27 November 2025
AIM: AAU
ASX: AA2
Kizilcukur Drilling Identifies Potential Extensions to Satellite Production for Kiziltepe Mine, Türkiye
Ariana Resources plc (AIM: AAU, ASX: AA2, "Ariana" or the "Company"), the mineral exploration, development and production company with gold project interests in Africa and Europe, has recently completed a drilling programme at Kizilcukur through its 23.5% ownership in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit") in the Kiziltepe region, western Türkiye. Kizilcukur is being advanced towards providing satellite ore feed to the producing Kiziltepe Gold-Silver Mine.
Highlights:
· Diamond drilling programme tested all three main zones of mineralisation at the Kizilcukur Deposit (Zeki, Ziya, and Zafer) located 22km NE of the Kiziltepe Gold-silver Mine, and identified potential extension zones.
· 2,769 metres across 31 holes completed, with best intercepts including:
o 4.90m @ 4.53g/t Au + 118.3g/t Ag (KCR-D07-25) - from 24.40m
o 3.60m @ 2.89g/t Au + 77.5g/t Ag (KCR-D19-25) - from 59.30m
o 1.90m @ 5.39g/t Au + 70.6g/t Ag (KCR-D21-25) - from 66.10m
· Zenit is continuing to work towards the mining of Kizilcukur as a satellite source of ore for the Kiziltepe Gold-Silver Mine, which is in production, and environmental permitting is underway.
· Zenit is currently targeting a late 2026 commencement of operations from Kizilcukur, as an extension to the Kiziltepe mining operations.
Dr. Kerim Sener, Managing Director, commented:
"The results of this drilling programme at Kizilcukur continue to demonstrate that the extensions of the known vein systems remain prospective and have the potential to add to the resource opportunity at this deposit. In particular, a few intercepts of a newly drilled vein system located on the eastern flank of the deposit suggest further upside in that direction.
"Zenit is continuing to work towards the mining of Kizilcukur as a satellite source of ore for the nearby Kiziltepe Gold-Silver Mine, currently in production. Associated environmental permitting is underway as part of this process and the team are working towards integrating Kizilcukur into the mining schedule for the Kiziltepe Sector. A local public consultation meeting was recently completed successfully as part of the permitting process, with a view to commencing operations late in 2026."
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("UK MAR").
Introduction
The Kizilcukur Project ("Kizilcukur" or "the Project") consists of one operational licence located in Balikesir Province in Western Türkiye. The Project is located 22km to the northeast (straight line) and 70km by road from the Kiziltepe Mine. Kizilcukur is being explored and developed as part of Zenit Madencilik's ("Zenit") operations, 23.5% of which are by Ariana. Zenit has been exploring in the vicinity of the Kiziltepe Mine (Figure 1) in search of additional ore sources to augment production from the Kiziltepe processing plant.
Figure 1: Summary map of the Kiziltepe Project area, with the Kizilcukur Deposit highlighted in blue
Kizilcukur Drilling
In July 2025, the Zenit exploration team initiated a new phase of exploration and resource HQ diamond drilling at Kizilcukur for 2,769 metres across 31 drill holes (Figure 2). The average depth for all drilling was approximately 69 metres, with a minimum depth of 25 metres and a maximum depth of 140 metres. The dip angles ranged from 45° to 65° to test the extent of the mineralisation at depth. All drill core has been sampled and processed at the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory ("KML").
The programme, which is now complete, was primarily designed to provide resource step-out drilling along the northwestern and southeastern extents of the Zeki, Ziya, and Zafer vein resource areas. In addition to the resource step-out drilling, four drill holes were drilled on the far eastern area of the Kizilcukur vein system, to test a series of shallow depressions surrounded by mineralised quartz float mapped in 2014. These depressions are thought to represent a series of "bell-pit" workings.
Resource drilling for the southeastern extension of the Ziya vein tested mostly outcropping and mapped extensions of the vein system, which in the past were not accessible due to a lack of drilling-road infrastructure and steep terrain (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Plan view of the Kizilcukur Project, showing historic and completed drillholes in relation to the currently defined resources. Between 2023 and 2024, the Zenit team has drilled over 3,500 metres at Kizilcukur.
As in previous programmes (AIM: 22 February 2024), the 2025 drilling programme intercepted the complex multi-phase mineralisation characteristic of the Kizilcukur deposit. Three different mineralisation phases have been identified and are being evaluated in further detail. These represent epithermal quartz veins, manganese-rich zones, and a deeper massive sulphide lead and zinc zone, which are suggestive of a low to intermediate sulphidation type system (Figure 3).
