Interim Results

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Ariana Resources plc reported a significant increase in profit before tax to £6.248 million for the six months ended 30 June 2026, a substantial rise from £0.151 million in the prior year's comparable period. The company's exploration assets grew to £21.223 million, and it successfully sold a 13.6% stake in Zenit for US$19.5 million, while also settling a US$782,575 loan. Operational highlights include a revised Dokwe Pre-Feasibility Study demonstrating a long-life, low-capital, high-margin gold project with a 1.06 million ounce Life of Project production, and an increased Ore Reserve of 1.13 million ounces. The company also produced 9,838 ounces of gold and 28,194 ounces of silver from Zenit Mining Operations.

Disclaimer*

Ariana Resources PLC
29 September 2026
 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

Ariana Resources PLC NEW

Trade on AIM logo

29 September 2026

AIM: AAU

ASX: AA2

 

Interim Results

Ariana Resources plc (AIM: AAU, ASX: AA2, “Ariana” or the “Company”), the mineral exploration and development company advancing the 1.6 Moz Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026.

Financial Highlights:

  • Profit before tax of £6.248 million (H1 2025: £0.151m) was recorded for the period.

 

  • Exploration assets included in the Statement of Financial Position have increased to £21.223 million (31 December 2025: £19.309m).

 

  • Sale of 13.6% of the Company’s 23.5% interest in Zenit to Özaltın for US$19.5 million.

 

  • Settlement and conversion of the outstanding loan balance of US$782,575 due under the RiverFort Facility Agreement.

 

Operational Highlights:

  • Revised Dokwe PFS demonstrates a long-life, low capital cost, high margin gold production occurring in two phases: 12-year initial open-pitLife of Mine ("LoM") phase at c.80,000oz p.a. and 8-year stockpile processing phase at c.20,000oz p.a. for total Life of Project ("LoP") production of 1.06Moz and peak production of 100,000oz p.a.

 

  • Ore Reserve increased to 1.13Moz of gold at Dokwe North, comprising the following Proved and Probable categories, at a 0.2 g/t Au cut-off:

•          High Grade: 11.0Mt @ 1.91 g/t Au (for 674,300 oz Au)

•          Medium Grade: 16.3Mt @ 0.57 g/t Au (for 297,700 oz Au)

•          Low Grade: 18.6Mt @ 0.27 g/t Au (for 163,200 oz Au)

 

  • Mineral Resource Estimate increased to 1.6Moz of gold at Dokwe North and Dokwe Central, at a 0.2 g/t Au cut-off.

 

  • Pre-tax LoP NPV10 of US$1,056m (A$1,509m), post-tax NPV10 of US$740m (A$1,057m), approximate 1-year payback period from commissioning and 92% IRR at a US$4,250/oz gold price; total EBITDA of US$1,993m.

 

  • 31-hole reverse circulation drilling programme completed for 5,659m, which targeted resource expansion at the Dokwe Gold Project; key intercepts from the programme included:

•          4m @16.90 g/t Au from 69m (DRC25)

•          10m @ 7.67 g/t Au from 110m (DRC23)

•          10m @ 4.91 g/t Au from 156m (DRC22)

•          22m @ 1.49 g/t Au from 111m (DRC29)

•          8m @ 1.20 g/t Au from 65m (DRC31)

 

  • Gold mineralisation is now confirmed to extend at least 150m beyond the current resource envelope at Dokwe North, remaining open along strike; extensions to gold mineralisation were also identified at Dokwe Central and at the Sinkwe Prospect, 750m to the east.

 

  • Metallurgical Sampling and Testwork Agreement completed with Hongkong Xinhai Mining Services ("Xinhai") to provide diamond drilling and Phase 1 metallurgical testwork for A$1m in Ariana CDIs.

 

  • 9,838 ounces of gold and 28,194 ounces of silver produced from the Zenit Mining Operations in Türkiye, with heap-leach operations at the Tavşan Gold Mine achieving full operational production capacity towards the end of June.

