TIDMAAU

RNS Number : 1607O

Ariana Resources PLC

29 September 2023

29 September 2023

AIM: AAU

INTERIM RESULTS

Ariana Resources plc ("Ariana" or "the Company"), the AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with gold mining interests in Europe, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Financial Highlights:

-- Ariana's share of profits from the Kiziltepe Mine, of which Ariana owns 23.5% through its investment in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit"), in the six months to June 2023 amount to GBP0.7m (H1 2022: GBP2.5m), largely reflecting the increase in administrative and other project costs associated with the development of the Tavsan Mine.

-- Zenit has fully repaid all bank loans within the period and continues to finance the Tavsan mine construction from its own internal funds. Zenit also absorbed the additional cost of the Tavsan site operational and administrative functions.

-- Profit before tax of GBP0.3m was recorded for the period, with operating costs in line with expectations and the prior year, though the decline (38% at the reporting date) in Turkish Lira facilitated a large foreign exchange charges and a corresponding reduction in other comprehensive income.

Operational Highlights:

-- Drilling continues at the Salinbas project with two drill rigs, with several highly significant results announced within the period, including the first discovery holes drilled at the Hizarliyayla prospect.

-- New geophysical survey results from Kiziltepe and Kepez highlighted several new drilling targets in the proximity of known veins systems, which are the subject of further investigation through drilling.

-- Western Tethyan completes agreement to acquire the Slivova Gold Project in Kosovo, and post-period end provided a resource update (0.18Moz) and a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment.

-- Kiziltepe Mine production for H1 2023 achieved 9,646 ounces of gold (H1 2022: 13,378 ounces of gold) with annual guidance of c.18,000 ounces of gold expected to be met by year-end.

-- Construction of the Tavsan Mine was temporarily halted in March 2023 following a local court decision, which was reversed shortly after the period end to enable construction to recommence.

-- Three new 100%-owned licences were acquired as part of our Project Leopard greenfield exploration initiative in eastern Turkey.

Strategic Highlights:

   --    WH Ireland was appointed as joint broker to the Company alongside Panmure Gordon. 

Significant Post-Period End Highlights:

-- Venus Minerals has advanced well during Q3 2023 and the planned IPO is currently scheduled for Q4 2023.

-- Positive results were announced from an airborne magnetic survey and the commencement of drilling at Kizilcukur, with the utilisation of the Geotek BoxScan technology in building the revised 3D model.

Dr. Kerim Sener, Managing Director, commented:

"Looking back over the past six months, we have conducted significant operational activity, as highlighted above, which underscores the huge amount of work being undertaken across our projects. We have remained committed to our strategy to pursue targeted exploration and development programmes across our portfolio, systematically de-risking our pipeline of robust assets, and propelling them up the value curve. Some of our assets will continue to be held in significant partnerships, while others are intended in the long-term to be developed largely independently of Ariana, such as Venus Minerals and Western Tethyan Resources. In addition, new project opportunities are being assessed via our Asgard Metals Fund, which may contribute markedly to the upscaling of our overall portfolio.

Our own team and Zenit have been working exceptionally hard to advance the projects in Turkey through multiple drilling programmes, geophysics, surface sampling and geological mapping. Specifically, these efforts culminated in a series of highly encouraging drilling results from the Salinbas Project, including the longest mineralised intercept ever recorded within the Ardala Cu-Au-Mo Porphyry of 461.8m @ 0.22% Cu + 0.23g/t Au and 155ppm Mo. In addition, the team successfully drilled the first three holes into the Hizarliyayla prospect, located 9km to the south of Salinbas, and identified an intermediate sulphidation epithermal base-metal-rich gold system. Although the prospective economic target is likely to be deep, from 600m below surface, the mineralisation lies along strike of the Hot Maden deposit and within the same structural corridor. This is an exciting development, as the area represents the most technically and operationally complex exploration ever undertaken by our team and is the subject of further deep drilling for which assay results will be available in due course.

