Ariana Resources PLC
21 June 2006
ARIANA RESOURCES PLC
21 June 2006
AIM: AAU
PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2005
Ariana Resources plc ('Ariana' or 'the Company'), the gold exploration company
focused exclusively on Turkey, announces its maiden annual results following its
admission to AIM in July 2005. During the period since December 2004 Ariana has
significantly grown its portfolio of gold projects in Turkey through exploration
and acquisition.
Highlights:
* Acquisition of the Sindirgi gold project in western Turkey
* Positive exploration results from Kiziltepe and Kepez prospects at the
Sindirgi gold project
* Geological model of 150,000 oz (non-JORC) from 600m section of Arzu vein
at Kiziltepe
* Further targets generated by remote sensing and new exploration licences
granted
* Non executive board appointments
* July 2005 IPO financing raising approximately £1.2m
* Significant 750m gold in soil anomaly at Kinik prospect
Post Period Event:
* Additional £2m raised; drilling programmes planned at the Sindirgi gold
project
Michael Spriggs, Chairman, commented:
'2005 was a year of excellent progress. The Company's exploration programmes
identified several prospects that exhibit the potential to host economic gold
resources. The additional funds raised post the reporting period will be used to
accelerate this exploration, including a concerted drilling programme at the
Kiziltepe and Kepez prospects which form part of the Company's flagship Sindirgi
gold project in western Turkey. The Board is confident that in the current year
Ariana will confirm its exciting potential.'
All technical information contained in this announcement has been announced
previously and has been read and approved by a suitably qualified person.
Contacts:
Ariana Resources plc
Steven Poulton, Chief Executive Tel: 01235 511 767
s.j.poulton@arianaresources.cominfo@arianaresources.com Mobile: 0797 408 6712
Beaumont Cornish Limited
Roland Cornish/Felicity Geidt Tel: 020 7628 3396
Ambrian Partners Limited
Richard Chase Tel: 020 7776 6461
Bankside Consultants
Michael Padley / Susan Scott Tel: 020 7367 8888
About Ariana Resources
Ariana is a technology-driven exploration company focused on the discovery of
epithermal gold-silver and porphyry copper-gold deposits with multi-million
ounce potential within the Tethyan metallogenic belt of Turkey. The Company has
a portfolio of prospective licences covering approximately 1,000km2, selected on
the basis of its advanced in-house remote sensing database. Ariana's broker is
Ambrian Partners Limited and Beaumont Cornish Limited is the Company's nominated
adviser. For further information on Ariana you are invited to visit the
Company's website at www.arianaresources.com.
The Report and Accounts for the year to 31 December 2005 are being posted to
shareholders and are available to the public, for at least one month, free of
charge at Ridgeway House, 1 Hagbourne Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 8ER.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
This is my first opportunity to write to you formally as Chairman of Ariana
Resources plc and I am very pleased to provide an overview of the excellent
progress made by your Company in 2005. I would like to highlight the key
developments and to emphasise the contributions from the people who have made
them happen.
'Inspired to Discover' is a theme which runs continuously like a rich vein
through your Company's activities, and 2005 was certainly a year of inspired
discovery for Ariana. The drive and enthusiasm of Ariana's management team in
the pursuit of excellence was rewarded with the addition of substantial market
value in the period. Our successful admission to AIM in July 2005, raising
approximately £1.2m against a difficult market background, provided a powerful
demonstration of your Company's energy and commitment and is something of which
I am particularly proud.
Paralleling this progress, your Company has driven forward its exploration
programmes to deliver on a number of the key objectives defined in our AIM
Admission Document. These include notably the confirmation of significant gold
showings together with numerous additional discoveries at our flagship Sindirgi
gold project in western Turkey. Further exploration highlights included the
discovery of a major gold in soil anomaly at the Kinik prospect and the
indication of additional gold mineralised systems from our enlarged generative
exploration programme.