Significant intercepts from the 2025 drilling programme at Kizilcukur include:
· 4.90m @ 4.53g/t Au + 118.3g/t Ag from 24.40m in KCR-D07-25
o including 1.00m @ 10.45g/t Au + 158.7g/t Ag from 25.8m
· 3.60m @ 2.89g/t Au + 77.5g/t Ag from 59.30m in KCR-D19-25
· 1.90m @ 5.39g/t Au + 70.6g/t Ag from 66.10m in KCR-D21-25
o including 0.90m @ 10.61g/t Au + 100.2g/t Ag from 66.1m
Figure 3: A northeast-southwest cross-section through the Kizilcukur vein deposit, showing the Ziya and Zafer veins, as well as peripheral exploration gold-bearing quartz veins and all representative drill holes from the 2025 drilling.
|
Hole ID |
From |
To |
Length |
Gold Grade |
Silver Grade |
Copper Grade |
Lead Grade |
Zinc Grade |
|
(m) |
(m) |
(m) |
(Au g/t) |
(Ag g/t) |
(Cu ppm) |
(Pb ppm) |
(Zn ppm) |
|
|
KCR-D02-25 |
33.9 |
35.7 |
1.8 |
1.55 |
4.8 |
151 |
371 |
494 |
|
KCR-D03-25 |
45.7 |
46.7 |
1.0 |
1.62 |
126.6 |
146 |
223 |
195 |
|
KCR-D04-25 |
15.0 |
15.4 |
0.4 |
3.58 |
239.8 |
95 |
448 |
973 |
|
KCR-D06-25 |
38.7 |
40.0 |
1.3 |
1.61 |
771.1 |
312 |
844 |
3,605 |
|
84.1 |
84.6 |
0.5 |
0.62 |
18.0 |
337 |
1,967 |
1,632 |
|
|
KCR-D07-25 |
24.4 |
29.3 |
4.9 |
4.53 |
118.3 |
2,780 |
16,031 |
8,548 |
|
including |
25.8 |
26.8 |
1.0 |
10.45 |
158.7 |
2,494 |
25,724 |
2,175 |
|
including |
27.6 |
29.3 |
1.7 |
6.23 |
127.8 |
1,021 |
1,151 |
584 |
|
KCR-D08-25 |
53.9 |
54.7 |
0.8 |
1.56 |
3.1 |
47 |
14 |
130 |
|
KCR-D10-25 |
23.4 |
24.3 |
0.9 |
1.17 |
32.0 |
126 |
329 |
910 |
|
27.6 |
28.3 |
0.7 |
1.45 |
53.4 |
60 |
215 |
472 |
|
|
KCR-D11-25 |
6.8 |
7.4 |
0.6 |
14.66 |
57.6 |
216 |
810 |
2,363 |
|
18.9 |
19.4 |
0.5 |
24.63 |
237.3 |
239 |
201 |
434 |
|
|
KCR-D15-25 |
14.7 |
16.2 |
1.5 |
1.23 |
28.2 |
1,227 |
3,528 |
4,962 |
|
KCR-D19-25 |
20.9 |
22.0 |
1.1 |
0.63 |
1.1 |
41 |
253 |
514 |
|
59.3 |
62.9 |
3.6 |
2.89 |
77.5 |
342 |
1,352 |
1,860 |
|
|
including |
61.3 |
62.9 |
0.7 |
9.62 |
60.3 |
353 |
1,313 |
2,423 |
|
KCR-D21-25 |
66.1 |
68.0 |
1.9 |
5.39 |
70.6 |
354 |
2,870 |
3,412 |
|
including |
66.1 |
67.0 |
0.9 |
10.61 |
100.2 |
1,535 |
4,907 |
5,635 |
|
KCR-D22-25 |
35.4 |
36.0 |
0.6 |
1.90 |
6.8 |
146 |
9,287 |
9,833 |
|
KCR-D23-25 |
4.9 |
6.9 |
2.0 |
2.08 |
64.3 |
232 |
2,907 |
2,775 |
|
KCR-D23A-25 |
33.2 |
34.2 |
1.0 |
1.34 |
1.3 |
86 |
1 |
157 |
|
KCR-D24-25 |
94.2 |
94.9 |
0.7 |
3.54 |
5.9 |
144 |
203 |
359 |
|
106.4 |
107.6 |
1.2 |
1.37 |
9.5 |
115 |
291 |
415 |
|
|
KCR-D25-25 |
7.5 |
8.8 |
1.3 |
0.79 |
17.8 |
582 |
269 |
274 |
|
KCR-D26-25 |
0.0 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.61 |
46.2 |
133 |
279 |
1,604 |
|
KCR-D27-25 |
8.6 |
9.2 |
0.6 |
1.85 |
57.5 |
5 |
49 |
43 |
|
22.8 |
23.8 |
1.0 |
1.06 |
3.5 |
31 |
174 |
183 |
|
|
37.6 |
38.4 |
0.8 |
1.11 |
1.7 |
70 |
44 |
155 |
|
|
KCR-D28-25 |
9.9 |
10.8 |
0.9 |
0.94 |
73.5 |
63 |
53 |
114 |
|
20.8 |
21.3 |
0.5 |
6.59 |
284.0 |
253 |
242 |
1,546 |
|
|
KCR-D29-25 |
49.1 |
50.2 |
1.1 |
0.55 |
8.4 |
39 |
275 |
563 |
|
KCR-D30-25 |
17.7 |
18.1 |
0.4 |
6.67 |
50.0 |
283 |
718 |
186 |
Table 1: Significant gold intercepts calculated for 2025 Kizilcukur drilling using a 0.5g/t Au minimum cut-off and allowing for up to 1m internal dilution. Intercepts calculated using KML data. Silver, copper, lead and zinc shown to emphasise the different zones of mineralisation.