Meanwhile, our operations in western Turkey continue to advance as planned, albeit having suffered somewhat from a five-month temporary suspension of construction activities at the Tavsan Mine following a local court decision. This delay was unfortunate as our local partnership had to maintain a construction team on stand-by and incur the associated continuing administrative costs on the Tavsan mine build. We were appreciative of the relatively swift resolution in our favour, allowing the team to immediately recommence construction early post-period end. Supporting all this activity was our operating Kiziltepe Mine, which continued to perform exceptionally throughout the period. Recent drilling activities at Kiziltepe and surrounding prospects remain, with a further round of drilling planned to follow the results of a new geophysical survey, which has identified several untested targets in the vicinity of known veins. We are hopeful that additional mineable ounces will be discovered to enable Kiziltepe to remain operational as we transition into full-scale operations at Tavsan in the forthcoming year. Kiziltepe remains an important operational base, with its commercial laboratory and metallurgical testwork facilities which will continue to support the activities of Zenit in the years ahead as the partnership continues to develop its projects in Turkey.

Further afield, our broader exploration activities remain focused on the discovery of new multi-million-ounce gold and copper projects, among other project types. Our strategic exploration alliance with Newmont Mining Corporation is going from strength to strength as activities with Western Tethyan Resources in Kosovo are accelerating markedly. This has created the impetus to recommence our own greenfield exploration in eastern Turkey after a hiatus of over 10 years, a strategy which crystallised following the grant of our first new exploration licences within an area we have designated "Project Leopard". In support of this project, we have engaged with technical experts in the geology and mineral prospectivity of this region through various academic institutions, including Middle East Technical University and the Centre for Exploration Targeting at the University of Western Australia, who are assisting with the generation of target areas for follow-up regional exploration through the application of some innovative ideas and techniques.

It is particularly interesting to note the development of BHP Xplor, a project accelerator fund, established by the world's leading mining company, to diversify its interests across commodities and jurisdictions with a particular focus on discovery-stage opportunities. This development is a response to the conundrum of ever-increasing demand for commodities, particularly those that support the growth of renewable energy technologies, set against the dearth of exploration success over the last few decades. As ever, Ariana has shown itself to be ahead of the curve, having established its own accelerator fund, in the form of Asgard Metals, a year ahead of this much-needed initiative by BHP. Our activities in this area have been undertaken in the background compared to our other projects, but significant effort has been placed into this division of the business, largely going underneath the radar. The team is currently working on a potential project which has the capacity to become a significant opportunity for the Company, for which details will be provided as soon as we are able.

We look forward to providing Company updates for the second half of the financial year, as we continue to operate an exciting pipeline of projects in gold and copper within Southeast Europe and as we look to grow our portfolio further afield."

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("UK MAR").

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2023

 
                                         Note   6 months   6 months      12 months 
                                                      to         to             to 
                                                 30 June    30 June    31 December 
                                                    2023       2022           2022 
                                                 GBP'000    GBP`000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Administrative costs (net of 
  exchange gains)                         (3)      (666)        611          (555) 
 General exploration expenditure                   (124)       (57)          (181) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)                           (790)        554          (736) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Share of profit of associate 
  accounted for using the equity 
  method                                 (5a)        737      2,500          6,010 
 Share of loss of associate accounted 
  for using the equity method            (5c)       (91)      (143)          (551) 
 Other gains                              (3)        379          -              - 
 Other Income                                         69          -            159 
 Investment Income                                    33         26            135 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                   337      2,937          5,017 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Taxation                                 (7)      (218)      (498)          (987) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Profit for the period from 
  continuing operations                              119      2,439          4,030 
 Earnings per share (pence) 
 Basic                                    (8)       0.01       0.22           0.36 
 Fully diluted                                      0.01       0.22           0.36 
 
   Other comprehensive income 
   Items that may be reclassified 
   subsequently to profit or loss: 
 Exchange differences on translating 
  foreign operations                             (4,606)    (1,875)        (3,504) 
 Other comprehensive (loss)/ 
  for the period 
  net of income tax                              (4,606)    (1,875)        (3,504) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total comprehensive profit/(loss) 
  for the period                                 (4,487)        564            526 
--------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Financial Position

