Ariana Resources plc's (LON:AAU) managing director Dr Kerim Sener described himself "exceptionally pleased" with latest drill results from the Kiziltepe project in Turkey, which have expanded mineralisation at the Arzu Central target.
The finds include the widest zone of quartz vein mineralisation ever encountered at Kiziltepe, with at least 20 metres of true width, ending in mineralised quartz.
It means the firm could now start converting what is an exploration target at Arzu Central into a JORC compliant inferred resource.
Phase one drilling has now been completed with 1,086 metres in six holes in the Arzu Central area. A further 3,500 meters of drilling is planned for the second phase of the 2016 programme, which is scheduled to start later this month (October).
Sener told investors: "The results confirm that the mineralised structure remains consistent for at least a further 200m beyond the northern end of the current Arzu South pit and, most significantly, that the vein system appears to be increasing in width.
"Meanwhile, zones of stockwork mineralisation and alteration have been identified in three further holes along strike, which potentially narrowly missed the vein due to targeting that was based on the original model."
Highlights of the results included 10 metres (m) at 2.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 28.3 g/t silver.
There was also 15 metres (m) at 1.5 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 16.4 grams per tonne (g/t) silver, and 5m at 1.2 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 34.5 grams per tonne (g/t) silver.
Last week, Ariana Resources plc (LON:AAU) said it had now begun commissioning work at the Kiziltepe gold mine as final stages of construction near completion.
Kiziltepe is part of the Red Rabbit joint venture with local partner Proccea Construction Co. and will be 50% owned by Ariana once the mine is built.