 

Cautionary Statement:

This announcement includes production targets and forecast financial information. The Company has concluded that it has a reasonable basis for providing these forward-looking statements and the forecast financial information included in this release is based on the material assumptions outlined in this release. While the Company considers all the material assumptions to be based on reasonable grounds, there is no certainty that they will prove to be correct or that the range of outcomes indicated by the PFS will be achieved.

 

Strategic Highlights:

  • Corporate structure simplified to enhance focus on Dokwe, with the sale of the majority of Ariana’s holding in Zenit Mining Operations, yielding US$17.2m (net of tax) in non-dilutionary funding.

 

  • Mr Simon Acomb was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer.

 

Significant Post-Period End Highlights:

  • Ariana's 9.9% interest in Kiziltepe was sold to Proccea, having received US$3.7m gross cash (c.US$3.3m net of local taxes) in addition to US$0.8m from Zenit to fully settle an outstanding intercompany debt, with completion occurring on 29 July 2026.

 

  • Delivery of eight tonnes of metallurgical testwork samples obtained from diamond drilling at Dokwe North and Central to the Xinhai laboratory in Yantai, China; feasibility-level metallurgical testwork underway.

 

  • Mr Michael Atkins was appointed to the role of Executive Chairman.

 

Michael Atkins, Chairman’s Statement:

The first half of 2026 saw substantial progress at our flagship Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, alongside steps to simplify Ariana’s portfolio and strengthen our financial position. During the period, Dokwe grew in scale, its development case was strengthened through an updated Pre-Feasibility Study, Definitive Feasibility activities continued, and our partnership with Xinhai moved further into execution. The partial monetisation of our interests in Türkiye also provided substantial non-dilutionary funding that will be focused towards Dokwe.

 

Advancing Dokwe

Dokwe is the cornerstone of Ariana’s future, and during the Half-Year, work progressed across exploration, resource definition, project optimisation, metallurgical and geotechnical drilling, yielding key inputs to the pending Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”). In May, we released the updated Pre-Feasibility Study, incorporating an updated Mineral Resource Estimate, the results of the Strategic Optimisation Study undertaken by Whittle Consulting and revised project inputs. The resulting development plan envisages a larger 2.5Mtpa operation and strengthened the scale and economics of the project.

 

The updated Mineral Resource Estimate increased by 13% to 1.6Moz of gold across Dokwe North and Dokwe Central, while the Dokwe North Ore Reserve increased by 42% to 1.13Moz. The PFS outlines an initial 12-year open-pit mining phase producing approximately 80,000 ounces of gold per annum, followed by eight years of stockpile processing, for total forecast life-of-project production of approximately 1.06Moz over 20 years. These results provide a stronger foundation for the DFS now underway.

 

Drilling during the period also extended mineralisation at Dokwe North, identified extensions at Dokwe Central and confirmed shallow gold mineralisation at the Sinkwe Prospect. The work improved our understanding of the wider mineralised system and identified further exploration targets. Alongside progressing the existing reserves through feasibility and towards development, we see scope to grow the Dokwe through exploration to further extend the life of the project.

 

Progressing the Xinhai partnership

Following Xinhai’s investment in Ariana and its appointment as a strategic partner to advance the DFS development partner for Dokwe in 2025, our teams have been working together on the technical programs supporting the DFS. During the March quarter, members of our Board and management team visited Dokwe with representatives of Xinhai and inspected processing facilities constructed by Xinhai in Zimbabwe. This was followed by meetings with Xinhai’s management and technical teams in China.

 

During the June quarter, metallurgical drilling undertaken with Xinhai was completed ahead of schedule, with samples prepared for metallurgical testwork. This work will provide data for the process design and tailings management components of the DFS. Xinhai is now very much actively involved in the technical work required to advance Dokwe, building on the strategic partnership established last year.

