Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU, ASX:AA2) shares traded higher on Wednesday after the small-cap gold producer told investors that the Tavşan Mine in Türkiye is now fully operational, following receipt of final permits for its heap-leach project.
Ore loading on the leach pads has begun at the mine, the company added.
"The start of heap-leaching operations at Tavşan is an important milestone for the company, paving the way for sustained gold production from our interests in Türkiye, augmenting the existing production via the Kiziltepe CIL processing plant," managing director Dr Kerim Sener said.
"With the gold and silver price continuing their relentless upward trajectory, the timing of the start-up of heap-leach operations at Tavsan could not have been better."
Ariana - which owns a 23.5% interest in the mine, via its holding in local operating company Zenit Madencilik - expects gold production to start during the current quarter, once sufficient ore has been placed and leaching starts.
Around 800,000 tonnes of ore are currently stockpiled on site, it added.
Sener added: "We look forward to first gold production from the Tavşan heap-leach and a renewed dividend flow during 2026."
In London, Ariana shares climbed 15.6% changing hands at 1.94p, valuing the business at close to £45 million.