Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU) said results from recent drilling at Salinbas in Turkey have confirmed the continuity of gold and silver mineralisation with another prospect at Ardala.
Assay results had been slow to come through because of a post-Covid rush at the laboratory, while wet weather also hampered drilling but progress overall is now speeding up, said the company.
Originally meant to be 2,300 metres (m), the programme has now expanded ten-fold to 22,000m with 8,000m now complete including the Hizarliyayla prospect where initial assays have indicated abundant base metal sulphides, said Ariana.
The Salinbas project is operated by Zenit in partnership with Proccea Construction and conglomerate Ozaltin with Ariana having a 23.5% stake
Kerim Sener, Ariana managing director, said he was 'delighted 'with drilling data so far from Salinbas.
“These results have demonstrated the continuity of gold and silver mineralisation within part of the AS Zone, between Salinbas and Ardala, and confirmed the presence of significant molybdenum mineralisation in the periphery of the Ardala porphyry.
“The programme continues to be funded through US$8mln in new capital provided to the project by Ozaltin and is accompanied by various environmental studies and social development work," Sener noted in a statement.
"Drilling is now also well underway at Hizarliyayla using a second drill rig. This is particularly significant given the proximity of the area to the >4Moz Hot Maden Cu-Au deposit just 7km to the south.
“Accordingly, the Salinbas Project is now shown to comprise several porphyry-related gold-rich mineralised systems over approximately 11km of strike," he added.