 

Simplifying Ariana and funding Dokwe

During the Half-Year, we also began reshaping Ariana’s portfolio through the partial monetisation of our long-standing investment in Zenit Madencilik in Türkiye. In May, Ariana agreed to sell 13.6% of its 23.5% interest in Zenit to existing shareholder Özaltın for US$19.5 million in cash, generating approximately US$17.2 million after local taxes. The transaction realised value from an investment Ariana has helped build over many years, simplified our corporate structure and provided a substantial source of non-dilutionary capital for Dokwe.

 

Following the transaction, Ariana retained a 9.9% interest in Zenit, together with Board representation and an entitlement to dividends when declared. The sale took place as the Turkish operations reached a new stage in their development. Tavşan completed its ramp-up and achieved full operational production capacity during June, while operations at Kiziltepe were essentially wound down during the period. Zenit produced and sold 9,838 ounces of gold and 28,194 ounces of silver during the six months to 30 June. Ariana ended the half with cash and cash equivalents of approximately £17.3 million, compared with £5.4 million at the beginning of the year, leaving the Company well-funded to continue the Dokwe DFS and associated work programs.

Subsequent to period end, we continued this process through the sale of our residual 9.9% interest in the Kiziltepe sector for US$3.7 million. The transaction provided further non-dilutionary funding for Dokwe and simplified Ariana’s Turkish interests. We retain a 9.9% interest in Zenit’s Tavşan Mine and Salinbaş Project, preserving exposure to future dividends and potential value creation. We are realising value from mature Turkish interests and redirecting capital towards the asset where we see the greatest opportunity to increase Ariana’s value and scale, while retaining meaningful exposure to Zenit.

 

Board evolution

In April, I succeeded Michael de Villiers as Non-Executive Chairman, with Michael moving to the role of Deputy Chairman. In September, my role as Chairman was elevated to Executive Chairman. Michael de Villiers has provided strong leadership to Ariana over many years and helped guide the Company through its development from explorer to producer, the acquisition of Dokwe and, more recently, its successful listing on the Australian Securities Exchange. I am pleased that Ariana continues to benefit from his experience as Deputy Chairman.

 

Having joined the Board in 2025 and been closely involved in supporting Ariana’s ASX listing, I have seen first-hand the changes taking place across the Company. I assumed the Chairmanship as Dokwe advances towards production, our balance sheet strengthens, and the Company becomes increasingly focused on delivering the Dokwe project.

 

Looking ahead

The principal focus for the remainder of 2026 is progressing the Dokwe Definitive Feasibility Study and the technical work required to move the project towards development. In parallel, we will continue to assess opportunities to expand the existing resource and test the broader exploration potential across Dokwe with a view to extending the life of the open pit mining at Dokwe.

 

The work completed during the half year has put Ariana in a stronger position to pursue these objectives. We have advanced and materially strengthened our principal development asset, realised value from part of our mature Turkish investment and substantially increased the capital available to fund Dokwe without issuing new equity.

 

I thank my fellow Board members, and our employees, advisers and partners, including Xinhai and our partners in Türkiye, for their work during the period, and our shareholders for their continued support as we advance Dokwe and the next stage of Ariana’s development. I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous effort that our Managing Director, Dr Kerim Sener, continues to put into the management of Ariana, and I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.

 

The Board of Ariana Resources plc has approved this announcement and authorised its release.

 

For further information on the Company, please visit the website or please contact the following:

 

Contacts:

Ariana Resources plc

Michael Atkins, Non-Executive Chairman

Dr Kerim Sener, Managing Director

 

 

info@arianaresources.com

 

 

 

Beaumont Cornish Limited

(Nominated Adviser)

Roland Cornish / Felicity Geidt

 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 3396

 

 

 

Zeus Capital (Joint Broker)

Harry Ansell / Katy Mitchell

 

Fortified Securities (Joint Broker)

Guy Wheatley

 

Yellow Jersey PR Limited (UK Financial PR)

Dom Barretto / Shivantha Thambirajah

 

M&C Partners (Aus Financial PR)

Christina Granger / Ben Henri

 

Shaw and Partners Limited

(Lead Manager – ASX)

Damien Gullone

 

 

 

Tel: +44 (0) 203 829 5000

 

 

Tel: +44 (0) 203 411 7773

 

 

Tel: +44 (0) 7983 521 488

arianaresources@yellowjerseypr.com

 

Tel: +61 438 227 286

christina.granger@mcpartners.com.au

 

Tel: +61 (0)2 9238 1268

 

 

 

Beaumont Cornish Limited (“Beaumont Cornish”) is the Company’s Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish’s responsibilities as the Company’s Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.

