Ariana Resources (LSE:AAU) reported progress on feasibility work at its Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, with recent drilling being incorporated into an updated independent mineral resource estimate.
Approximately 11,000 metres of drilling has been completed as part of the programme. The company is also working towards a revised ore reserve statement that is expected to include Dokwe Central for the first time following geotechnical and metallurgical studies.
The work forms part of Ariana’s feasibility study for the 100%-owned Dokwe project, which has an estimated gold resource of 1.6 million ounces.
Water Drilling Programme Encounters Target Aquifer
Ariana is carrying out a 2,200-metre water bore drilling programme to the north of Dokwe as it assesses potential water supplies for future project operations.
The company said drilling has encountered flows from the targeted aquifer. The programme is continuing as part of the infrastructure and processing studies included in the feasibility work.
Metallurgical testwork is also underway, with programmes being conducted by Xinhai in China and IMO in Australia. The results are intended to inform the project’s processing design.
Dokwe Central Geotechnical Drilling Completed
Geotechnical drilling at Dokwe Central has been completed, providing information for planned pit design work.
Ariana is also preparing a reverse circulation drilling programme for infrastructure sterilisation. This work is intended to determine whether areas being considered for project infrastructure contain mineralisation that could affect the location of proposed facilities.
Further planned exploration includes aeromagnetic and LiDAR surveys covering an additional 10 kilometres of prospective shear zones around the project.
Ariana Continues Feasibility and Exploration Work
The Dokwe programme includes mineral resource and ore reserve estimation, metallurgical testing, geotechnical analysis, water exploration and infrastructure planning.
Ariana said it is also engaging with local communities as feasibility and development studies progress.
The company is listed on AIM and the ASX and is focused on advancing Dokwe through feasibility studies while continuing to assess additional exploration targets in the surrounding area.
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