Summary of Kizilcukur Geology
The Project covers an area containing a series of sub-parallel quartz veins hosted by ophiolitic (dominantly basaltic) units that trend northwest and extend for about two kilometres. The veins exhibit classic low-sulfidation epithermal textures and attain a maximum true width of 8m. The Zeki Vein extends over a strike length of 820m.
Ore Reserves have been estimated for Kizilcukur as 84.9kt at 1.97g/t Au and 84.23g/t Ag for 5,400oz gold (Au) and 0.23Moz silver (Ag) contained metal. The Mineral Resource Estimate for Kizilcukur is 256.9kt at 1.98g/t Au and 74.54g/t Ag for 16,400oz Au and 0.62Moz Ag contained metal (2024). Resources are inclusive of reserves.
Trial mining was completed within the central part of the Zeki Pit in 2017. This pit is the largest and highest grade of the three pits defined following Whittle optimisation of the Kizilcukur resource in 2016. The General Directorate of Mining Affairs approved blasting operations on the licence as part of the Mining Permit (AIM: 18 November 2015).
Sampling and Assaying Procedures
All diamond drill core from Kizilcukur has been logged and sampled at the Kiziltepe Project and analysed at KML (Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory), where the results are systematically assessed.
HQ-size drill-core samples from the drilling programme at Kizilcukur were cut in half by a diamond saw and sent for analysis in batches in line with the Company's quality control procedures. Core recovery for all drilling conducted at Kizilcukur during this 2025 campaign was 91%.
From this programme, a total of 1,579 sample results for 1,236.7 metres of sampled drill core have been returned from the KML (including 339 QA/QC samples). Samples are also being analysed by ALS Global ("ALS") in Izmir as an external laboratory check as part of the QA/QC procedures used for the Project, with a minimum 10% check rate to be achieved by the end of the drilling programme.
QA/QC sample insertion rates vary depending on the batch size accepted by the laboratory. During the 2021-2025 drilling, Zenit QA/QC protocol required 1 blank, 1 CRM, 1 field duplicate, 1 pulp duplicate and over 10% samples analysed at an external laboratory. Since October 2022, KML has been accredited by the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK) with 'TS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Experimental and Calibration Laboratory'.
All samples were assayed for gold using a 30g fire assay. Multi-element ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) was used to analyse other elements. Reviews of the assay results have determined that all quality control and quality assurance samples (blanks, standards, field duplicates and pulp duplicates) passed the required quality control checks established by the Company, with duplicate samples showing excellent correlation. Laboratory sample preparation, assaying procedures and chain of custody are appropriately controlled. Zenit maintains an archive of half-core samples and a photographic record of all cores for future reference.
Kizilcukur Mineral Resource Estimate
|
CLASSIFICATION |
TONNAGE |
GRADE |
CONTAINED METAL |
||
|
Au |
Ag |
Au |
Ag |
||
|
Measured |
200,100 |
2.12 |
81.23 |
13,600 |
522,700 |
|
Indicated |
52,900 |
1.52 |
50.97 |
2,600 |
86,600 |
|
Inferred |
3,900 |
1.24 |
50.55 |
200 |
6,300 |
|
TOTAL |
256,900 |
1.98 |
74.54 |
16,400 |
615,600 |
Notes:
1. The Kizilcukur Mineral Resource Estimate is reported in accordance with the JORC Code. Reported using a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t Au, inclusive of Reserves, depleted for mining to 26 March 2024.
2. Refer to sections 5.5.4 and 5.5.5 of the IGR for further information regarding the Kizilcukur Mineral Resource Estimate including information required by ASX Listing Rule 5.8.
Kizilcukur Ore Reserve Estimate
|
CATEGORY |
TONNAGE |
GRADE |
CONTAINED METAL |
||
|
Au |
Ag |
Au |
Ag |
||
|
Proven |
46,900 |
2.02 |
85.33 |
3,050 |
128,700 |
|
Probable |
38,000 |
1.92 |
82.57 |
2,350 |
101,200 |
|
TOTAL |
84,900 |
1.97 |
84.23 |
5,400 |
229,900 |
Notes:
1. The Kizilcukur Ore Reserves are reported in accordance with the JORC Code. Reported using a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t Au. Depleted for mining to 30 August 2024.
