Ariana Resources begins second phase of drilling at Kiziltepe

Turkey-focused gold exploration and development company Ariana Resources announced on Wednesday that it has commenced a new drilling programme on the Kiziltepe Project following positive results from its Phase One 2016 programme.

The AIM-traded firm said Kiziltepe is part of the Red Rabbit Joint Venture with Proccea Construction, and will be 50% owned by Ariana once mine construction is completed in the fourth quarter of this year..

It confirmed reverse circulation drilling would focus on drilling new and existing veins across the Kiziltepe Sector, totalling approximately 3,500m.

The programme commenced yesterday at the Karakavak prospect to drill test the Main Vein for the first time.

Drilling will then continue to test the Arzu Central target area beneath cover and the Arzu Far South target area, among other locations at Kiziltepe.

“We are very pleased to commence the Phase Two drilling programme swiftly following the announcement of positive results from our earlier work,” said managing director Dr Kerim Sener.

“While Phase One successfully confirmed the presence of blind vein extensions within Arzu Central and identified the new Arzu South Parallel vein system, we require further drill testing to determine their potential.

“Accordingly, 3,500m of drilling has been budgeted for the current programme.”

Sener said Ariana’s partners were continuing to contribute towards the construction of the Kiziltepe Mine, with the board committed to support their progress by continuing to explore in and around Kiziltepe, with the aim of further expanding the resource base and ultimately increasing mine life.

“Recent drilling programmes by the company have demonstrated that our resource can be increased very cost efficiently by drilling for extensions of known vein systems.

“We are also confident that satellite deposits such as Karakavak, Kepez and Kizilcukur have the potential to further enhance the resource base and contribute towards an enhanced mining operation,” Sener added.

“Last year we completed initial drilling at Kepez and Kizilcukur, with drilling at Karakavak now underway as part of the current programme.”