applies the requirements in other IFRS Accounting
Standards except for the disclosure requirements
and instead applies the reduced disclosure
requirements in IFRS 19.
it does not have public accountability; and
it has an ultimate or intermediate parent that
produces consolidated financial statements
available for public use that comply with IFRS
Accounting Standards.
1 January 2027 (early
adoption permitted)
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 59
4. Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses for the Group can further be broken down as per below:
Year ended Year ended
31 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2024
£'000 £'000
Professional fees (147) (196)
Directors’ fees (173) (116)
Salaries & wages (169) (82)
Geological consulting and exploration costs (2) (15)
Insurance (23) (6)
Consultants (27) (52)
Travel (67) (33)
Foreign Exchange (254) (788)
Other administrative expenses (87) (99)
Administrative expenses (949) (1,387)
5. Employees
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including directors) during the period ended 31
December 2025 was:
202
5
2024
Management
5
5
Non
-
management
8
8
13 13
The highest paid director received total remuneration of £196,000 (2024: £147,000).
6. Auditor’s Remuneration
Year
ended 31
Year
ended
31
December 2025 December 2024
£'000 £'000
Fees payable for the audit of the
Group’s financial statements
4
8
4
6
4
8
4
6
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 60
7. Taxation
Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2025 2024
A reconciliation of the tax charge appearing
£’000 £’000
in the income statement to the tax that
would result from applying the standard
rate of tax to the results for the year is:
Loss per accounts
(
2
,
301
)
(1,102)
Tax credit at the weighted standard
average rate of corporation tax in the UK
of 25% and Kazakhstan of 20%
(491)
(227)
Adjustment for items disallowable for tax
66
47
Tax losses for which no deferred tax is
recognised
425 180
Tax expense recognised in accounts
-
-
The Group has estimated tax losses carried forward of £6,028,000 (2024: £3,870,000) The taxed value of the
unrecognised deferred tax asset is £1,147,000 (2024: £722,000) and these losses do not expire. No deferred
tax assets in respect of tax losses have been recognised in the accounts as there is currently insufficient
evidence of the timing of suitable future taxable profits against which they can be recovered.
There are no other factors following this change that may affect future tax charges.
8. Other comprehensive income
Items credited to the other comprehensive income line in the statement of comprehensive income relate
to the impact of foreign exchange movements when translating the statement of financial position from
functional to presentational currencies on consolidation. The corresponding movement is offset against the
foreign exchange reserve in the statement of financial position:
Year ended 31
Year
ended 31
December 2025 December 2024
£'000 £'000
Foreign currency movements
82
233
82
233
9. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss for the
year by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
Year ended
Year
ended
31 December 31 December
2025 2024
Loss attributable to shareholders of East Star Resources PLC - £’000
(2,301)
(1,102)
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 61
Weighted number of ordinary shares in issue
424,291,761
264,288,870
Basic & dilutive earnings per share from continuing operations
(0.54) (0.42)
pence
There is no difference between the diluted loss per share and the basic loss per share presented. Share
options and warrants could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future but due to the group
making a loss they were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive
for the year and prior year presented.
10. Exploration assets
Group
£’000
Cost and carrying value
1 January 202
4
2,
149
Additions
578
Foreign exchange
(
249
)
Impairment on licenses
(
30
)
At 31 December 202
4
2,
448
Additions
821
Foreign exchange
(9
1
)
Impairment on licenses
(1,286)
At 31 December 202
5
1,892
Exploration and evaluation assets relate specifically to expenditure incurred to support the exploitation of
exploration licences held by the Group's Kazakhstan-based subsidiaries. Following the termination of the
Rudny Resources licences during the year, the Group holds a total of 8 active licences across three mineral
provinces of Kazakhstan, being the Rudny Altai VMS belt, the Karaganda / Balkash-Ili arc and the Chu-Ili
region.
In accordance with IFRS 6, the Directors undertook an assessment of the following areas and circumstances
which could indicate the existence of impairment:
The Group's right to explore in an area has expired, or will expire in the near future without renewal;
No further exploration or evaluation is planned by the Company or in conjunction with potential
joint venture partners;
The Board may consider to discontinue exploration and evaluation in an area due to the absence of
a commercial level of reserves;
Existing joint venture agreements have been terminated;
Sufficient data exists to indicate that the book value may not be fully recovered from future
development and production.