During the period, your Company's board was expanded and strengthened with the
appointment of non-executives Directors, Mike Etheridge and Michael de Villiers,
two highly experienced individuals in their respective fields of exploration and
finance.
Sindirgi Gold Project
The decision by your Company to acquire the Sindirgi gold project in western
Turkey from Newmont Mining in early 2005 proved to be well judged. The project,
which covers an area of 224km2, hosts over 45km of gold-silver bearing quartz
veins which vary between 1m and 20m in width. Independent consultants SRK have
produced an outline geological model indicating a resource (not yet in
accordance with the JORC code) of 150,000oz at an average grade of 4.2 g/t, from
just a single 600m section of one vein.
In 2005, Ariana's attention focused on the two most advanced prospects at
Sindirgi, namely Kiziltepe and Kepez. The best intersects by Ariana from a
programme of channel sampling were 6.29 g/t Au over 13.5 m true thickness
(Kiziltepe) and 8.68 g/t Au over 16 m (Kepez). After the period under review,
two significant bulk tonnage potential stockwork targets were also defined from
a programme of rock chip sampling at Kiziltepe and Kepez.
At least three additional high interest prospect areas exist at Sindirgi and
these will be the focus of a continuing exploration campaign in 2006.
Grassroots Success
Ariana places strong emphasis on the use of advanced remote sensing technology
to generate new discoveries. Our in-house database now covers over 500,000km2 of
Turkey and includes geological, mineral occurrence, structural and satellite
data. It is an approach that allows Ariana to reduce risks through undertaking
rapid and low cost reconnaissance exploration on specific target areas. This
strategy has generated numerous targets and forms the backbone of our licence
portfolio programme, which now covers approximately 1,000km2 and which continues
to grow.
The Kinik gold discovery in western Turkey testifies to the power of this
exploration strategy, where following positive sample results in 2004, a soil
geochemical survey has defined a 750m long by 50m wide gold anomaly.
Looking ahead
Your Company's strategy is to add value by:
• Drilling at the Kiziltepe and Kepez prospects
• Discovering new vein and bulk tonnage targets
• Acquiring further prospective licences
• Developing joint ventures with local and international partners
Subsequent to the year end, your Company raised £2 million by way of a private
placement of new shares at 13 pence per share, and it is my pleasure to welcome
our new shareholders. The excellent response to our fundraising both from
existing and new senior institutional investors underlines the growing market
appreciation of your Company's management team, projects and growth potential. I
would like to thank all our Shareholders for their continued support.
The solid progress to date which I have outlined has only been achieved through
the strong commitment and determination of the entire Ariana team whom I
congratulate sincerely. Together, we can anticipate further vigorous exploration
activity, in what I expect will prove another pivotal year for your Company, and
one in which we will continue to deliver on our stated promises.
Michael J Spriggs
Chairman
OPERATING REVIEW
Since December 2004 Ariana has successfully grown its portfolio of gold projects
in Turkey through exploration and acquisition. Most notably, in January 2005,
the Company acquired the Sindirgi gold project from Newmont Mining Corporation.
The information in this report reviews results up to May 2006.
2005 Highlights
January
Sindirgi gold project acquired from Newmont Mining
April
Appointment of non executive Directors Michael de Villiers & Mike Etheridge
July
Shares admitted to trading on AIM, raising £1.165 million
September
Scoping study at Sindirgi commenced
November
750m long gold in soil anomaly discovered at Kinik prospect
SINDIRGI GOLD PROJECT
The Sindirgi gold project ('Sindirgi') comprises two operating and eleven
exploration licences which cover a contiguous area of 252 km2 in Balikesir
Province, western Turkey. The area was originally targeted during the Company's
regional remote-sensing studies and 11 licences were acquired from Newmont
Mining Corporation in January 2005 for the consideration of US$400,000. Newmont
also retains the right to a royalty of up to 2.5% on future gold production from
the Sindirgi gold project. Sindirgi hosts over 45km of gold-silver bearing
epithermal quartz veins defined across at least four target areas, being the
prospects of Kiziltepe, Kepez, Karakavak and Kizilcukur South.