2. Refer to sections 5.5.6 to 5.5.8 of the IGR for further information regarding the Kizilcukur Ore Reserves including the information required by ASX Listing Rule 5.9.
The Board of Ariana has approved this announcement and authorised its release.
Contacts:
|
Ariana Resources plc Michael de Villiers, Chairman Dr. Kerim Sener, Managing Director |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3476 2080 |
|
|
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish / Felicity Geidt |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
|
|
Zeus Capital (Joint Broker) Harry Ansell / Katy Mitchell Fortified Securities (Joint Broker) Guy Wheatley Yellow Jersey PR Limited (UK Financial PR) Dom Barretto / Shivantha Thambirajah / Bessie Elliot M&C Partners (Aus Financial PR) Christina Granger / Ben Henri Shaw and Partners Limited (Lead Manager - ASX) Damien Gullone |
Tel: +44 (0) 203 829 5000 Tel: +44 (0) 203 411 7773 Tel: +44 (0) 7983 521 488 arianaresources@yellowjerseypr.com Tel: +61 438 227 286 christina.granger@mcpartners.com.au Tel: +61 (0)2 9238 1268 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
About Ariana Resources plc:
Ariana is a mineral exploration, development and production company dual listed on AIM (AIM: AAU) and ASX (ASX: AA2), with an exceptional track record of creating value for its shareholders through its interests in active mining projects and investments in exploration companies. Its current interests include a major gold development project in Zimbabwe, gold-silver production in Türkiye and copper-gold-silver exploration and development projects in Kosovo and Cyprus.
For further information on the vested interests Ariana has, please visit the Company's website at www.arianaresources.com.
Zeus Capital Limited, Fortified Securities and Shaw and Partners Limited are the brokers to the Company and Beaumont Cornish Limited is the Company's Nominated Adviser.
Competent Persons Statement
The information in this announcement relating to Exploration Results at the Kizilcukur Project is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by Mr Zack van Coller BSc (Hons). Mr van Coller is a full-time employee of Ariana Resources plc. Mr van Coller is a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, a Fellow of the Geological Society London (a Registered Overseas Professional Organisation as defined in the ASX Listing Rules), and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which has been undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (the JORC Code 2012). Mr van Coller consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information compiled by him, in the form and context in which it appears.
The information that relates to Mineral Resources and Reserves is based upon information compiled by Miss Ruth Woodcock, Exploration Group Leader, Ariana Resources plc. Miss Woodcock is a member of Recognised Professional Organisations as defined by JORC 2012: a Chartered Geologist (CGeol, Geological Society of London) and European Geologist (EurGeol, European Federation of Geologists) and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity upon which she is reporting as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of "The Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves." Ms. Woodcock consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information compiled by her, in the form and context in which it appears.
Forward looking statements and disclaimer
This announcement contains certain "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "forecast",
"likely", "believe", "future", "project", "opinion", "guidance", "should", "could", "target", "propose", "to be", "foresee", "aim", "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "continue", "indicative" and "guidance", and other similar words and expressions, which may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production dates, expected costs or production outputs for the Company, based on (among other things) its estimates of future production of the Projects. To the extent that this document contains forward-looking information (including forward-looking statements, opinions or estimates), the forward-looking information is subject to a number of risk factors, including those generally associated with the gold exploration, mining and production businesses. Any such forward-looking statement also inherently involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, and achievements to be materially greater or less than estimated. These factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, general economic and share market conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves), changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, geological and geotechnical events, and environmental issues, and the recruitment and retention of key personnel.
The Board of Ariana Resources plc has approved this announcement and authorised its release.