Following this assessment, the Directors concluded that an impairment charge of £1,285,476 (KZT
883,645,525) was required in the current year in respect of the following licences:
Rudny Resources Limited £1,242,077 (KZT 853,812,758): The impairment represents the full write-
off of capitalised exploration expenditure following the termination on 23 September 2025 of two
exploration licences prior to commercial discovery: Licence No. 847-EL (Novo 2) and Licence No. 914-
EL (Novo 1). No further exploration activity will be undertaken under these licences.
Copperland Limited — £43,399 (KZT 29,832,766): The impairment represents the write-off of
capitalised exploration expenditure in respect of Licence No. 2483-EL (Ayagoz), relinquished by
Copperland Ltd prior to commercial discovery. The Copperland subsidiary continues to hold two
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 62
active exploration licences Snowy (2506-EL) and Piket (3720-EL) under which exploration
activities are ongoing.
A 10% movement either way in the KZT/GBP exchange rate would change the carrying value by
approximately £189,000 (2024: £245,000).
11. Earn in advance (financial asset)
Group
£’000
Cost and carrying value
1 January 202
4
-
Additions
32
Foreign exchange
-
Impairment on licenses
(
32)
At 31 December 202
4
-
Additions
-
Impairment on licenses
-
At 31 December 202
5
-
The licences held jointly with Phoenix Mining Ltd in relation to rare earths are referred to above as a financial
asset as they do not currently satisfy all the requirements of IFRS 6 to be capitalised as an exploration asset.
In the prior year, an amount of £32,000 was incurred with respect to potential rehabilitation costs for the
Talyryk licences which was impaired immediately.
Rehabilitation and Restoration Provisions
The Group has assessed its rehabilitation and restoration obligations in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions,
Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets in respect of its exploration activities in Kazakhstan as at 31
December 2025. The Directors have concluded that no rehabilitation provision is required. The Group's
current exploration activities do not give rise to present obligations for site restoration that meet the IAS 37
recognition criteria of a present obligation, probable outflow and reliable estimate. No rehabilitation
expenditure was incurred during the year ended 31 December 2025. The Directors will continue to monitor
rehabilitation obligations as exploration activities advance and will recognise a provision at the earliest point
at which the IAS 37 recognition criteria are met.
12. Property, plant & equipment
Furniture
Motor Plant and and Computer Total
vehicle equipment fittings equipment
Group £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cost
Opening balance
1 January 202
5
2
8
31
2
7
68
Additions
12
-
-
1
13
Foreign exchange
(
1
)
-
-
-
(
1)
At
31 December 202
5
3
9
31
2
8
80
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 63
Depreciation
Opening balance
1 January 202
5
(1)
(26)
(1)
(5)
(33)
Charge for the year
(4)
(3)
-
(2)
(9)
At 31 December 202
5
(
5
)
(2
9
)
(1)
(
7
)
(
42
)
Net book value 31 December 202
4
27
5
1
2
35
Net book value 31 December 202
5
3
4
2
1
1
3
8
Furniture
Motor Plant and and Computer Total
vehicle equipment fittings equipment
Group £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cost
Opening balance
1 January 2024
-
31
2
7
40
Additions
31
-
-
2
33
Foreign exchange
(3)
-
-
(2)
(5)
At 31 December 2024
28
31
2
7
68
Depreciation
Opening balance
1 January 2024
-
(19)
(1)
(3)
(23)
Charge for the year
(1)
(7)
-
(2)
(10)
At 31 December 2024
(1)
(26)
(1)
(5)
(33)
Net book value 31 December 2023
-
12
1
4
17
Net book value 31 December 2024
27
5
1
2
35
13. Investment in subsidiaries
Company
£’000
Cost and carrying value
3
1
December
202
3
6,268
Additions during the year
1
At 31 December 202
4
6,26
9
Additions during the year -
At 31 December 202
5
6,
269
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 64
List of Subsidiaries
* Subsidiaries held indirectly through Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan
** Subsidiary held indirectly through MVLKAZ Holdings Limited
Incorporation of Joint Venture Entities — Endeavour Mining JV
Subsequent to the year end, East Star procured the incorporation in the Astana International Financial Centre
of Cook JV Co, a private company limited by shares, being the joint venture company ("JVCO") established
pursuant to the Earn-In and Joint Venture Agreement with Endeavour Exploration Limited dated 13
November 2025. Cook JV Co in turn incorporated a subsidiary, Cook Exploration, as a limited liability
partnership under Kazakhstani law, to hold and operate the Project Licences in accordance with the terms
of the Agreement. Both entities were incorporated after 31 December 2025 and are accordingly not included
in the list of subsidiaries as at the balance sheet date.