The focus of work to date has been on the Kiziltepe prospect where a geological
model of 150,000 ounces (non JORC) at an average grade of 4.2 g/t has been
calculated on a 600m long section of the Arzu South vein, based on drilling
undertaken by previous owners. Less than 5% of the vein system at Kiziltepe has
been drill tested to date. Work completed by Ariana at Kiziltepe has established
a series of targets comprising narrow (1-14m wide) high grade veins and wider
(>50m) low grade stockwork areas which will be followed up by drilling in 2006
to define resources.
Since May 2005, 600m of trenching, approximately 800m of rock-saw channel
sampling in addition to the collection of 880 rock chip samples and 315 soil
samples and 122 stream samples has been completed on Sindirgi leading to the
discovery of a number of high priority targets.
Elsewhere on Sindirgi, at the Kepez prospect Ariana has discovered a significant
high-grade zone of mineralisation on the Karakaya Vein (including 8.68 g/t Au
over 16m and 6.28 g/t Au over 11m). Ongoing exploration on the Karakavak and
Kizilcukur South prospects has defined further areas of interest which are
currently being assessed by the Company.
Kiziltepe Prospect
The majority of work completed to date on Sindirgi has focused on the Kiziltepe
prospect where at least 19 km of low-sulphidation epithermal quartz veins
outcrop at surface. There are seven main veins, which generally trend northwest
and dip to the northeast within a dacitic volcanic unit. The vein system occurs
over an area covering approximately 3 x 1 km. Individual veins are exposed at
surface for up to 700m in strike length and are between 1 and 14 m wide.
Kiziltepe Prospect - Arzu Vein
Ariana commissioned SRK UK Ltd ('SRK') to undertake a 3D resource model, based
on existing drilling data (Table 1) from the southern (600m) portion of the Arzu
Vein representing approximately 5% of the outcropping vein system at Kiziltepe.
SRK outlined a geological model of 1.1Mt at an average grade of 4.2 g/t gold for
150,000 ounces (not yet in accordance with the JORC Code) and concluded that
wider potential exists for economic resources from a number of open pits at
Sindirgi hosting between 25,000 and 100,000 ounces each.
Table 1: Higher grade intercepts from previous drilling.
Hole Vein From(m) To (m) Length Grade
(m) Au (g/t)
KT01 Arzu South 51.95 63.00 11.06 3.72
KT02 Arzu South 63.40 67.20 3.70 9.38
KT03 Arzu South 76.30 86.40 9.95 7.23
KT06 Arzu South 35.40 49.50 13.97 3.85
KT16 Arzu North 79.10 83.40 4.35 4.08
RSC6 Arzu South 28.00 34.00 5.69 10.23
RSC8 Arzu South 45.00 52.50 7.50 10.55
Ariana has undertaken surface mapping, trenching, rock-chip sampling and
rock-saw channel sampling on the Kiziltepe vein system. Channel sampling on the
Arzu South Vein was designed to verify the gold grades and widths at surface, as
indicated by historical drill data. Elsewhere, the programme was applied to test
the grade and geometry of other, less well exposed veins and determine the
source of a significant (>100ppb Au) soil anomaly covering an area of 0.25 x
0.6km.
On the Arzu South Vein, 38 rock-saw channels were completed. The channels were
between 1m and 35m in length and spaced at 12.5m intervals along 400m of vein
strike. The vein was located and significant mineralisation encountered in all
but eight channels. Eight further channels terminated in vein or stockwork
material grading above 0.5 g/t Au. A best channel intersect of 6.29 g/t Au over
13.5m true thickness was returned close to historical vein workings.
