Sarytogan Graphite (ASX:SGA) said that the first of two drilling rigs commenced the reserve definition drilling program at its Sarytogan graphite project in Kazakhstan, according to a Monday Australian bourse filing.

The program will run for three to four months, and will consist of 37 holes, each 50 meters deep, for a total of 1,850 meters, the filing said.

It added that early works for the definitive feasibility study continue to progress, including power and transport studies, variability metallurgical studies, and the preparation of customer samples.

Meanwhile, other work packages, including the capital and operating cost estimation for the process plant, tailings, and mining studies, are at an advanced stage of tendering.

Its shares rose 3% on market close.