At the date of approval of these financial statements, East Star holds 100% of Cook JV Co pending
Endeavour's acquisition of its earn-in interest through staged exploration investment of up to US$25 million.
Prior to acquiring its Stage 1 earn-in interest, Endeavour holds negative control rights as creditor of Cook JV
Co under the associated Loan Agreement. Cook JV Co and Cook Exploration will be consolidated from the
date of their incorporation. However, upon Endeavour acquiring its Stage 1 earn-in interest of 51%, East
Star's interest in Cook JV Co will reduce to 49% and the entity will be deconsolidated and reclassified as a
joint arrangement, accounted for using the equity method in accordance with IFRS 11. Given that the Stage
1 work programme commenced in 2026 with US$2.3 million already committed by Endeavour, it is possible
Name
Business
Activity
Country of
%age
%age
Incorporatio Holding Holding
n
Registered Address
2025 2024
Discovery
VP 32, building 12/1,
Ventures Mineral Kazakhstan Dinmuhamed Konaev street,
100%
100%
Kazakhstan exploration Yesil district, Astana,
Limited Z05H9B0, Kazakhstan
bld. 12/1, VP 32, 3rd floor,
Chu Ili Resources Mineral Kazakhstan IHUB coworking, D. Konayev
80%
80%
ltd* exploration Street, Yessil district, Astana
city, Z05H9B0, Kazakhstan
bld. 12/1, VP 32, 3rd floor,
Rudny Resources Mineral Kazakhstan IHUB coworking, D. Konayev
80%
80%
ltd* exploration Street, Yessil district, Astana
city, Z05H9B0, Kazakhstan
bld. 12/1, VP 32, 3rd floor,
Copperland Mineral Kazakhstan IHUB coworking, D. Konayev
100%
100%
Limited * exploration Street, Yessil district, Astana
city, Z05H9B0, Kazakhstan
MVLKAZ Holdings Holding United Eccleston Yards, 25 Eccleston
100%
100%
Limited company Kingdom Place, London, SW1W 9NF
VP 32, building 12/1,
MVLKAZ Limited Mineral Kazakhstan Dinmuhamed Konaev street,
100%
100 %
** exploration Yesil district, Astana,
Z05H9B0, Kazakhstan
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 65
that this transition occurs during the year ending 31 December 2026. The Group will disclose the impact of
this transition in its consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2026.
14. Cash and cash equivalents
Group Company
As at
As at
As at
As at
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2025 2024 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cash at bank
442
678 440 658
15. Inter-company receivable
Company
As at
31
As at
31
December 2025 December 2024
£'000 £'000
Inter
-
company loan
receivable
5,593
4,571
5,593
4,571
16. Trade and other receivables
Group Company
As at
As at
As at
As at
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2025 2024 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
VAT receivable
13
23 13 23
Prepayments
25
24 17 19
Other debtors
2,018
63 1,974 10
2,056 110 2,004 52
Expected credit loss model under IFRS 9 has not been applied with respect to receivables due to this being
inappropriate for the above receivables. Other debtors increased significantly at the year-end due to
amounts receivable from Endeavour in respect of the Convertible Loan Note, as well as exercised warrants,
both of which were settled in January 2026.