Ariana completed eight trenches (up to 55m in length) across the Arzu North Vein
which were channel sampled at regular 1m intervals. The channels were spaced at
approximately 40m intervals along a strike length of 250m. All eight channels
were mineralised, with a series of parallel quartz veins, stockwork material and
dacitic host rock intersected. Significant intercepts included 1.25 g/t over
17.5m, 1.54 g/t over 16.5m, 1.44 g/t over 15.6m, 1.23 g/t over 14.6m, and 2.12 g
/t over 12.0m (true thicknesses using a 0.5 g/t Au cut off). The Arzu North
system remains open in all directions, with several trenches terminating in
mineralization. Vein textures and trace element data are indicative of the upper
part of an epithermal system and, supported by historic drill data, gold grades
are expected to increase with depth.
Kiziltepe Prospect - Other veins
The rock saw channel sampling and trenching programme has defined a number of
other targets which will be drill tested by the Company in 2006. On the recently
discovered Aybor Vein, a best intersect of 2.45 g/t Au over 9.5m was returned
from 3 initial trenches. Channel sampling on the Hale Vein defined 10.5m @ 2.9 g
/t Au coincident with a higher grade soil anomaly that extends some 300m to the
west. Rock-chip sampling across the Ceylan Vein and adjacent stockwork,
identified consistent gold mineralisation along 300m of strike length, including
a higher grade section averaging 12.6 g/t Au over 32m of strike length, (peak
grade of 14.2 g/t Au). The Company plans to drill test these targets in 2006.
Kiziltepe Prospect - Stockwork
A large gold in soil anomaly at least 650m long and typically up to 250m wide,
as defined by a >100 ppb gold contour has been defined immediately west of the
Arzu North Vein. In March 2006 the Company completed a programme of systematic
rock chip sampling across the soil anomaly. In total, 84 samples were collected
on a regular 50m x 50m grid and assay results confirm the presence of a wide
zone of stockwork style mineralization. Peak grades from this survey include
7.05 g/t Au and 16.2 g/t Au from samples coinciding with vein material.
Kepez Prospect
The Kepez prospect is located within the same 36km2 ten-year renewable operating
licence which hosts the Kiziltepe prospect. Ariana has mapped over 2.5km in
strike length of gold-silver bearing low-sulphidation epithermal quartz veins at
Kepez, across an area of at least 2km by 1km. Individual veins are exposed for
up to 850m and widths vary between 1m and 25m. The main vein trends northward,
dips to the west at 50 degrees and is hosted along the contact between Miocene
age andesitic volcanic rocks and Cretaceous ophiolitic units.
In March 2005, initial reconnaissance sampling at Kepez established the presence
of significant gold grades at Kepez after a grab sample from historical workings
returned 19.66 g/t Au. In December 2005, Ariana completed five rock-chip channel
samples along a 100m section of the Karakaya Vein at the Kepez gold prospect to
verify grades and widths at surface as indicated by historical drill data.
Results from the channels, which measured up to 20m wide and were spaced
approximately 25m apart along the vein are presented in Table 2 below. All five
channels intersected gold mineralisation with higher grade intercepts of 6.28 g/
t over 11m (channel #2) and 8.68 g/t Au over 16m (channel #4). Significantly,
channel #4 ended in vein grading above 8 g/t Au at each end.
Table 2: Karakaya vein rock-chip channel sample results
Line Intersection Gold Grade Silver
Number Width (m) (g/t Au) Grade
(g/t Ag)
1 1 3.42 7.00
2 11 6.28 34.39
Includes 5 12.25 51.46
3 14 2.43 23.18
Includes 5 4.25 38.40
4 16 8.68 58.92
Includes 6 11.75 72.93
5 4 1.62 57.53
Notes:
No top cut has been applied to assay results.
Intersection based on a 0.5 g/t cut off grade.
Umurlar Target
In April 2006 the Company completed a programme of reconnaissance rock-chip
sampling and mapping over the Umurlar target within the Kepez prospect.
