Ariana Resources PLC (AIM: AAU) has commenced infill and extension drilling at the Kizilcukur site in Turkey’s Kiziltepe sector, following a recent airborne magnetic survey.
The survey, combined with historical core analysis, revealed new potential gold mineralisation zones along the known vein paths. Ariana’s Managing Director, Kerim Sener, stated that they plan on conducting up to 3,000 metres of drilling via a progressive programme.
Sener expressed expectations of defining a high-grade reserve in this subsidiary project, suitable for open-pit mining, which can then be transported to the Kiziltepe processing plant.
The present global Mineral Resource Estimate is around 21,100 ounces of gold and 0.62 million ounces of silver, distributed over three main veins at an average grade of roughly 2.6 g/t for gold and 75 g/t for silver. The planned drilling programme aims to bolster confidence in the resource before it is converted into a reserve, in addition to examining certain vein extensions.
Ariana holds a 23.5% stake in Kiziltepe, in partnership with local entities Zenit, Proccea Construction, and Ozaltin Holding.
