Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU) said it has begun an exploratory due diligence drilling programme on the Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe, where it has a 1.3% interest.
The AIM-listed explorer's stake in the venture, which is majority owned by Rockover Holdings Ltd, was acquired through the Asgard Metals Fund, as announced last week.
With Dokwe boasting roughly 1.3 million ounces in JORC measured, indicated and inferred resources, Ariana said it has started a 1,500-metre (m) diamond drilling program focusing on two primary zones: Dokwe North and Dokwe Central.
These areas have previously yielded significant gold intercepts, it noted, with Dokwe North revealing an 8m strike at 197.22 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), including a remarkable 1m intercept of 1,568 g/t Au. Dokwe Central, on the other hand, has reported a 49m strike at 4.42g/t Au.
Ariana's exploration technology and specialist teams are currently conducting a historical data review alongside the diamond drilling, to validate historical data and better understand the structural geology before advancing discussions with Rockover, said Ariana's managing director Kerim Sener.
"Building on the operational base we have established in Turkiye with strong and experienced local partners, we are making strides to expand our portfolio," Sener added.
He said Dokwe represents "a potential bulk-tonnage mining opportunity upon which a positive pre-feasibility study has been delivered and which could be advanced to feasibility in the near term. At this stage, we see potential at Dokwe to identify further resources in the vicinity and to develop a multi-decade mining opportunity in Zimbabwe."