17. Convertible Loan Note
Company
As at 31
As at 31
December 2025 December 2024
£'000 £'000
Convertible Loan Note
1,711
-
1,711
-
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 66
On 1 December 2025, the Company issued an unsecured convertible loan note ("CLN") of £1,711,000 to
Endeavour Mining PLC, convertible into 74,391,304 ordinary shares at a conversion price of £0.023 per share.
The CLN is interest-free save where, if not converted within 12 months, interest becomes payable. The CLN
is classified as a non-current liability at 31 December 2025. Subsequent to the year end, on 10 February 2026,
the CLN was converted in full into 74,391,304 new ordinary shares, admitted to trading on 16 February 2026,
increasing Endeavour's total shareholding to 78,591,304 ordinary shares representing 14.3% of the
Company's enlarged issued share capital.
18. Trade and other payables
Group Company
As at
As at
As at
As at
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2025 2024 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Trade payables
123
71 68 22
Accruals
158
44 158 44
Other payables
1
1 1 1
282 116 227 67
19. Share capital and share premium
Ordinary
Share
Share
Group and Company Shares Capital Premium Total
#
£
’000
£’000
£’000
At 31 December 2023
218,650,164
2,187
6,052
8,23
9
Issue of ordinary shares
exercise of
warrants
1,200,333
12
24
36
Issue of ordinary shares
performance
shares milestones reached
1
75,000,000
750
3,000
3,750
Issue of ordinary shares
share
placement
2
100,926,292
1,009
151
1,160
Issue of ordinary shares
fees settled in
shares
2
1,739,130
17
3
20
Share issue costs
-
-
(
52
)
(
52
)
At 31 December 2024
397,515,919
3,
975
9,
1
78
13,
153
Issue of ordinary shares
Subscription
and WRAP retail offer
3
47,868,616
479
144
623
Issue of ordinary shares
Strategic
investment by Endeavour Mining
4
4,200,000
42
55
97
Issue of ordinary shares
fees settled in
shares
5
25,590,545
256
511
767
Share issue costs
-
-
(
54
)
(17)
At 31 December 2025
475,175,080
4,752
9,8
34
14,
586
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 67
1
In July 2024, the Mineral Resource Estimate performance threshold of 1Moz at 2 g/t gold equivalent as per
the share purchase agreement with the vendors of DVK was met resulting in the issue of 75m performance
shares. The value of these shares of £3.75m were transferred from Shares to be Issued.
2
On 16 October 2024, the Company issued 100,926,292 ordinary shares at £0.0115 as part of a share
placement along with 1,739,130 ordinary shares at the same price in settlement of £20,000 accrued director
fees.
3
In June 2025, the Company issued 47,868,616 ordinary shares at £0.013 per share by way of an
oversubscribed Subscription and WRAP Retail Offer, raising gross proceeds of £622,292.
4
On 1 December 2025, the Company issued 4,200,000 ordinary shares at £0.023 per share to Endeavour
Mining PLC as part of a £1,807,600 strategic investment, raising gross proceeds of £96,600 from the share
issuance, accompanied by the issue of an unsecured convertible loan note of £1,711,000 convertible into
74,391,304 ordinary shares at £0.023 per share, upon which Endeavour will hold 15% of the Company's
enlarged issued share capital.
5
On 30 December 2025, the Company received warrant exercise notices for 25,590,545 ordinary shares at
£0.03 per share, raising gross proceeds of £767,716, bringing the Company's total issued share capital to
475,175,080 ordinary shares.
The share premium represents the difference between the nominal value of the shares issued and the actual
amount subscribed less; the cost of issue of the shares, the value of the bonus share issue, or any bonus
warrant issue.
The Company has only one class of share, being ordinary shares at a nominal value of £0.01 (2024: £0.01).
All ordinary shares have equal voting rights and rank pari passu for the distribution of dividends and
repayment of capital.
20. Share based payments reserve
Group
Company
£’000 £’000
As at 31 December 2023
307
307
Employee options issued 32 32
LTIP options issued
15
15
As at 31 December 2024
354
354
Employee options issued
1
32 32
LTIP options issued
2
61 61
Broker warrants
3
(27) (27)
As at 31 December 2025
420
420
1
On 13 December 2021, 11,250,000 employee options were granted. These options have an exercise price
of £0.05 and expire 5 years from the grant date. Value attributed to the share-based payments reserve in
the current period represents the pro-rata portion of the expense brought to account over the vesting
period.