 

About Ariana Resources:

Ariana is a mineral exploration and development company dual-listed on AIM (AIM: AAU) and ASX (ASX: AA2), with its main project being the 1.6 Moz Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, with its DFS in progress. Ariana has an exceptional track record of creating value for its shareholders through its interests in active mining projects and investments in exploration companies. In addition to its Dokwe Gold Project, its other interests include a residual investment in gold-silver production in Türkiye after a recent substantial sell-down, and copper-gold-silver exploration and development projects in Kosovo and Cyprus.

For further information on the vested interests Ariana has, please visit the Company's website at www.arianaresources.com.

Zeus Capital Limited, Fortified Securities and Shaw and Partners Limited are the brokers to the Company, and Beaumont Cornish Limited is the Company's Nominated Adviser.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2026

 

 

Note

6 months to

30 June 2026

£’000

Unaudited

6 months to

30 June 2025

£’000

Unaudited

12 months to

31 December 2025

 £’000

Audited

Administrative costs (net of exchange gains)

3

(1,489)

(806)

(2,288)

General exploration expenditure, not capitalised

 

(75)

-

(265)

Operating loss

 

(1,564)

(806)

(2,553)

Finance cost

4

(12)

(218)

(410)

Share of loss of associate accounted for using the equity method

6a

(105)

(31)

(69)

Share of profit of associate accounted for using the equity method

6b

-

1,142

1,142

Gain/(loss) on remeasurement of associate accounted for using the equity method to fair value through profit or loss

6b

-

-

(4,129)

Recycled foreign currency translation loss on loss of significant influence

6b

-

-

(6,751)

Foreign exchange gain on translation of financial asset measured at fair value

6b

-

-

353

Gain/(loss) on the revaluation of financial assets through profit or loss

8

3,263

28

(10)

Gain on disposal of financial assets through profit or loss

8

4,510

-

-

Other income

 

-

30

57

Investment income

 

156

6

14

Profit/(loss) before tax

 

6,248

151

(12,356)

Taxation

 

-

(37)

(4)

Profit/(loss) for the period from continuing operations

 

6,248

114

(12,360)

Earnings/(loss) per share (pence)

 

 

 

 

Basic

9

0.24

0.01

(0.60)

Diluted

9

0.21

0.01

(0.60)

 

Other comprehensive income

 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

 

 

 

 

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

 

294

(3,159)

3,820

Other comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period net of income tax

 

294

(3,159)

3,820

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period

 

6,542

(3,045)

(8,540)

 

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Financial Position

For the six months ended 30 June 2026

 

 

Note

As at

30 June 2026

£’000

Unaudited

As at

30 June 2025

£’000

Unaudited

As at

31 December 2025

£’000

Audited

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

 

-

326

-

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

8

11,314

658

18,124

Intangible assets

 

65

82

75

Land, property, plant and equipment

 

332

172

155

Investment in associates accounted for using the equity method

6

1,970

23,350

2,075

Exploration assets

5

21,223

18,517

19,309

Earn-in advances

5

-

-

755

Total non-current assets

 

34,904

43,105

39,738

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

10

1,337

1,126

1,312

Cash and cash equivalents

 

17,267

424

5,436

Total current assets

 

18,604

1,550

6,748

Total assets

 

53,508

44,655

46,486

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Called up share capital

13

3,353

1,944

2,616

Share premium

13

26,754

18,724

26,386

Other reserves

 

720

720

720

Share option reserve

14

332

117

332

Translation reserve

 

(9,308)

(16,581)

(9,602)

Retained earnings

 

31,028

37,254

24,780

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

52,879

42,178

45,232

Non-controlling interest

 

