Ariana Resources Uncovers New Gold-Silver Zones at Kizilcukur, Eyes 2026 Start

Drilling Success at Kizilcukur

Ariana Resources plc (ASX – AA2) has announced the completion of a 2,769-metre diamond drilling program at its Kizilcukur deposit in western Türkiye. Conducted through its 23.5% stake in Zenit Madencilik, the drilling targeted the three principal mineralised zones; Zeki, Ziya, and Zafer; located approximately 22 kilometres northeast of the producing Kiziltepe Gold-Silver Mine.

The program delivered encouraging results, including several high-grade intercepts such as 4.90 metres at 4.53 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 118.3 g/t silver, and 1.90 metres at 5.39 g/t gold and 70.6 g/t silver. These findings suggest potential extensions to the existing resource, reinforcing the deposit’s prospectivity and its role as a satellite ore feed to the nearby mine.

Strategic Integration with Kiziltepe Operations

Zenit is advancing Kizilcukur towards mining as a satellite source to supplement the Kiziltepe processing plant. Environmental permitting is actively underway, including successful local public consultations, with a targeted commencement of operations in late 2026. This integration aims to optimise resource utilisation and extend the life of the Kiziltepe mining operations.

The Kizilcukur project hosts a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate of approximately 257,000 tonnes at 1.98 g/t gold and 74.54 g/t silver, containing around 16,400 ounces of gold and 615,600 ounces of silver. Ore reserves stand at nearly 85,000 tonnes at 1.97 g/t gold and 84.23 g/t silver, underscoring the deposit’s economic viability.

Robust Exploration and Quality Assurance

The drilling campaign was meticulously executed with HQ diamond drilling, averaging 69 metres depth per hole, and supported by rigorous sampling and assay protocols. Samples were processed at the Kiziltepe Mine Laboratory, accredited by the Turkish Accreditation Agency, with external verification by ALS Global. Quality control measures, including blanks, standards, and duplicates, ensured data integrity and reliability.

Geological modelling indicates the deposit comprises sub-parallel quartz veins with classic low-sulphidation epithermal textures, extending over two kilometres. The deposit’s mineralisation phases include epithermal quartz veins, manganese-rich zones, and deeper massive sulphide zones, consistent with a low to intermediate sulphidation system.

Outlook and Next Steps

With drilling results confirming resource extensions and environmental permitting progressing, Ariana Resources is poised to integrate Kizilcukur into its broader mining schedule. The project’s proximity to the existing Kiziltepe infrastructure offers operational synergies and cost efficiencies. The company’s management remains optimistic about the deposit’s potential to contribute meaningfully to production from late 2026 onwards.