2
On 1 March 2023 the remuneration committee approved the adoption of a long-term incentive plan
("LTIP"). Value attributed to the share based payments reserve in the current period represents the pro-rata
portion of the expense brought to account over the vesting period.
Additionally, on 11 March 2025, 8,458,688 options were granted to employees and directors under the
Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of £0.015 per share, vesting on 11 March 2026 and
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 68
expiring 10 February 2035, with a total fair value of £48,349 calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The
share-based payment charge recognised in the year ended 31 December 2025 is £39,076.
3
On 13 June 2025, 351,582 warrants were issued to SI Capital Ltd (exercise price £0.013, expiring 13 June
2028) with a fair value of £3,293, and 446,538 warrants were issued to Cavendish Securities Plc (exercise
price £0.03, expiring 13 June 2026) with a fair value of £722. During the year, 2,146,000 warrants with an
exercise price of £0.05 expired unexercised and the associated share-based payment reserve of £30,583 was
reversed to profit or loss.
Share based payments valuation
The charges associated with the share-based payments have been applied to the statement of profit or loss
and other comprehensive income. The following tables summarises the valuation techniques and inputs
used to calculate the values of share-based payments:
Warrants
Options
Share
Exercise
Volatility
RF Rate
Grant date
Number
Expiry date Technique
price £ price £ % %
11 March
10 February
8,458,688 0.009 0.015 85 4.2 Black Scholes
2025 2035
Warrants As at 31 December 2025
Weighted average Number of
exercise price warrants
Brought forward at 1 January 2024
4.00p
45,213,505
Lapsed in period
5.00p
(1,200,000)
Exercised in period
3.00p
(1,200,333)
Granted in period
3.00p
1,578,130
Granted in period
1.15p
286,956
Outstanding at 31 December 2024
3.33p
44,678,258
Grant date Number
Share
price £
Exercise
price £
Expiry date
Volatility
%
RF Rate
%
Technique
13 June
2025
351,582
0.0133
0.013
13 June
2028
125
4.2
Black Scholes
13 June
2025
446,538
0.0133
0.030
13 June
2026
125
4.2
Black Scholes
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 69
Exercisable at 31 December 2024
3.33p
44,678,258
Brought forward at 1 January 2025
3.33p
44,678,258
Lapsed in period
5.00p
(2,146,000)
Lapsed in period
3.00p
(11,187,252)
Exercised in period
3.00p
(25,590,545)
Granted in period
1.30p
351,582
Granted in period
3.00p
446,538
Outstanding at 31 December 2025
4.50p
6,552,581
Exercisable at 31 December 2025
4.50p
6,552,581
The weighted average time to expiry of the warrants as at 31 December 2025 is 1.10 years (2024: 0.92
years).
Options
As at 31 December 2025
Weighted average
exercise price
Number of options
Brought forward at 1 January 2024
5p
14,934,500
Granted in period
-
Vested in period
4.3p
2,125,584
Outstanding at 31 December 2024
4.8p
14,934,500
Exercisable at 31 December 2024
4.7p
5,875,584
Brought forward at 1 January 2025
4.8p
14,934,500
Granted in period
1.5p
8,639,847
Vested in period
1.5p
1,198,661
Outstanding at 31 December 2025
3.7p
23,574,347
Exercisable at 31 December 2025
3.7p
7,074,245
The weighted average time to expiry of the options as at 31 December 2025 is 5.02 years (2024: 3.68
years).
The option vesting conditions of the LTIP options are as below:
- 50% of the Shares under Option (rounded down to the nearest whole number) shall Vest on the first
anniversary of the Date of Grant;
- 25% of the Shares under Option (rounded down to the nearest whole number) shall Vest on the
second anniversary of the Date of Grant;
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 70
- 25% the remaining number of the Shares under Option shall Vest on the third anniversary of the
Date of Grant.