140

140

140

Total equity

 

53,019

42,318

43,372

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

11

400

1,987

1,029

Total current liabilities

 

400

1,987

1,029

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Other financial liabilities and provisions

12

89

350

85

Total non-liabilities

 

89

350

85

Total liabilities

 

489

2,337

1,114

Total equity and liabilities

 

53,508

44,655

46,486

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2026

 

 

 

Share Capital

£’000

Share

Premium

£’000

Share

Options

£’000

Other Reserves

£’000

Translation

Reserve

£’000

Retained earnings

£’000

Total attributable to equity holder of parent

£’000

Non-controlling Interest

£’000

 

Total

£’000

 

Balance at 1 January 2025

1,834

16,995

-

720

(19,333)

35,109

35,325

140

35,465

Changes in equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit for the period

-

-

-

-

-

114

114

-

114

Other comprehensive Income

-

-

-

-

(3,159)

-

(3,159)

-

(3,159)

Total Comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

(3,159)

114

(3,045)

-

(3,045)

Issue of ordinary shares

110

1,729

-

-

-

-

1,839

-

1,839

Issue of share options

-

-

117

-

-

-

117

-

117

Transactions with owners

110

1,729

117

-

-

-

1,956

-

1,956

Balance at 30 June 2025

1,944

18,724

117

720

(16,581)

37,254

42,178

140

42,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2026

2,616

26,386

332

720

(9,602)

24,780

45,232

140

45,372

Changes in equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit for the period

-

-

-

-

-

6,248

6,248

-

6,248

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

294

-

294

-

294

Total comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

294

6,248

6,542

-

6,542

Share based payments

738

369

-

-

-

-

1,106

-

1,106

Transactions with owners

738

369

-

-

-

-

1,106

-

1,106

Balance at 30 June 2026

3,353

26,754

332

720

(9,308)

31,028

52,879

140

53,019

 

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 June 2026

 

6 months to

30 June 2026

£’000

Unaudited

6 months to

30 June 2025

£’000

Unaudited

12 months to

31 December 2025

£’000

Audited

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

Profit for the period

6,248

114

(12,360)

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

Depreciation of non-current assets

14

58

79

Consultancy fees received in shares

-

(30)

(33)

Professional fees settled in shares

-

-

104

Share of profit in equity accounted associate

-

(1,142)

(1,142)

Share of loss in equity accounted associate

105

31

69

Gain/(loss) on remeasurement of associate accounted for using the equity method to fair value through profit or loss

-

-

4,129

Recycled foreign translation loss

-

-

6,751

Foreign exchange gain on translation of financial asset through profit or loss

-

-

(353)

(Gain) / Loss on revaluation of financial assets through profit or loss

(3,301)

(28)

28

(Gain) / Loss on disposal of financial assets through profit or loss

(4,510)

-

-

Write-down of exploration asset

-

-

125

Profit on the disposal of property, plant, and equipment

-

-

(41)

Finance costs

12

218

410

Investment income

-

(6)

(14)

Share options

-

117

332

Income tax expense

-

37

4

Total adjustments for non-cash items

(7,680)

(745)

10,448

Movement in working capital

 

 

 

Change in trade and other receivables

(27)

(231)

(437)

Change in trade and other payables

150

(168)

(226)

Cash outflow from operating activities

(1,309)

(1,030)

(2,575)

Taxation paid

-

-

-

Net cash used in operating activities

(1,309)

(1,030)

(2,575)

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

Purchase of land, property, plant and equipment

(85)

(26)

(52)

Proceeds from disposals of land, property, plant and equipment

-

-

50

Payments for intangible and exploration assets

(1,209)

(794)

(1,375)

Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

-

(38)

(40)

Disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

14,498

-

-

Loan granted to associate

-

(55)

(78)

Investment income

-

6

-

Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities

13,204

(907)

(1,495)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

Issue of share capital

-

1,839

9,910

Less adjustment for non-cash consideration

-

(207)

-

Loan and Interest repayments

(107)

(146)