For the six months ended 30 June 2023

 
                                        Note      As at      As at          As at 
                                                30 June    30 June    31 December 
                                                   2023       2022           2022 
                                                GBP'000    GBP`000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 ASSETS 
 Non-current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                        197        661            414 
 Financial assets at fair value 
  through profit or loss                 (9)        825        567            639 
 Intangible assets                                  122        140            130 
 Land, property, plant and equipment                367        491            461 
 Exploration expenditure                (4a)        498          -            199 
 Earn-in advances                       (4b)        227          -             87 
 Investment in associates accounted 
  for using the equity method            (5)     13,602     13,111         15,317 
 Total non-current assets                        15,838     14,970         17,247 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables            (10)        812        984          1,280 
 Gold bullion                            (3)      1,761          -              - 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        4,464     14,024          9,375 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total current assets                             7,037     15,008         10,655 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total assets                                    22,875     29,978         27,902 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 EQUITY 
 Called up share capital                (11)      1,147      1,143          1,147 
 Share premium                          (11)      2,207      2,157          2,207 
 Other reserves                                     720        720            720 
 Share based payments                                 -        173              - 
 Translation reserve                           (16,288)   (10,053)       (11,682) 
 Retained earnings                               34,785     34,902         34,666 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total equity attributable to 
  equity holders of the parent                   22,571     29,042         27,058 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Non-controlling interest                            30         30             30 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total equity                                    22,601     29,072         27,088 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 LIABILITIES 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                           274        906            814 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total liabilities                                  274        906            814 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total equity and liabilities                    22,875     29,978         27,902 
-------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2023

 
                                                                                                       Total 
                                                                                                attributable 
                                                     Share                                         to equity 
                                                     Based     Capital      Trans-                    holder 
                     Share     Share      Other   Payments   Reduction      lation   Retained             of   Non-controlling 
                   Capital   Premium   Reserves    Reserve     Reserve     Reserve   Earnings         parent          interest       Total 
                   GBP`000   GBP`000    GBP`000    GBP`000     GBP`000     GBP`000    GBP`000        GBP`000           GBP`000     GBP`000 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Balance 
  at 1 January 
  2022               1,097       305        720        173       7,222     (8,178)     27,160         28,499                30      28,529 
 
   Changes 
   in equity 
   to 30 June 
   2022 
 Profit for 
  the period             -         -          -          -           -           -      2,439          2,439                 -       2,439 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -         -          -          -           -     (1,875)          -        (1,875)                 -     (1,875) 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -         -          -          -           -     (1,875)      2,439            564                 -         564 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Issue of 
  ordinary 
  shares                46     1,852          -          -           -           -          -          1,898                 -       1,898 
 
   Dividend 
   paid to 
   shareholders          -         -          -          -           -           -    (1,919)        (1,919)                 -     (1,919) 
 Transfer 
  between 
  reserves               -         -          -         --     (7,222)           -      7,222              -                 -           - 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners           46     1,852          -          -     (7,222)           -      5,303           (21)                 -        (21) 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Balance 
  at 30 June 
  2022               1,143     2,157        720        173           -    (10,053)     34,902         29,042                30      29,072 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Changes 
  in equity 
  to 31 December 
  2022 
 Profit for 
  the period             -         -          -          -           -           -      1,591          1,591                 -       1,591 
 
   Other 
   comprehensive 
   Income                -         -          -          -           -     (1,629)          -        (1,629)                 -     (1,629) 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -         -          -          -           -     (1,629)      1,591           (38)                 -        (38) 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Issue of 
  ordinary 
  shares                 4        50          -          -           -           -          -             54                 -          54 
 Dividend 
  paid to 
  shareholders           -         -          -          -           -           -    (2,000)        (2,000)                 -     (2,000) 
 Transfer 
  between 
  reserves               -         -          -      (173)           -           -        173              -                 -           - 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners            4        50          -      (173)           -           -      3,476        (1,946)                 -     (1,946) 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Balance 
  at 31 December 
  2022               1,147     2,207        720          -           -    (11,682)     34,666         27,058                30     27,088 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Changes 
  in equity 
  to 30 June 
  2023 
 Profit for 
  the period             -         -          -          -           -           -        119            119                 -         119 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -         -          -          -           -     (4,606)          -        (4,606)                 -     (4,606) 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 
   Total 
   comprehensive 
   income                -         -          -          -           -     (4,606)        119        (4,487)                 -     (4,487) 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Transactions            -         -          -          -           -           -          -              -                 -           - 
  with owners 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Balance 
  at 30 June 
  2023               1,147     2,207        720          -           -    (16,288)     34,785         22,571                30      22,601 
----------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 June 2023