21. Other Reserves
Share capital to issue reserve
Shares to be issued as part of the DVK acquisition based on performance milestones. The reserve at 31
December 2024 represented contingent consideration for the DVK acquisition which fully vested and was
settled by the issue of shares during 2024. The reserve has been £nil throughout the year ended 31 December
2025.
Foreign exchange reserve
Foreign exchange differences arising on translating subsidiary financial statements into the Group's
presentation currency.
Share based payment reserve
Cumulative charge recognised under IFRS 2 in respect of share-based payment awards.
Reverse acquisition reserve
Represents the difference between the pre-acquisition value of the equity of the Parent Company and the
investment in DVK, net of expenses, arising on the reverse acquisition of DVK by the Company in January
2022.
Retained earnings
Retained earnings represents cumulative profits and losses net of dividends and other adjustments.
22. Reverse acquisition
On 10 January 2022, the Company acquired the entire share capital of Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited
("DVK"), whose principal activity is to undertake exploration activities relating to gold and copper mineral
resources in Kazakhstan, through the issue of 45,000,000 consideration shares.
Although DVK became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, the transaction constitutes a reverse
acquisition as in substance it resulted in a fundamental change in the business of the Company. The
transaction has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition and, as the Company's activities prior to the
acquisition were purely the maintenance of the Main Market LSE listing, the directors did not consider this
to meet the definition of a business in accordance with IFRS 3. Accordingly, rather than recognising goodwill,
the difference between the equity value given up by the DVK shareholders and the share of the fair value of
net assets gained is charged to the statement of comprehensive income as a share-based payment on reverse
acquisition, representing in substance the cost of acquiring a Main Market LSE listing.
The fair value of the net assets of East Star at acquisition was as follows:
£’000
Cash and cash equivalents
1,835
Convertible loan notes
609
Other receivables
151
Trade and other payables
(848)
Net assets
1,747
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 71
The difference between the deemed cost (£3,477,000) and the fair value of the net assets assumed above of
£1,747,000 resulted in £1,730,000 being expensed within "reverse acquisition expenses" in accordance with
IFRS 2.
The reverse acquisition reserve which arose from the reverse takeover is made up as follows:
£’000
Pre
-
acquisition equity
1
(473)
DVK share capital at acquisition
2
216
Investment in DVK
3
(6,268)
Reverse acquisition expense
4
1,730
(4,795)
1. Recognition of pre-acquisition equity of East Star as at 10 January 2022.
2. DVK had equity at the date of acquisition of £216,000. As these financial statements present the capital
structure of the legal parent entity, the equity of DVK is eliminated.
3. The value of the shares issued by the Company in exchange for the entire share capital of DVK as at the
share price used in the placing that occurred simultaneously (£0.05). The above entry is required to
eliminate the balance sheet impact of this transaction.
I. Initial consideration: 45 million shares at £0.05 (£2,250,000)
II. Contingent consideration: 75 million shares at £0.05 (£3,750,000)
III. Convertible loan notes settled on behalf of DVK through issue of 5.35m shares at £0.05
(£267,500)
4. The reverse acquisition expense represents the difference between the value of the equity issued by the
Company, and the deemed consideration given by DVK to acquire the Company.
23. Financial Instruments and Risk Management
Capital management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern
while maximising the return to stakeholders. The overall strategy of the Company and the Group is to
minimise costs and liquidity risk.
The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising
issued share capital, share premium, reverse acquisition reserves, foreign exchange reserves and retained
earnings as disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes of Equity.
The Group is exposed to a number of risks through its normal operations, the most significant of which are
interest, credit, foreign exchange and liquidity risks.
The management of these risks is vested to the Board of Directors. The sensitivity has been prepared
assuming the liability outstanding was outstanding for the whole period. In all cases presented, a negative
number in profit and loss represents an increase in expense/decrease in income.
General objectives and policies
As alluded to in the Directors report the overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce
risk as far as practical without unduly affecting the Group’s competitiveness and flexibility. Further details
regarding these policies are detailed below.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 72
Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Group from which the financial risk arises are as follows:
Policy on financial risk management
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, trade and
other payables. The Group’s accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition,
the basis on which income and expenses are recognised in respect of each class of financial asset, financial
liability and equity instrument are set out in note 2 – “Accounting Policies”.
