Ariana confirms completion of tailings storage facility at Kiziltepe

Turkey-focussed exploration and development company Ariana Resources announced the completion of the interim Stage One Tailings Storage Facility at the Kiziltepe Mine on Tuesday.

The AIM-traded firm said Kiziltepe is part of the Red Rabbit Joint Venture with Proccea Construction, and is 50% owned by Ariana.

It said the facility was completed ahead of final statutory inspections and technical approvals, with completion being a prerequisite ahead of an application for a routine operations permit - the preparatory procedure for which was now underway.

The mine site and processing plant were now fully operational, the board reported, and formal production was expected to commence in the coming weeks.

“This is an excellent result from the construction teams at the Kiziltepe site,” said Ariana managing director Kerim Sener.

“As expected, a suitable weather window opened during the beginning of February, enabling the installation of the remaining geomembrane for the interim Stage One TSF.

“With the TSF now ready for initial start-up, construction of the mine is effectively 100% complete for production to commence.”

Dr Sener said production will formally commence once the company has received its operations permit, for which an application to the authorities was in the process of being prepared, and while it awaits technical approvals for the tailings storage facility installation.

“The Kiziltepe Mine is being prepared for formal production to commence in the coming weeks and the company will provide further updates on its progress.”