Drill Collars Table for Kizilcukur 2025
(ED50 / UTM Zone 35)
|
Hole ID |
Easting |
Northing |
Elevation (m) |
Azi (°) |
Dip (°) |
Depth (m) |
|
KCR-D01-25 |
626784 |
4360300 |
1176 |
50 |
55 |
109.7 |
|
KCR-D02-25 |
626565 |
4360285 |
1177 |
45 |
50 |
71.8 |
|
KCR-D03-25 |
626928 |
4360468 |
1229 |
80 |
60 |
70.0 |
|
KCR-D04-25 |
626750 |
4360461 |
1230 |
55 |
55 |
90.0 |
|
KCR-D05-25 |
626346 |
4360559 |
1199 |
50 |
50 |
100.0 |
|
KCR-D06-25 |
625978 |
4360749 |
1146 |
55 |
60 |
140.0 |
|
KCR-D07-25 |
626595 |
4360255 |
1173 |
45 |
50 |
70.5 |
|
KCR-D08-25 |
626620 |
4360230 |
1160 |
50 |
50 |
70.0 |
|
KCR-D09-25 |
626733 |
4360498 |
1225 |
55 |
55 |
70.0 |
|
KCR-D10-25 |
626750 |
4360458 |
1230 |
140 |
50 |
100.0 |
|
KCR-D11-25 |
626560 |
4360314 |
1190 |
50 |
50 |
25.0 |
|
KCR-D12-25 |
626680 |
4360197 |
1132 |
30 |
50 |
80.1 |
|
KCR-D13-25 |
626680 |
4360198 |
1133 |
60 |
50 |
80.0 |
|
KCR-D14-25 |
626753 |
4360146 |
1117 |
60 |
55 |
60.0 |
|
KCR-D15-25 |
626754 |
4360341 |
1194 |
50 |
52 |
32.0 |
|
KCR-D16-25 |
626552 |
4360306 |
1183 |
50 |
53 |
30.0 |
|
KCR-D17-25 |
626537 |
4360327 |
1192 |
50 |
50 |
27.0 |
|
KCR-D18-25 |
626528 |
4360318 |
1187 |
50 |
50 |
45.0 |
|
KCR-D19-25 |
626500 |
4360327 |
1195 |
50 |
53 |
72.1 |
|
KCR-D20-25 |
626474 |
4360357 |
1208 |
50 |
63 |
75.0 |
|
KCR-D21-25 |
626412 |
4360436 |
1210 |
50 |
65 |
100.3 |
|
KCR-D22-25 |
626053 |
4360742 |
1157 |
55 |
55 |
52.0 |
|
KCR-D23-25 |
626015 |
4360758 |
1146 |
55 |
60 |
52.1 |
|
KCR-D23A-25 |
626015 |
4360758 |
1146 |
55 |
60 |
52.0 |
|
KCR-D24-25 |
626602 |
4360436 |
1238 |
50 |
58 |
113.0 |
|
KCR-D25-25 |
626574 |
4360530 |
1240 |
230 |
45 |
34.0 |
|
KCR-D26-25 |
626562 |
4360492 |
1249 |
50 |
60 |
57.2 |
|
KCR-D27-25 |
626620 |
4360489 |
1250 |
230 |
45 |
60.1 |
|
KCR-D28-25 |
626640 |
4360486 |
1247 |
50 |
56 |
46.4 |
|
KCR-D29-25 |
626675 |
4360391 |
1221 |
50 |
60 |
83.0 |
|
KCR-D30-25 |
626928 |
4360468 |
1229 |
130 |
55 |
80.7 |
JORC Table 1 - Kizilcukur
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
|
Criteria |
JORC Code explanation |
Commentary |
|
Sampling techniques |
· Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. · Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. · Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. · In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. |
· Reverse circulation (RC) sampling: Samples were collected at 1 m intervals and split using a two-stage riffle splitter, running each sample through twice. Wet samples were speared four times ensuring that even and representative samples were taken to the bottom and corners of each sample sack. Saturated wet samples were extracted using a "grab" sample manual technique. · Diamond Drilling: Full core was cut using a rock saw and half-core samples were taken at variable intervals ranging from 0.3 m to 2 m, with an average length of 1 m. Core recovery was recorded into the database. · Previously, samples were sent to an ISO accredited ALS laboratory in Izmir, Türkiye for Au and Ag analysis by fire assay, which is still used as an external laboratory for QA/QC purposes. · Samples are now prepared and analysed at Zenit's own internal Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory, for Au (fire assay), Ag (AAS), and 4-acid digest for all other elements. · Under normal Company operational procedures, sampling undertaken as early-stage exploration or reconnaissance is submitted to the laboratory for 30 g fire assay analysis. However, sampling undertaken on more advanced or resource stage projects are submitted for 50 g fire assay analysis, where it is expected that the larger sample mass will provide marginally more representative results. · As of January 2022, the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory houses two ICP-OES (PerkinElmer Avio 550 and PerkinElmer Optima 8000) instruments, two Atomic Absorption Spectrometers (PerkinElmer's PinAAcle 900F), three drying ovens, three crushers, three pulverisers and seven furnaces. In addition, since October 2022 the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory has been accredited by the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK) with "TS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Experimental and Calibration Laboratories". · Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analysis is typically used on 1 m intervals on all drill core. This is primarily for geological modelling purposes. · Pulp rejects from all assayed samples are also analysed using pXRF analysis. This data is not used for mineral resource estimation purposes, but rather for internal evaluations conducted by the exploration team. pXRF certified reference standards are used on a regular basis in line with company procedures. |
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Drilling techniques |
· Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). |
· Pre-2015 drilling was undertaken by HQ diameter diamond drilling (1,792 m). · 2015 drilling was undertaken by RC drilling (1,598 m). · 2018-19 drilling was undertaken by NQ diameter diamond drilling (746 m). · 2023 drilling was undertaken by HQ diameter diamond drilling (3,564 m). · 2025 drilling was undertaken by HQ diameter diamond drilling (2,769 m). |
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Drill sample recovery |
· Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. · Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. · Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. |
· Recoveries were monitored and recorded into the sampling database. · Overall core recovery for diamond drilling in 2018-2019 was >75%. The figure is low due to recoveries falling below 10% where historic workings and cavities were intercepted. Holes without old workings had recoveries of up to 95%. Overall core recovery for the 2023 programme is 90%. Overall core recovery for the 2025 programme is 91 %. · Overall recovery for RC drilling is >90% and >85% for mineralised zones. Recoveries fall below 10% where historic workings and cavities were intercepted. Recovery was estimated by visual inspection of each bag. Weights were not recorded. · There is no bias between sample recovery and grade. |
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Logging |
· Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. · Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. · The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. |
· All diamond core holes were logged lithologically (regardless of the presence of mineralisation) using a coded logging system for rock type, mineralisation, grain size, colour, alteration and any other relevant observations. · Mineralised zones were identified from observation of mineralogy and lithological characteristics. Portable XRF analysis was conducted post drilling, to provide supporting geochemical data for non-sampled regions in all drilling prior to 2023. Areas identified as geochemically anomalous by pXRF were further sampled. The pXRF was calibrated with the calibration discs on a regular basis. · Logging is qualitative in the comments section and quantitative (scales 1 to 3 or percentages) in the attributes such as alteration or mineralisation. · Logging of RC samples was carried out on washed samples with geological characteristics recorded to a database. · All diamond drill core trays are photographed (dry and wet) before sampling. Representative samples of RC chips are taken for each chip tray. |
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Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation |
· If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. · If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. · For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. · Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. · Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. · Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. |
· Samples from diamond drill core were collected from sawn halves of identified zones of interest. · RC sampling: Samples were collected at 1 m intervals and split using a two-stage riffle splitter, running each sample through the splitter twice. Wet intervals were sub-sampled with scoop or spear. Samples were oven-dried at the laboratory if necessary. Although every metre was sampled from top to bottom of each hole, metres which were clearly unmineralised were not assayed. · Sample preparation technique is appropriate to the mineralisation style. · Splitting and sample preparation conducted on samples at the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory: o Drying at 105OC o Crushing whole sample to ≤ 2 mm o Splitting of crushed sample to analyse o Pulverising sub-sample to 80% passing ≤75μm |
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Quality of assay data and laboratory tests |
· The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. · For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. · Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. |
· QC procedures for 2015 drilling included the insertion of certified reference standards, blank samples, duplicates and umpire laboratory check samples to monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory data. The protocol followed included the insertion of one standard, one blank and two duplicates; each batch corresponding to 22 drilling samples. The overall quality of QA/QC meets or exceeds the currently accepted industry standards, to ensure the validity of the data used for resource estimation purposes. · In drill programmes since 2019, samples have been submitted in batches of 35 to ALS Global, Izmir, to include 1 blank, 1 CRM, 1 field duplicate and 1 pulp duplicate. Insertion rate of 11%. · Samples submitted to Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory are in batches of 20 to include 1 blank, 1 CRM, 1 field duplicate, 1 pulp duplicate and 1 internal Kiziltepe Mine Lab sample. Insertion rate of 20%. The Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory adds an additional duplicate sample which is a split of the 19th sample of each batch. Further to this, the laboratory adds 4 internal standards for their own instrumental QA/QC checks. · 10% of all drill samples are duplicated to submit to ALS Global, Izmir, as check samples at an external laboratory to confirm internal Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory results. · The overall quality of QA/QC procedures is considered adequate to ensure the validity of the data used for resource estimation purposes. · The handheld XRF is an Olympus Vanta. A series of 10 blank and certified reference material samples are used to check the quality of the pXRF data. These are scanned at a rate of 1 blank and 1 CRM for every 100 samples. The device does not require further calibration. |
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Verification of sampling and assaying |
· The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. · The use of twinned holes. · Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. · Discuss any adjustment to assay data. |
· Samples taken in 2023-2025 have been submitted to Zenit's Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory, with 10% also selected for check assays at ALS Global in Izmir throughout the sampling program. Samples for check assays are chosen from areas suspected to be mineralised. · All samples prior to 2023 were submitted to the internationally accredited laboratory of ALS Global in Izmir, Türkiye (ISO 9001:2008 accredited). · At the resource definition stage three staged duplicates; one field, one crush and one pulp, are inserted into each 22 sample batch. · Primary data, data entry procedures, data verification and data storage protocols are in line with industry best-practice. · Assay data has not been adjusted. · No twin holes have been drilled. Although intercepts have been tested and verified by re-drilling into them from alternative angles, particularly when testing some of the older holes or holes drilled by previous companies. · All samples (30 g or 50 g) are analysed using fire assay with AAS (Au-AA23) and aqua regia with ICP-AES (ME-ICP41). · Since early 2021 the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory has undergone expansion to deal with increased sample capacity. Initial verification of assay results from newly installed laboratory instruments is still undergoing internal review. Check results from the external laboratory (ALS Izmir) have been received and reviewed, demonstrating that received assay data and associated QA/QC samples fall within expected levels. Evaluations of incoming check data for the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory and ALS Laboratory will continue to be assessed. |