The Group does not use financial instruments for speculative purposes. The carrying value of all financial
assets and liabilities approximates to their fair value.
Derivatives, financial instruments and risk management
The Group does not use derivative instruments or other financial instruments to manage its exposure to
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices.
Foreign currency risk
The Group operates in a global market with income and costs arising in a number of currencies and is exposed
to foreign currency risk arising from commercial transactions, translation of assets and liabilities and net
investment in foreign subsidiaries. Exposure to commercial transactions arise from sales or purchases by
operating companies in currencies other than the Group’s functional currency. Currency exposures are
reviewed regularly.
The Group has a limited level of exposure to foreign exchange risk through its foreign currency denominated
cash balances, trade receivables and payables:
31 December
31 December
2025 2024
£ GBP
£'000
£'000
Cash and cash equivalents
2
19
Trade and other receivables
50
58
Trade and other payables
(56)
(49)
(4)
28
Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial
loss to the Group . The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties. The
Group’s exposure and the credit ratings of its counterparties are monitored by the Board of Directors to
ensure that the aggregate value of transactions is spread amongst approved counterparties.
The Group applies IFRS 9 to measure expected credit losses for receivables, these are regularly monitored
and assessed. Receivables are subject to an expected credit loss provision when it is probable that amounts
outstanding are not recoverable as set out in the accounting policy.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 73
The Group’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include amounts held
on deposit with financial institutions.
The credit risk on liquid funds held in current accounts and available on demand is limited because the
Group’s counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.
The Group has zero trade receivables and therefore there is no risk relating to a 3
rd
party being unable to
service its obligations.
The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of financial assets recorded
in the financial statements.
Interest rate risk
The Group currently has no borrowings. The Group’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents.
Cash equivalents include amounts held on deposit with financial institutions. The effect of variable interest
rates is not significant.
Liquidity risk
During the period ended 31 December 2025, the Group was primarily financed by cash raised through equity
funding. Funds raised surplus to immediate requirements are held as cash deposits in Sterling except for
minor working capital requirements held in subsidiary bank accounts.
In managing liquidity risk, the main objective of the Group is to ensure that it has the ability to pay all its
liabilities as they fall due. The Group monitors its levels of working capital to ensure that it can meet its
liabilities as they fall due.
The table below shows the undiscounted cash flows on the Group’s financial liabilities as at 31 December
2025 on the basis of their earliest possible contractual maturity.
Within 2
Within 2
-
6
Total months months
£’000 £’000 £’000
At
3
1
Dec
ember
202
5
Trade payables
282
124
158
24. Financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets/liabilities at amortised cost
Group
Year ended 31 Dec
ember
202
5
202
4
£'000
£'000
Trade and other receivables
1
2,031
86
Cash and cash equivalents
442
678
Trade and other payables
2
(
125
)
(72)
2,348
692
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 74
Financial assets/liabilities at amortised cost
Company
Year ended 31 December
2025
2024
£'000
£'000
Trade and other receivables
1
1,974
33
Cash and cash equivalents
440
658
Trade and other payables
2
(
68
)
(23)
2,346
668
1
Trade and other receivables excludes prepayments
2
Trade and other payables excludes accruals
25. Statement of Net Debt
Group
Company
Year ended 31
Year ended 31
Year ended 31
Year ended 31
December 2025 December 2024 December 2025 December 2024
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Total bank loans and
overdraft
Less: cash and cash
(442) (678) (440) (658)
equivalents
Net debt / (cash)
(442)
(678)
(440)
(658)
Total equity attributable to
shareholders of the parent
2,435 3,155 12,368 11,483
Gearing
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
26. Related Party Transactions
Orana Corporate LLP - Service Agreement
During the year, £54,000 of fees were accrued to Orana Corporate LLP (2024: £45,000), of which £5,520 was
owing at year end (2024: £5,430) for the provision of corporate accounting services. Anthony Eastman is a
director of East Star Resources PLC and Orana.
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 75
Other than these there were no other related party transactions.
