This morning, Ariana announced geophysical test results from their Kisiltepe project in Turkey (click here to view). We took the opportunity to put a few quick questions to MD Kerim Sener. Here's what he had to say:
MM: Can you expand a little on the significance of today's news?
KS:This news represents an expansion of our geoscientific knowledge at the Kiziltepe prospect. In particular it has confirmed that there is potential for the discovery of new vein systems in a region of the prospect that was hitherto underexplored. This particular area had no veins outcropping but hosted a region of extensive quartz float, that could not be explained by surface erosion and transport. There was no other indication in this area for buried vein systems, partly due to extensive ignimbrite cover in the northwest and thin alluvial cover in the southeast, concealing any existing veins. The only way to test the geophysical results is by drilling, which is starting with immediate effect.
MM:What do these results contribute to your understanding of the resource and what do they mean in the context of the proposed JV.
KS:The results have confirmed that the Kiziltepe prospect potentially comprises a much more extensive vein network than considered at the time of its acquisition. Obviously drilling must be completed before we know the extent of any potential resource increase through the identification of new vein systems. With regards the JV it was important to complete this geophysical survey before the feasibility-level planning for the siting of mine infrastructure such as the processing plant, tailings dam and waste rock dump. We certainly wouldn't want to site the plant over a potential buried vein!
MM.Have the results added to the potential scale of the exploration area?
KS:Absolutely, we have to wait on our drilling results but the potential is now there for the further exploration of other anomalous zones in the region in addition to those visible in outcrop.
MM:What does this drill programme entail and what is the broad timetable for completion?
KS:We intend to drill a fenceline of short holes in the area of coincident anomalous rock chip geochemistry (up to 21.1 g/t Au) and high resistivity. This fenceline is designed to identify in-situ quartz veins and/or their related alteration, to confirm the presence of a vein system at depth. At a later stage, and assuming the results of this first phase are positive, we would need to follow up with deeper exploratory holes. Another area which will be drill tested now is the point at which the Arzu and Derya structures disappear through ignimbrite cover rocks. This area shows coincident resistivity and intermittent chargeability anomalies in geophysics and other geological evidence suggests the presence of a buried vein system.
MM.How does this additional information add to your confidence in the viability for Kiziltepe to be a source for production, going forward?
KS:Within the margins of error acceptable in a scoping study we are already confident in the viability of the resource. The scoping study was undertaken independently of Ariana by a reputable international firm with prior experience in mining projects in Turkey and it yielded positive results. The new geophysics adds an element of further belief that the Kiziltepe resource will only continue to grow with further drill testing.
To view the latest 2010 presentation from Ariana , click here
To view Kerim Sener's Mining Journal feature on mining in Turkey, click here
Previous Miningmaven articles on Ariana Resources
27th February A Piece of Turkey in the heart of Mayfair!
3 January 2010 Ariana Resources: Buy me a Gold Mine in Turkey!
30 January 2010 Ariana Resources: Going for Gold in "Turnkey" Turkey
10 February 2010 Ariana Resources: Lets get this show on the road!
18 February 2010 Ariana Resources: Limbering up for the Main Event!!
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