(1,268)

Net cash (used in)/generated from financial activities

(206)

1,486

8,642

Net increae/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

11,957

(451)

4,572

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

5,436

913

913

Exchange adjustment on cash and cash equivalents

134

(38)

(49)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

17,267

424

5,436

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 June 2026

 

Liquid funds available to the Group

6 months to

30 June 2026

£’000

6 months to

30 June 2025

£’000

12 months to

31 December 2025

£’000

Cash and cash equivalents

17,267

424

5,436

Total

17,267

424

5,436

 

 

Notes to the interim financial statements

For the six months ended 30 June 2026

 

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 5th Floor, 16 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5DG.

 

The Company’s ordinary shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) of the London Stock Exchange and commenced trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) on the 10 September 2025. The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (together the “Group”) are related to the exploration for and development of gold, copper and technology metals.

 

2a. Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards.

 

The condensed consolidated 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 2025 were approved by the Board of Directors on 30 March 2026. The financial information for the periods ended 30 June 2026 and 30 June 2025 are unaudited.

 

2b. Significant accounting policies

The same accounting policies have been followed in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements as were applied in the preparation of the Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

 

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

 

3. Administrative costs net of exchange gains

Administrative costs are stated after exchange gains of £94,000, compared to an exchange gain of £337,000 in the prior year. Over the six months to 30 June 2026, the Turkish Lira strengthened by approximately 6% against Sterling, while the US Dollar declined by approximately 2%. This compares to the prior year, when the Lira fell by 20%, exposing the Group to significantly greater exchange rate volatility and its impact on transactions and balances.

 

4. Finance costs

 

30 June

2026

£’000

30 June

2025

£’000

31 December

2025

£’000

Interest expense

12

86

169

Exchange gain arising on retranslation of loan

-

(137)

(108)

Amortisation of first arrangement fee

-

87

87

Cost of modification of facility and reprofile fee

-

182

262

 

12

218

410

 

The RiverFort loan facility with Rockover Holdings Limited is described in Note 11. On 24 June 2025, the revised loan agreement was assessed as a substantial modification, resulting in derecognition of the original financial liability and immediate expensing of the US$120,000 unamortised costs carried forward from the prior period, along with a US$250,000 reprofile fee for restructuring and increased credit exposure. Both amounts were expensed on recognition as costs of modifying the existing liability.

 

Interest is recognised using the Effective Interest Rate (“EIR”) method over the loan's tenure, with the associated charge accounted for in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

In February 2026, RiverFort issued a Conversion Notice to discharge the then-outstanding balance of US$782,575. The Company issued CDIs per the Facility Agreement's terms and pricing, see Note 11 for further details.

 

5. Exploration assets

The Group, through its subsidiary and associate companies holds several exploration licences or mining claims in Zimbabwe, Türkiye, Cyprus and Kosovo.

 

Expenditure capitalised during the period is set out below:

 

Exploration Expenditure

Group

£’000

Cost or valuation at 1 January 2025

18,122

Additions and reclassification of earn-in expenditure(i)

1,699

Exchange movement

(1,304)

Cost or valuation at 30 June 2025

18,517

 

 

Cost or valuation at 1 January 2026

19,309

Additions(ii)

1,740

Exchange movement

174

Cost or valuation at 30 June 2026

21,223

 

  1. The Group’s 76.36% owned subsidiary, Western Tethyan Resources Limited (“WTR”), entered into an option and earn-in agreement with Avrupa Minerals Limited (TSX-V: AVU), granting WTR the right to acquire up to an 85% interest in the Slivova Gold Project. Under the terms of the agreement, WTR committed to funding and completing a series of exploration and development milestones prior to achieving its target ownership level. From the inception of the option through to 31 December 2024, staged payments and qualifying development expenditure totalled £755,000. On 3 April 2025, the Group announced that WTR had fulfilled the remaining earn-in expenditure requirements and formally acquired a 51% interest in the Slivova Gold Project. Following this milestone, the cumulative earn-in expenditure and the Slivova Gold Project licence were reclassified as part of the Group’s exploration expenditure. These assets are now held by WTR’s newly incorporated, Kosovo-registered subsidiary, AVU Kosovo LLC.