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Location of data points |
· Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. · Specification of the grid system used. · Quality and adequacy of topographic control. |
· All collar positions were located initially by hand-held GPS and later surveyed by a professional surveyor using DGPS equipment. · Downhole deviation surveys were routinely carried out in all holes, using a down-hole Gyro on 4 m intervals. The Gyro data was then later calibrated with Flex-it survey tool data and corrected to ED50 UTM 35N. · Topographic data is collected by DGPS. |
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Data spacing and distribution |
· Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. · Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. · Whether sample compositing has been applied. |
· Due to the steep terrain, drill spacing is largely dependent on accessible sites. In many instances more than one hole was drilled from a single site with drill hole separation achieved by using diverging downhole trajectories. · Sample compositing has not been applied at the sampling stage. · Sample spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the geological and grade continuity required for modelling and resource estimation. |
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Orientation of data in relation to geological structure |
· Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. · If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. |
· The dip of the vein mineralisation for most of the deposit is steeply dipping to subvertical, striking 310o NW. Local grade continuity follows the dip of the mineralisation for the entire deposit. Drill hole trajectories were angled in order to intersect the mineralisation obliquely. · No biases are expected from the drilling direction. |
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Sample security |
· The measures taken to ensure sample security. |
· Samples are stored at a secure company facility at the Kiziltepe Mine Site in a clean area free of any contamination. · During drilling programmes pre-2019 samples were delivered to ALS Global, Izmir once a week by Aras Cargo, Sindirgi. · The measures taken to ensure sample security for samples used for analysis and QA/QC include the following: 1. Chain of Custody is demonstrated by both Company and ALS Global in the delivery and receipt of sample materials. 2. Upon receipt of samples, ALS Global delivers by email to the Company's designated Quality Control Manager, confirmation that each batch of samples has arrived, with its tamper-proof seal intact, at the allocated sample preparation facility. 3. Any damage to or loss of samples within each batch (e.g., total loss, spillage or obvious contamination), must also be reported to the Company in the form of a list of samples affected and detailing the nature of the problem(s). · In the 2023 and 2025 drilling programmes, the majority of samples have been analysed by the Zenit's Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory. Samples are delivered securely from the drill site to the laboratory by the exploration team and are securely held at the laboratory in the fenced off and guarded mine site, with no unauthorised access. |
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Audits or reviews |
· The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. |
· Reviews on sampling and assaying results were conducted for all data internally. · Zenit has implemented QA/QC programmes covering all aspects of sample location and collection that meets or exceeds the currently accepted industry standards. · Ariana implemented a QA/QC programme based on international best practice during the initial exploration work and subsequent drilling programmes. The company has continued to review and refine the QA/QC programme as these exploration campaigns have progressed. |
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
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Criteria |
JORC Code explanation |
Commentary |
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Mineral tenement and land tenure status |
· Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. · The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. |
· The Kizilcukur Project consists of one operational license (No. 200700970) and is owned by Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit") Joint Venture ("JV") with Proccea Construction Co. and Ozaltin Holding A.S. (23.5% owned by Ariana). · It is located in the Balikesir Province in Western Türkiye (coordinates: 626150 mE; 4360440 mN). · A royalty of 2% Net Smelter Return on commercial production from the Project is payable to Dogu Akdeniz Mineralleri San. Ve Tic. Ltd. · There are no known impediments to the current operations. |
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Exploration done by other parties |
· Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. |
· Pre-2007, Eurogold Madencilik A.S. identified the occurrence of gold and silver at Kizilcukur through various stream sediment sampling programmes. · Kefi Minerals Plc acquired the project in 2007. · In 2007, systematic rock and channel sampling was undertaken by Kefi for 485 samples. · In 2008, Kefi completed 1,185.2 m of diamond drilling for 8 holes. During this time Kefi also contracted external polished block and other petrological analyses. · In 2009, Kefi completed an initial soil sampling programme for 452 samples. · In 2011, Kizilcukur was acquired by Ariana Resources. · Since 2020, Kizilcukur has been operated by Zenit. |
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Geology |
· Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. |
· The Project covers an area containing a series of sub-parallel quartz veins hosted by ophiolitic units that trend northwest and extend for about two kilometres. The veins exhibit classic low-sulphidation epithermal features and attain a maximum true width of 8 m. The vein system extends over a strike length of over 900 m. |