Rock-chip samples were collected from three silicified bodies (quartz
stockworks, breccias and veins) outcropping at surface for up to 150 metres in
length, discontinuously along a total strike length of 1km within a zone up to
50m wide. Sampling defined the presence of gold and silver mineralization at
Umurlar, with peak grades of 9.77 g/t Au and 9.73 g/t Au (including 68.1 g/t
Ag). The quartz textures observed in these areas indicate formation at a high
level in the hydrothermal system and the results highlight further potential at
depth, where grades are expected to increase.
GENERATIVE EXPLORATION
Overview
As part of its strategy of rapidly and cost efficiently generating a pipeline of
projects, the Company has developed a comprehensive understanding of the key
geological parameters controlling the location of known gold deposits in Turkey.
This systematic methodology has yielded exploration success, with the discovery
of the Kinik gold prospect.
Elsewhere, reconnaissance sampling at the Company's licences at Kosedere and
Cinarpinar in Canakkale province of western Turkey has determined several target
areas for gold and base metal mineralization with grades up to 6 g/t Au. In
September, exploration commenced on the Company's newly acquired licences in Van
province, eastern Turkey.
With an enlarged field team comprising eight Turkish geologists, the Company has
accelerated its generative exploration programmes. Progress in the period is
summarised as follows:
- Land holdings increased from 210 km2 to approximately 1,000km2
- 23 licences explored (approx. 460 km2)
- 7 licences relinquished (approx. 140 km2)
- 3 licences advanced to phase 2, including the Kinik gold prospect
(approx. 60km2)
- Over 72,000km2 analysed by ASTER remote-sensing
- Over 80 new targets designated for future licence application
Kinik gold prospect
The Kinik gold prospect forms part of the Ivrindi project, which also includes
the Bengiler, Camavsar, Osmanlar and Okcular licences, totalling 61km2 in
Balikesir Province, western Turkey. The Kinik snd Camavsar licences were
acquired following delineation of Landsat remote-sensing alteration anomalies
spanning 1.5km x 0.5km and 4km x 0.5km, respectively. The prospect is situated
in a regional-scale structural corridor that contains known occurrences of
epithermal gold-silver and antimony mineralisation.
Following positive rock chip and channel sampling results Ariana has defined a
significant (750m by 50m) gold in soil anomaly (>100 ppb Au) at the Kinik
prospect. The Company intends to undertake drilling on this target in order to
define the vertical extent of gold mineralization.
Kosedere and Cinarpinar licences
The Kosedere and Cinarpinar licences cover 57km2 in Canakkale Province, western
Turkey and were selected on the basis of the Company's remote sensing database.
Reconnaissance work (January 2006) has returned grades up to 6 g/t Au from
samples of rock 'float' collected from streams. Samples also returned anomalous
copper (0.19%) and zinc (0.25%). A second phase of follow up exploration on
these licences is planned.
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2005
Notes 2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Administrative expenses 397 154
Other operating income - 2
Operating loss 2 (397) (152)
Interest receivable and similar income 16 1
------- ------
Loss on ordinary activities before (381) (151)
taxation
Tax on loss on ordinary activities - -
------ ------
Loss for the financial year after (381) (151)
taxation
Loss per share (pence) 4 1.35 0.69
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
None of the group's activities were acquired or discontinued during the current
year or previous year.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2005
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Loss for the financial year (381) (151)
Currency differences on foreign currency net (6) -
investments
------ ------
Total Recognised gains and losses for the (387) (151)
period
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
31st DECEMBER 2005
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 498 67
Tangible assets 33 4
531 71
Current assets
Debtors 131 7
Cash at bank and in hand 771 682
902 689
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year 68 72
Net current assets 834 617
Total assets less current liabilities 1,365 688
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 315 217
Share premium account 966 -
Merger reserve 720 720
Profit and loss account (636) (249)
Shareholders' funds 1,365 688
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2005
Notes 2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Net cash outflow from operating 3 (528) (189)
activities
Returns on investments and servicing of 16 1
finance
Capital expenditure and financial (463) (67)
investment
(975) (255)
Financing 1064 937
Increase in cash in the period 89 682
Reconciliation of net cash flow to
movement in net funds
Increase in cash in the period 89 682
Net funds at 1 January 682 -
Net funds at 31 December 771 682
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention
and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of
Recommended Practice Accounting for Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and
Production and Decommissioning Activities revised in June 2001 (the SORP).
