Ariana Resources Uncovers New Growth at Tavşan Mine with Strong Drilling Results
Ariana Resources has reported promising assay results from its latest drilling campaign at the Tavşan Mine in Türkiye, revealing significant gold and silver intercepts that point to resource expansion and enhanced project longevity.
- 85-hole drilling program at Tavşan Main and South Zones completed
- Notable gold intercepts up to 15.7m at 1.51g/t Au with accompanying silver
- Resource expansion opportunities identified beyond current outlines
- JORC Resource update scheduled for Q2 2026 following 15,000m drilling campaign
- Pit designs being optimised at a higher gold price of US$3,500/oz
Drilling Advances Resource Potential
Ariana Resources plc has released assay results from an extensive 85-hole diamond drilling program focused on the Main and South Zones of its Tavşan Mine in western Türkiye. The drilling, part of a broader 15,000-metre campaign, has confirmed continuity of mineralisation and uncovered new zones of gold and silver mineralisation that extend beyond previously defined resource boundaries.
Key intercepts include a standout 15.7 metres grading 1.51 grams per tonne (g/t) gold with 7.82 g/t silver from surface, alongside other significant hits such as 7.4 metres at 2.76 g/t gold and 3.10 g/t silver. These results not only reinforce the existing resource but also highlight promising targets for future exploration, particularly in the South Zone where substantial areas remain untested.
Optimising for a Rising Gold Price
Managing Director Dr Kerim Sener emphasised the positive implications of the drilling results amid a rising gold price environment. The company is currently revising pit designs using a gold price assumption of US$3,500 per ounce, a significant increase from previous models. This adjustment is expected to incorporate more of the resource into economically viable mining plans, potentially extending the mine’s operational life and enhancing project economics.
The ongoing drilling program also includes infill holes to improve mine planning accuracy and peripheral holes to test resource extensions both at depth and along strike. The company’s commitment to rigorous quality assurance and quality control procedures, including external laboratory checks, underpins the reliability of the assay data.
Looking Ahead to the Resource Update
Ariana Resources anticipates completing a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource update by the second quarter of 2026, incorporating the full 15,000 metres of drilling. This update will provide a refreshed view of the resource base, reflecting the recent drilling success and potentially reshaping the mine’s development trajectory.
Beyond the Main and South Zones, drilling continues in the West and East Zones of the Tavşan Mine, with results pending. The company’s strategic approach to exploration and resource development at Tavşan underscores its ambition to maximise value from this asset within its portfolio of gold projects across Africa and Europe.
Bottom Line?
With resource expansion underway and pit optimisations reflecting higher gold prices, Ariana’s Tavşan Mine is poised for a pivotal update in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming JORC Resource update impact Ariana’s mine planning and valuation?
- What potential does the untested South Zone area hold for further resource growth?
- How might geopolitical or regulatory factors in Türkiye influence project development?
