East Star Resources PLC (EST:LSE) presented an investor update outlining significant progress across its Kazakhstan-focused copper and gold portfolio, highlighting a clear pathway to production, non-dilutive funding, and expanded exploration optionality. The company has advanced from four exploration licences to a JORC inferred resource at VMS-style Vuba of 20.3Mt at ~1.1% Cu, which is now fully funded through to production via a binding heads of agreement with global EPCM contractor Hong Kong Qinghai Mining Services Limited, expected to invest in further drilling, complete feasibility studies in-house, and fund development (estimated capex ~US$65m). East Star also announced a substantial exploration target at Rulika of up to 23Mt at ~2.4% Cu equivalent, offering material upside if converted to a JORC resource. Strategically, the company has secured a US$25m staged exploration joint venture with Endeavour Mining, a top-tier global gold producer, covering large underexplored gold-copper belts, with Endeavour funding early exploration and carrying projects through feasibility in return for majority ownership, while East Star retains exposure, management fees, and milestone payments. Additional porphyry–epithermal licences (Snowy, Pickett, Judd) further strengthen the pipeline. With ~524m shares expected post-conversion and Endeavour becoming the largest shareholder (~15%), East Star emphasised capital discipline, non-dilutive exploration funding, and multiple 2026 catalysts including drilling at Vuba, JV-led exploration results, permitting progress at Rulika, and potential new discoveries, positioning the company as a leveraged, infrastructure-ready copper and gold growth story in a low-cost jurisdiction.