Ariana Reports 14m at 2.17g/t Au Including 6m at 4.15g/t from Dokwe Drilling

Exploration Progress at Dokwe

Ariana Resources plc, a dual-listed mineral exploration and development company, has announced the first assay results from its 2025 reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the 100% owned Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe. The results, particularly from drill hole DRC9, reveal significant gold mineralisation extending well beyond the current boundaries of the Dokwe Central resource.

The standout intercepts from DRC9 include multiple intervals of gold grades ranging from 1.33 to 4.15 grams per tonne (g/t) over widths up to 14 metres. Notably, a 6-metre section grading 4.15g/t Au starting at 220 metres depth underscores the potential for near-term resource growth. The hole was terminated early due to technical issues, suggesting the mineralised zone may extend even further.

Resource Context and Geological Setting

Dokwe Central currently hosts an Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimated at approximately 1.93 million tonnes grading 1.61g/t gold, equating to around 100,000 ounces of contained gold. The deposit is characterised by steeply plunging mineralisation within sheared volcanic rocks, divided into North and South zones. The recent drilling confirms continuity and extensions of the South Zone mineralisation beyond the previously defined resource envelope.

The geological setting is complex, with mineralisation controlled by structural and lithological factors within an Archean greenstone belt overlain by sedimentary cover. Ariana’s exploration team has employed a combination of RC and diamond drilling, alongside advanced geochemical and geophysical techniques, to refine the understanding of the deposit and guide further exploration.

Next Steps and Development Outlook

With over 3,300 metres of RC drilling completed and more assay results pending, Ariana plans to resume drilling in early 2026 following the year-end camp closure. The upcoming program will include both RC and diamond drilling aimed at expanding the resource and obtaining samples for detailed metallurgical testwork. These efforts are critical to advancing the project’s feasibility studies and underpinning future development plans.

Managing Director Dr. Kerim Sener highlighted the significance of these results as a positive conclusion to a busy year for the company, which included the ASX listing and first gold production at its Tavsan project in Türkiye. He expressed optimism about Dokwe’s potential to scale up and improve economics through lateral resource extensions that could reduce strip ratios.

Importantly, the company confirmed that the mineral resource estimates remain robust under the JORC 2012 Code, with no material changes to prior assumptions. Metallurgical assumptions suggest good gold recoveries using conventional processing methods, supporting the project’s economic viability.

Broader Implications

Ariana’s ongoing exploration success at Dokwe reinforces its strategic focus on African gold assets with significant upside potential. The extension of mineralisation beyond the current resource boundary not only adds value to the project but also enhances the company’s growth prospects. As assay results from other drill holes are released and feasibility studies progress, market participants will be watching closely for updates that could influence Ariana’s valuation and development timeline.