Basis of consolidation
On 19th July 2005 Ariana Resources Plc acquired the entire issued share capital
of Ariana Exploration and Development Limited by way of a share for share
exchange. The transaction qualifies as a Group reconstruction within the meaning
of FRS 6, and has been accounted for using the merger accounting method.
Accordingly, the financial information for the current period and comparatives
have been presented as if Ariana Exploration and Development Limited had been
owned by Ariana Resources Plc throughout the current and prior periods.
Going concern
The Group is at an early stage of development. In common with many exploration
companies the Group raises funds in discrete tranches and the proceeds of the
Company's listing on AIM in 2005 raised £1.16m. The Directors and management are
using these funds for exploration and evaluation activities on several projects.
The funds are forecast to provide sufficient working capital through 2006 and to
raise additional funds when required. Accordingly, the Directors consider that
it is appropriate to prepare the financial information on a going concern basis.
Exploration and development costs
In accordance with the full cost method as set out in the SORP, expenditure
including directly attributable overheads on the acquisition, exploration and
evaluation of interests in licences not yet transferred to a cost pool s
capitalised under intangible assets. Cost pools are established on the basis of
geographic area. When it is determined that such costs will be recouped through
successful development and exploitation or alternatively by sale of the
interest, expenditure will be transferred to tangible assets and depreciated
over the expected productive life of the asset. Whenever a project is considered
no longer viable the associated exploration expenditure is written off to the
profit and loss account.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off
each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings - 33% on cost
Motor vehicles - 25% on cost
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised on all timing differences where the transactions or
events that give the Group an obligation to pay ture, or a right to pay less tax
in the future, have occurred by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are
recognised when it is more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred
tax is measured using rates of tax that have been enacted or substantively
enacted by the balance sheet date.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at
the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign
currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet
date. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the
rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. The exchange differences
arising from the retranslation of the opening net investment in subsidiaries are
taken directly to reserves. All other exchange differences are dealt with
through the profit and loss account.
Financial instruments
The Group uses financial instruments to manage exposures to fluctuations in
interest rates.
Financial assets are recognised in the balance sheet at the lower of cost and
net realisable value. Provision is made for diminution in value where
appropriate.
Interest receivable and payable is accrued and credited/charged to the profit
and loss account in the period to which it relates.
Liquid resources
Liquid resources comprise cash on short term deposit at not less than 24 hours
notice.
2. OPERATING LOSS
The operating loss is stated after charging:
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Depreciation - owned assets 3 1
Auditors' remuneration 10 8
Directors' emoluments 150 104
3. RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING LOSS TO NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Operating loss (397) (152)
Depreciation charges 3 1
Foreign Exchange Differences (6) -
Increase in debtors (124) -
Decrease in creditors (4) (38)
Net cash outflow from operating (528) (189)
activities
4. LOSS PER SHARE
The calculation of basic loss per share is based on the loss attributable to
ordinary shareholders £381,000 (2004- £151,000) divided by the weighted average
number of shares in issue during the year 29,007,625 (2004-21,719,400). There is
no dilutive effect of share options or warrants on the basic loss per share.
On 16th May 2006 a further 15,384,617 shares were issued as detailed. This
decreases the loss per share to 0.86 pence.
5. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
On 11th May 2006 the Company announced a conditional placing of 15,384,617 new
Ordinary Shares of 1 pence each at a price of 13 pence per share, raising
£2,000,000 before expenses. The net proceeds of the placing will be used to
accelerate exploration with a programme at the Sindirgi gold project in Western
Turkey. The shares were admitted to AIM and dealings commenced on 19th May 2006.
The new shares rank pari passu in all respects to the existing share capital.
Ends
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