 
                                             6 months        6 months      12 months 
                                                   to              to             to 
                                              30 June    30 June 2022    31 December 
                                                 2023         GBP'000           2022 
                                              GBP'000                        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit for the period                            119           2,439          4,030 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation of non-current assets                35              46             93 
 Share of profit in equity accounted 
  associate                                     (737)         (2,500)        (6,010) 
 Share of loss in equity accounted 
  associate                                        91             143            551 
 Other gains                                    (379)               -              - 
 Investment income                               (33)            (26)          (135) 
 Income tax expense                               218             498            987 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
                                                (686)             600          (484) 
 Movement in working capital 
 Change in trade and other receivables          (820)           (657)          (361) 
 Change in trade and other payables             (408)           (355)             46 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 Cash (outflow)/inflow from operating 
  activities                                  (1,914)           (412)          (799) 
 Taxation paid                                  (234)         (1,154)        (1,882) 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 Net cash from operating activities           (2,148)         (1,566)        (2,681) 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 
   Cash flows from investing activities 
   Purchase of gold bullion                   (1,382)               -              - 
 Earn-In Advances                               (140)               -           (87) 
 Purchase of land, property, plant 
  and equipment                                  (66)           (314)          (333) 
 Payments for intangible and exploration 
  assets                                        (311)               -          (199) 
 Purchase of financial assets at 
  fair value through profit or loss             (231)            (81)          (155) 
 Loan granted to associate                      (300)               -          (500) 
 Dividend from associate                            -             348              - 
 Investment income                                 33              26            135 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 Net cash generated/(used) in 
  investing activities                        (2,397)            (21)        (1,139) 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 
   Cash flows from financing activities 
 Issue of share capital                             -           1,898          1,952 
 Payment of shareholder dividend 
  (excluding uncashed)                              -         (2,037)        (4,022) 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 Net cash generated from/ (used 
  in) investing activities                          -           (139)        (2,070) 
 
 Net (decrease)/ increase in cash 
  and cash equivalents                        (4,545)         (1,726)        (5,890) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of period                                     9.375          16,389         16,389 
 Exchange adjustment on cash and 
  cash equivalents                              (366)           (639)        (1,124) 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of period                                 4,464          14,024          9,375 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------------- 
 

Notes to the interim financial statements

For the six months ended 30 June 2023

1. General information

Ariana Resources Plc (the "Company") is a public limited company incorporated, domiciled and registered in the U.K. The registration number is 05403426 and the registered address is 2(nd) Floor, Regis House, 45 King William Street, London, EC4R 9AN.

The Company's shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (together the "Group") are related to the exploration for and development of gold, and technology-metals.

2 (a). Basis of preparation

The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards and in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards.

The condensed interim financial statements set out above do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of the Companies Act 2006. They have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the UK. Statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 were approved by the Board of Directors on 5 June 2023. The financial information for the periods ended 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022 are unaudited.

2 (b). Significant accounting policies

The same accounting policies have been followed in these condensed interim financial statements as were applied in the preparation of the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors are mindful that there is an ongoing need to monitor overheads and costs associated with delivering on its strategy and certain exploration programmes being undertaken across its portfolio.

3. Administrative costs and other gains

During the period, exchange gains on holding US Dollars are disclosed within the charge for administrative costs.

Gold bullion acquired during the period is included under current assets at its market valuation. Any resulting gain or loss on revaluation is recognised through the profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive income.

4a. Exploration assets

The Group, through its two subsidiary companies hold several exploration licences in Kosovo and Türkiye.

Expenditure including a proportion of staff costs capitalised during the period is as follows: -

 
                                                       Deferred 
                                                        exploration 
                                                        expenditure 
                                                        GBP`000 
 Cost or valuation at 1 January                                 - 
  and 30 June 2022 
 Additions                                                      199 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Cost or valuation at 30 December 
  2022                                                          199 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Additions                                                      311 
 Exchange movement                                             (12) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Cost or valuation at 30 June 
  2023                                                          498 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------- 
 
 

4b Earn In advances

The Group's 75% owned subsidiary Western Tethyan Resources Limited ("WTR"), entered into an Earn-in Agreement with Avrupa Minerals Limited, for the right to acquire up to an 85% interest in the Slivova Gold Project in Kosovo. The agreement requires WTR to provide funding and complete a series of exploration and development milestones, ahead of reaching its agreed ownership target. Staged payments and development expenditure incurred following inception of the option to the 30 June 2023 amounted to GBP227,000.

