Solidcore targets acquisition beyond Kazakhstan, deal close - CEO

ALMATY. July 3 (Interfax) - Gold miner Solidcore Resources , formerly known as Polymetal, has identified an acquisition target outside Kazakhstan and a deal may be announced shortly, CEO Vitaly Nesis told Interfax.

"We are sticking to our plans, and I hope we will announce the deal soon. Unfortunately, I cannot disclose any details before that announcement. We have settled on an asset," Nesis said.

He previously said the company intended to diversify its portfolio and was seeking assets beyond Kazakhstan. He said Solidcore had chosen Oman as a priority market and was also exploring opportunities in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

After selling its Russian business, Solidcore remains the second-largest gold producer in Kazakhstan. Its largest shareholder is a consortium of Omani investors led by a fund owned by the government of Oman, which holds a 31.7% stake.

The company operates two producing assets in Kazakhstan and is advancing construction of the Ertis POX plant in the east of the country.