Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU) said that gross output is expected to increase by 25% to approximately 25,000 ounces.
The production forecast includes contributions from the Kiziltepe and Tavsan mines, both of which are parts of the firm’s 23.5% owned Zenit Mining Operations.
Mill throughput is projected at around 25,000 tonnes per month, with a 20,000-tonne ore stockpile at Kiziltepe grading at 1.95 g/t gold. Gold recovery is expected to average 90% in the first half of the year.
Mining operations will continue at the Arzu South pit (Kiziltepe) and high-grade areas at the Tavsan Main pit, where ore grades are approximately 2.5 g/t gold.
At Tavsan, construction is nearing completion, with the heap-leach pads being the final major task. 600,000 tonnes of ore have already been stockpiled for processing.
"As the Tavsan Mine nears completion, we are very pleased to provide our production guidance for 2025,” managing director Dr Kerim Sener said in a statement.
He added: "Construction of the Tavsan mine is now largely drawing to a close, with the completion of the heap-leach pads the only major outstanding task.
“The processing plant automation works are very much advanced, and the remaining work on the electrification of the heap-leach area and associated substation installation are complete.
“With better weather conditions expected through the spring, we expect completion of the heap-leach pads thereafter.”
Sener highlighted that a substantial stockpile of already mined ore is awaiting stacking onto the heap-leach pads at Tavsan, which means there will be minimal delay between the completion of the pads and the start of operations.