5. Equity accounted Investments

The Group investments comprise the following:

 
 Associate companies                        Note    30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                                       2023       2022          2022 
                                                      Group      Group         Group 
                                                    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Associate Interest in Zenit Madencilik 
  San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit")                 5a      7,005      6,725         9,330 
 Associate Interest in Pontid Madencilik 
  San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Pontid")                5b      4,139      4,139         4,139 
 Associate Interest in Venus Minerals 
  Ltd ("Venus")                               5c      2,458      2,247         1,848 
 Carrying amount of investment                       13,602     13,111        15,317 
-----------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 

5 (a). Investment in Zenit

The Group accounts for its associated interest in Zenit using the equity method. As at 30 June 2023 the Group retained a 23.5% interest in Zenit.

Summarised financial information, based on Zenit's translated financial statements, and reconciliations with the carrying amount of the investment in the consolidated financial statements are set out below:

 
 Summary statement of comprehensive income       30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                                    2023       2022          2022 
                                                   Group      Group         Group 
                                                 GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Revenue                                          15,386     22,792        47,489 
 Cost of sales                                  (12,362)    (9,208)      (26,244) 
 Gross Profit                                      3,024     13,584        21,245 
 Administrative and other expenses               (1,974)    (1,346)         (555) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Operating profit                                  1,050     12,238        20,690 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Other income                                         44         30             - 
 Finance expenses including foreign exchange 
  losses                                           (619)      (630)       (1,102) 
 Finance income including foreign exchange 
  gains                                            3,130      2,005         4,728 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Profit for the period before tax                  3,605     13,643        24,316 
 Taxation                                          (467)    (3,003)         1,259 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Profit for the period                             3,138     10,640        25,575 
 Proportion of Group's profit share                23.5%      23.5%         23.5% 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Group's share of profit for the period              737      2,500         6,010 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 
 
 Summary statement of financial position     30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                                2023       2022          2022 
                                               Group      Group         Group 
                                             GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Non-current assets (including Kiziltepe 
  Gold Mine)                                  19,748     19,193        23,935 
 Current assets                               15,727     18,756        24,470 
 Current liabilities                         (5,191)    (8,784)       (8,121) 
 Non-current liabilities                       (476)      (548)         (582) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Equity                                       29,808     28,617        39,702 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Proportion of Group's ownership               23.5%      23.5%         23.5% 
 Carrying amount of Investment                 7,005      6,725         9,330 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 

5 (b). Investment in Pontid

The Group accounts for its associated interest in Pontid using the equity method. As at 30 June 2023 the Group retained a 23.5% interest in Pontid. This investment continues to be valued at GBP4.139m as at 30 June 2023.

5 (c). Investment in Venus

The Group increased its shareholding in Venus Minerals Ltd to 58% from 50% during May 2023. The Group continues to account for its increased interest using the equity method. The Group`s share of loss for the period to 30 June 2023 amounted to GBP91,000.

6. Segmental analysis

Management currently identifies one division as an operating segment - mineral exploration. This operating segment is monitored and strategic decisions are made based upon this and other non-financial data collated from exploration activities.

Principal activities for this operating segment are as follows:

- Mineral exploration - incorporates the acquisition, exploration and development of gold resources.

- Other reconciling items include non-mineral exploration costs and transactions between Group and associate companies.

