Aurum Mining PLC said the resource estimate for its Andash gold and copper project in the Kyrgyz Republic has exceeded its earlier expectations following the completion of an in-fill drilling programme.

The AIM-listed company said the latest estimate gives a Measured and Indicated resource of 17.1 mln tonnes, leaving only a further 200,000 tonnes in the Inferred category.

The resource is now estimated at having 624,000 ounces of gold and 72,000 tonnes of copper, the company said.

Chief executive Mark Jones said: 'This latest JORC resource estimate marks a major milestone for the company as the Andash resource is now almost entirely in Measured and Indicated categories which will make the Western feasibility study, currently under preparation, additionally persuasive.'