Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU) said consistent progress had been made with its exploration programmes in Türkiye, Kosovo and Cyprus over the past year.
In Kosovo, trenching is underway and 1,000 metres of exploration drilling is planned at the Slivova project with generative exploration elsewhere in progress through its partnership with Newmont.
In Cyprus, more than 9,000 metres of drilling is planned to increase confidence in the resource, while in Türkiye three contiguous exploration licences are being explored in the Project Leopard area in eastern Türkiye, with broader generative exploration also underway.
Kerim Sener, Ariana's managing director, added: “We are pleased with the consistent progress being maintained across all our exploration areas during the past year.
“In Kosovo, our subsidiary is now in the process of committing to completing its initial earn-in to take control of the Slivova Gold Project, which contains a global NI43-101 Mineral Resource of 176,000 ounces of gold and 646,000 ounces of silver, largely in Measured and Indicated categories.
"In Cyprus, work continues to demonstrate the potential for the discovery of new volcanic massive sulphide deposits based on a revised geological model. We consider the potential for major 'Mavrovouni-style' deposits to remain high, given the lack of deeper modern exploration across the island. Venus Minerals has acquired and continues to acquire licences that have some of the very best geological, geophysical and geochemical targets for future testing.
"In Türkiye, our generative exploration work across the Project Leopard area in the eastern part of the country is identifying longer-term opportunities to acquire prospective ground either through government auction or via direct application.”