 
                            30 June 2023                      30 June 2022                     31 December 2022 
                    Mining         Other     Group    Mining         Other     Group    Mining         Other      Group 
                   GBP'000   reconciling   GBP'000   GBP'000   reconciling   GBP'000   GBP'000   reconciling    GBP'000 
                                   items                             items                             items 
                                 GBP'000                           GBP'000                           GBP'000 
----------------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------- 
 Administrative 
  costs (net of 
  exchange 
  gains)                 -         (666)     (666)         -           611       611         -         (555)      (555) 
 General 
  exploration 
  expenditure        (124)             -     (124)      (57)             -      (57)     (181)             -      (181) 
 Share of profit 
  in associate 
  - Zenit              737             -       737     2,500             -     2,500     6,010             -      6,010 
 Share of loss 
  in associate 
  - Venus             (91)             -      (91)     (143)             -     (143)     (551)             -      (551) 
 Investment and 
  other income           -           481       481         -            26        26         -           294        294 
----------------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  before 
  taxation             522         (185)       337      2300           637     2,937     5,278         (261)      5,017 
 Taxation            (218)             -     (218)     (498)             -     (498)     (987)             -      (987) 
----------------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  after tax            304         (185)       119     1,802           637     2,439     4,291         (261)      4,030 
----------------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  --------- 
 

Geographical segments

The Group's mining assets and liabilities are located primarily in Türkiye.

 
                            30 June 2023                           30 June 2022                           31 December 2022 
                Türkiye        United     Group   Türkiye        United      Group                        United      Group 
                     GBP'000       Kingdom   GBP'000                      Kingdom    GBP'000    Türkiye       Kingdom    GBP'000 
                                   & other                  GBP'000       & other                    GBP`000       & other 
                               territories                            territories                              territories 
                                   GBP'000                                GBP'000                                  GBP'000 
-------------  -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  --------- 
 Carrying 
  amount of 
  segment 
  non-current 
  assets              12,177         3,661    15,838         12,218         2,752     14,970          14,418         2,829     17,247 
-------------  -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------------  ------------  --------- 
 

7. Taxation

The Group had taxable profits for the period and a corporation tax charge is anticipated during the year to 31 December 2023. The charge reflected in these interim accounts is based on the following transactions:

 
                                                 30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                                    2023       2022          2022 
                                                   Group      Group         Group 
                                                 GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Withholding tax suffered on subsidiary 
  dividends                                          218          -           323 
 Taxation on subsidiary profits and exchange 
  gains                                                -        498           664 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Tax charge for the period                           218        498           987 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 

8. Earnings per share on continuing operations

The calculation of basic profit per share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of GBP119,000 divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, being 1,146,363,330.

9. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 
                                                                          Group 
                                                                           2022 
                                                                        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  --------- 
 At 1 January 2022                                                          461 
 Addition                                                                    80 
 Exchange movement                                                           26 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  --------- 
 At 30 June 2022                                                            567 
 Addition                                                                    75 
 Exchange movement                                                          (3) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  --------- 
 At 31 December 2022                                                        639 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  --------- 
 Addition                                                                   231 
 Exchange movement                                                         (45) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  --------- 
 At 30 June 2023                                                            825 
--------------------------------------------------------------------  --------- 
 
 All the above investments are owned by the Group's wholly-owned 
  subsidiary Asgard Metals Pty. Ltd. During the period it continued 
  with its investment strategy by acquiring additional shares 
  in listed and unlisted securities. 
 
 

10. Trade and other receivables

 
                                        30 June    30 June   31 December 
                                           2023       2022          2022 
                                          Group      Group         Group 
                                        GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 Amounts owed by associate interest         472        496           497 
 Other receivables                          140        396           155 
 Loan to associate interest                 100          -           500 
 Prepayments                                100         92           128 
------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
                                            812        984         1,280 
------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 

The fair value of trade and other receivables is not materially different to the carrying values presented.

11. Called up share capital, share premium and capital reduction reserve

 
 Allotted, issued and fully             Number      Share      Share      Capital 
  paid 0.1p shares                   of shares    Capital    Premium    Reduction 
                                                  GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                                          GBP'000 
----------------------------  ----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
 In issue at 1 January 
  2022                           1,096,677,943      1,097        305        7,222 
 Issue of shares                    46,185,387         46      1,852            - 
  Transfer of reserve to 
   retained earnings                         -          -          -      (7,222) 
   In issue at 30 June 2022      1,142,863,320      1,143      2,157            - 
  Share options exercised            3,500,000          4         50            - 
 In issue at 31 December 
  & 30 June 2023                 1,146,363,330      1,147      2,207            - 
----------------------------  ----------------  ---------  ---------  ----------- 
 

At 30 June 2023 the Company had no outstanding options and warrants for the issue of ordinary shares.

