Ariana Resources (AIM:AAU), the AIM and ASX-listed gold exploration and development company with projects in Africa and Europe, said it has received all assay results from its 2026 metallurgical diamond drilling programme at the 100%-owned Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe.
The drilling forms part of the critical path toward a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) on the 1.6 million ounce Dokwe project.
Key intercepts at Dokwe North included 24 metres at 4.71 grams per tonne gold from a depth of 172 metres, including a 2 metre section grading 46.95 grams per tonne.
At Dokwe Central, drilling returned 98 metres at 2.85 grams per tonne gold from 91 metres, including 1 metre at 93.72 grams per tonne.
Eight tonnes of metallurgical samples from the programme have been shipped to Hongkong Xinhai Mining Services in Yantai, China, for feasibility-level testwork.
Follow-up exploration drilling on the eastern flank of Dokwe North also confirmed mineralisation extending to the northeast of the current resource, with results including 2 metres at 17.31 grams per tonne gold from 174 metres.
"The results collectively reinforce the typically extensive widths of mineralisation encountered at Dokwe North in particular, containing high-grade zones and continuing to demonstrate material lateral extension to the northeast", said Dr Kerim Sener, Managing Director.
Ariana said it remains fully funded to complete the DFS technical work programmes, targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
News Intelligence what this means for the company
Ariana has completed metallurgical drilling at Dokwe and shipped eight tonnes of samples to China for feasibility-level testwork, advancing toward a DFS targeted for Q1 2027. The intercepts—including 24m at 4.71 g/t gold with a 2m section at 46.95 g/t at Dokwe North, and 98m at 2.85 g/t at Dokwe Central—confirm extensive, high-grade mineralisation with lateral extension, and the company remains fully funded to complete the technical work.
The progression from assay results to feasibility-level testwork on a 1.6 million ounce resource narrows execution risk on the path to a DFS. The company's pro-forma cash position of A$53 million (from the May 2026 Zenit partial sale) underpins the stated funding sufficiency, though DFS completion and subsequent development financing remain contingent on testwork outcomes and market conditions.
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