Sarytogan Graphite (ASX:SGA) started a 1,800-meter drilling program at its Kazakhstan project, Baynazar, to sample the bedrock below a weathered rock to refine the Ilkin copper anomaly, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.

The first trench at Ilkin previously reported has been extended to the north and south to reveal a longer intercept, still open in both directions, now with a higher-grade core of 270 meters at 0.1% copper, including 92 meters at 0.2% copper and 30 meters at 0.3% copper.

The company also secured an additional tenement to cover the western extension of the air mag anomaly, the filing said.

The company added that its Sarsenov Placement is progressing well, with Kazakh approvals expected to facilitate completion and receipt of the remaining AU$3.6 million in October, supplementing the AU$180,000 deposit already received. Additionally, its definitive feasibility study engineering contract is set for award and is on track for completion by mid-2026.

The company's shares fell 1% in recent Wednesday trade.