12. Approval of interim financial statements

The interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 September 2023.

Contacts:

 
 Ariana Resources plc                     Tel: +44 (0) 20 7407 3616 
 Michael de Villiers, Chairman 
 Kerim Sener, Managing Director 
 Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated      Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 
  Adviser) 
 Roland Cornish / Felicity Geidt 
 Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (Joint       Tel: +44 (0) 20 7886 2500 
  Broker) 
 John Prior / Hugh Rich / Atholl 
  Tweedie 
 WHIreland Limited (Joint Broker)         Tel: +44 (0) 207 2201666 
  Harry Ansell / Katy Mitchell / George 
  Krokos                                   Tel: +44 (0) 7983 521 488 
  Yellow Jersey PR Limited (Financial 
  PR) 
 Dom Barretto / Shivantha Thambirajah     arianaresources@yellowjerseypr.com 
  / 
  Bessie Elliot 
 

Editors' Note:

About Ariana Resources:

Ariana is an AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with an exceptional track-record of creating value for its shareholders through its interests in active mining projects and investments in exploration companies. Its current interests include gold production in Turkey and copper-gold exploration and development projects in Cyprus and Kosovo.

The Company holds 23.5% interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. a joint venture with Ozaltin Holding A.S. and Proccea Construction Co. in Turkey which contains a depleted total of c. 2.1 million ounces of gold and other metals (as at February 2022). The joint venture comprises the Kiziltepe Mine and the Tavsan and Salinbas projects.

The Kiziltepe Gold-Silver Mine is located in western Turkey and contains a depleted JORC Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resource of 222,000 ounces gold and 3.8 million ounces silver (as at February 2022). The mine has been in pro table production since 2017 and is expected to produce at a rate of c.20,000 ounces of gold per annum to at least the mid-2020s. A Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty of 2.5% on production is being paid to Franco-Nevada Corporation.

The Tavsan Gold Mine is located in western Turkey and contains a JORC Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resource of 307,000 ounces gold and 1.1 million ounces silver (as at November 2022). Following the approval of its Environmental Impact Assessment and associated permitting, Tavsan is being developed as the second gold mining operation in Turkey. A NSR royalty of up to 2% on future production is payable to Sandstorm Gold.

The Salinbas Gold Project is located in north-eastern Turkey and contains a JORC Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resource of 1.5 million ounces of gold (as at July 2020). It is located within the multi-million ounce Artvin Gold eld, which contains the "Hot Gold Corridor" comprising several signi cant gold- copper projects including the 4 million ounce Hot Maden project, which lies 16km to the south of Salinbas. A NSR royalty of up to 2% on future production is payable to Eldorado Gold Corporation.

Ariana owns 100% of Australia-registered Asgard Metals Fund ("Asgard"), as part of the Company's proprietary Project Catalyst Strategy. The Fund is focused on investments in high-value potential, discovery-stage mineral exploration companies located across the Eastern Hemisphere and within easy reach of Ariana's operational hubs in Australia, Turkey and the UK.

Ariana owns 75% of UK-registered Western Tethyan Resources Ltd ("WTR"), which operates across south-eastern Europe and is based in Pristina, Republic of Kosovo. The company is targeting its exploration on major copper-gold deposits across the porphyry-epithermal transition. WTR is being funded through a ve-year Alliance Agreement with Newmont Mining Corporation (www.newmont.com) and is separately earning-in to 85% of the Slivova Gold Project.

Ariana owns 58% of UK-registered Venus Minerals Ltd ("Venus") which is focused on the exploration and development of copper-gold assets in Cyprus which contain a combined JORC Indicated and Inferred Resource of 17Mt @ 0.45% to 1.10% copper (excluding additional gold, silver and zinc.

Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited and WH Ireland Limited are brokers to the Company and Beaumont Cornish Limited is the Company's Nominated Adviser.

For further information on Ariana, you are invited to visit the Company's website at www.arianaresources.com .

Ends

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IR DKLBLXKLZBBV

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 29, 2023 04:00 ET (08:00 GMT)

Ariana (AQSE:AAU.GB)
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