Directors remuneration
See Directors report for details on Directors remuneration in the period.
27. Ultimate Controlling Party
As at 31 December 2025, there was no ultimate controlling party of the Group.
28. Capital Commitments
The Group is committed to the following minimum expenditure across various licenses within 12 months
from 31 December 2025:
Annual minimal
License area
License
Owner
expenditures on exploration
£
’000
Apmintas
774-EL
Chu-Ili Resources Limited
102
RA 1
1799-EL
Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited
39
RA 3
1795-EL
Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited
29
Snowy
2506-EL
Copperland Limited
29
RA 4
2546-EL
Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited
8
RA 5
3631-EL
Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited
8
Piket
3720-EL
Copperland Limited
34
Judzha
3724-EL
Discovery Ventures Kazakhstan Limited
15
Total
264
29. Contingent assets
VAT recoverable
The subsidiaries of East Star Resources had accrued an amount of £12,887 (2024: £38,000) relating to VAT
incurred on expenditure on the various mining licenses to 31 December 2025. As the Group is currently not
generating revenue these amounts cannot be offset but are retained if revenue is generated in a period of 5
years from incurring the expense.
Per “IAS 37 – Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets” this amount should not be recognised
as an asset due to the uncertainty of economic benefits flowing to the Group but is disclosed as a contingent
asset as the inflow of economic benefits is probable.
30. Contingent liabilities
There were no contingent liabilities over the Group as at 31 December 2025.
31. Events subsequent to year end
Convertible Loan Note Conversion
On 10 February 2026, the £1.711 million unsecured convertible loan note ("CLN") held by Endeavour Mining
PLC (LSE: EDV/TSX: EDV) and recognised as a non-current liability at 31 December 2025 (see Note 17), was
converted into equity.
The conversion resulted in the allotment of 74,391,304 new ordinary shares in the Company at a conversion
EAST STAR RESOURCES PLC – COMPANY NUMBER 13025608
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Page | 76
price of £0.023 per share. The new shares were admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock
Exchange and to listing on the equity shares (transition) category of the FCA's Official List on 16 February
2026.
Following this conversion, Endeavour Mining's ownership in the Company increased to 78,591,304 ordinary
shares, representing 14.3% of the Company's issued share capital. Endeavour Mining, a FTSE 100 constituent
and one of the world's leading gold producers, has made a total investment into the Company of over £1.8
million. Following these transactions, the Company's total issued share capital comprises 549,566,384
ordinary shares with voting rights, with no shares held in Treasury.
Incorporation of Joint Venture Entities — Endeavour Mining JV
Subsequent to the year end, East Star incorporated Cook JV Co in the Astana International Financial Centre,
being the joint venture company established pursuant to the Earn-In and Joint Venture Agreement with
Endeavour Exploration Limited dated 13 November 2025. Cook JV Co in turn incorporated Cook Exploration,
a limited liability partnership under Kazakhstani law, to hold and operate the Project Licences. Both entities
were incorporated after 31 December 2025 and are not included in the subsidiary list at the balance sheet
date.
East Star holds 100% of Cook JV Co pending Endeavour's earn-in. Upon Endeavour acquiring its Stage 1
interest of 51%, Cook JV Co will be deconsolidated and reclassified as a joint arrangement under IFRS 11.
Given that US$2.3 million has already been committed under Stage 1, this transition may occur during the
year ending 31 December 2026 and will be disclosed accordingly.
Xinhai Mining Joint Venture Agreement
On 19 March 2026, East Star formalised a joint venture agreement with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services
Limited ("Xinhai") for the development of the Verkhuba Copper Deposit (RA 3, Licence 1795-EL). Under the
agreement, Xinhai will fund 100% of all costs from resource definition drilling through to commissioning
an estimated US$65 million in exchange for up to a 70% interest in a newly incorporated joint venture
company. East Star is fully carried and retains a 30% interest in the producing mine. Resource definition
drilling is targeted to commence by June 2026.
The JVA gives binding legal effect to the Heads of Agreement signed on 11 December 2025, referenced in
Notes 10 and 13, and is treated as a non-adjusting post-balance sheet event under IAS 10.