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Drill hole Information |
· A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar o dip and azimuth of the hole o down hole length and interception depth o hole length. · If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. |
· Diamond drilling for a total of 2,769 m (for 31 holes) was completed during Q3 2025 at the Kizilcukur Project. The programme was primarily designed to provide resource step-out drilling along the north-western and south-eastern extents of the Zeki, Ziya, and Zafer vein resource areas. Collars of the 2025 programme are detailed below from KCR-D01-25 to KCR-D30-25. · Diamond drilling for a total of 3,563.8 m (for 56 holes) was completed in 2023 at the Kizilcukur Project. The primary objective of the programme was to increase the confidence in the resource, and upgrade the classification, in addition to further testing along known mineralised structures, both at depth and along strike. In particular, the vein systems at Ziya and Zafer were targeted, which had previously received only limited drill testing. In addition, in-fill drilling at depth and along strike was completed at the Zeki main vein system. · All results from the 2023 drill programme were announced on AIM. Details of collars, surveys and mineralisation intercepts are noted in these press releases: o 22/02/2024 (FINAL DRILLING RESULTS RECEIVED FOR KIZILCUKUR) o 28/11/2023 (DRILLING COMPLETED AT KIZILCUKUR). · Drilling prior to 2023 has also been previously reported on AIM. |
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Data aggregation methods |
· In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. · Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. · The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. |
· Metal equivalents have not been used. · Significant down-hole intercepts calculated for the 2025 Kizilcukur drilling program, using a 0.5 g/t Au minimum cut-off and allowing for up to 1 m internal dilution. |
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Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths |
· These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. · If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. · If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known'). |
· Down hole length, true width not stated. · See Table above. · All drilling has previously been reported and modelled in three-dimensions accordingly. |
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Diagrams |
· Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. |
2024 Resource Domains at Kizilcukur. Mineralisation Phases at Kizilcukur. |
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Balanced reporting |
· Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. |
· Intercept depths stated in the drill hole information but not stated in the data aggregation methods section are lower grade intersections. Down hole widths of intercepts are stated. |
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Other substantive exploration data |
· Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. |
· In 2011, Ariana completed an Induced Polarisation (IP) study to aid geological modelling and identify the resistive and chargeable properties of the Kizilcukur vein system. · In 2012, detailed 1:500 scale mapping of outcropping epithermal veins was conducted. · In 2013, larger scale geological mapping (1:5,000) was conducted over the main project area, with the assistance of pXRF analysis for rock typing. · In 2018, a detailed soil pXRF survey was completed for 562 samples. · In 2023 an airborne magnetics survey was completed to better define the controlling structures of the Kizilcukur vein system, and also identifying new potential zones of gold mineralisation along strike of the known veins. · An automated multi-sensor core scanner (BoxScan) is being used to obtain data on geochemistry, mineralogy, magnetic susceptibility, core topography and high-resolution RGB colour imagery of core from the key holes from the 2023 Kizilcukur drilling program. Previously, 30 holes from the 2007, 2018 and 2019 drill programmes, totalling over 2,530 m (712 core trays) were scanned. Single-element and multi-element data analysis methods will be applied to the new data to aid machine learning by training the system on the known lithologies. Core scanning data from the latest drilling will help to decipher the phases of mineralisation in more detail and potentially improve on exploration targeting in future drilling programmes. · Initial metallurgical test work has been carried out at the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory, with gold recoveries of 82 to 91%. |
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Further work |
· The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). · Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. |
· To date, historic and recent exploration activities have identified approximately 2.3 km of anomalous outcropping epithermal veins within the Kizilcukur license. Presently, only 40% (0.9 km) of the exposed vein system have been drill-tested due to outcrop accessibility and infrastructure. Drill testing the remaining 60% of the known vein system may be undertaken in the future. · Ariana also have longer term plans to explore (using airborne geophysics), for potential shallow seated intrusive porphyries, which are likely sources for the Kizilcukur mineralisation and other associated mineralisation within the nearby district. |
NOTE: Sections 3 and 4 aren't provided here as no mineral resources or ore reserves are being reported. Section 5 is not relevant to this work as there is no estimation or reporting of diamonds or other gemstones in this project.
Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources
(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.)
Section 4 Estimation and Reporting of Ore Reserves
(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in sections 2 and 3, also apply to this section.)
NOTE: Section 5 is not relevant to this work as there is no estimation or reporting of diamonds or other gemstones in this project.