 

  1. During the period, the Company issued 3,333,333 CDI’s, the equivalent of A$1 million (£531,000), to Hongkong Xinhai Mining Services Ltd as part of the Binding Definitive Agreement. Xinhai is providing technical services in relation to a Metallurgical Sampling and Testwork Programme and completing a Definitive Feasibility Study of the Dokwe Gold Project. The fair value of these CDIs has been capitalised to the exploration asset in line with the Group’s accounting policy.

 

6. Equity accounted investments

The Group investments comprise the following:

 

Associate companies

Note

30 June 2026

Group

£’000

30 June 2025

Group

£’000

31 December 2025

Group

£’000

Associate Interest in Venus Minerals Ltd (“Venus”)

6a

1,970

2,114

2,075

Associate Interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. (”Zenit”)

6b

-

21,236

-

Carrying amount of investment

 

1,970

23,350

2,075

 

6a. Investment in Venus

The Company’s shareholding in Venus increased from 58% to 61% during February 2024, following the conversion of loan finance into equity. The Board determined that this additional equity stake was solely to assist with the short-term funding of Venus and has no direct impact on its operational control. On this basis, the Board believes it is appropriate to continue to use the equity method of accounting for its investment in Venus. The Group’s share of loss for the period to 30 June 2026 amounted to £105,000.

 

6b. Investment in Zenit

During August 2024, the merger of Zenit and Pontid was completed such that all interests in Kiziltepe, Tavşan and Salinbaş are now held through a 23.5% share of Zenit. This merger concluded the reorganisation process that started in 2021, following the then partial divestment in Türkiye to Özaltin Holding A.S. The original cost of investment amounting to £4.139 million was reallocated to Zenit.

 

The Group previously accounted for its 23.5% interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit") using the equity method in accordance with IAS 28. Up to 30 June 2025, the Group recognised its share of Zenit’s profit or loss and other comprehensive income based on the ownership interest, under which profits were shared: 23.5% to the Group, 23.5% Proccea and the remaining 53% interest to Özaltin Holding A.S. Zenit is incorporated in Ankara, Türkiye, where it maintains its principal place of business. During the period ended 30 June 2025, Zenit’s profit amounted to £4.86 million, of which £1.14 million was attributable to the Company.

 

On 1 July 2025, it was determined that the Group ceased to exercise significant influence over Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.Ş. and accordingly the investment was reclassified from an associate accounted for under the equity method to a financial asset measured at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with IFRS 9. The carrying estimate and disclosure of the associate at the date significant influence was lost was £21.236 million. In accordance with IAS 21, the cumulative translation loss of £6.75 million previously recognised in the translation reserve has been reclassified to profit or loss on the date of reclassification.

 

Following a reassessment of the Group's ability to exercise significant influence, the Group has measured its investment in Zenit at fair value through profit or loss with effect from 1 July 2025.

 

 

Group Consolidated position

£’000

Carrying value at 30 June 2025

21,236

Amounts reclassified to financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (note 8)

(17,107)

Loss on remeasurement to fair value recognised by the Group at 31 December 2025

4,129

 

7. 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 2026

30 June 2025

31 December 2025

 

Mineral exploration

£’000

Other reconciling items

£’000

Group

£’000

Mineral exploration

£’000

Other reconciling items

£’000

Group

£’000

Mineral exploration

£’000

Other reconciling items

£’000

Group

£’000

Administrative costs (net of exchange gains)

-

(1,489)

(1,489)

-

(806)

(806)

-

(2,288)

(2,288)

General and specific exploration expenditure

(75)

-

(75)

-

-

-

(264)

-

(264)

Fair value adjustments on investments and gold bullion backed bank accounts

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(10)

(10)

Finance cost

-

(12)

(12)

 

(218)

(218)

-

(410)

(410)

Share of loss in associate - Venus

(105)

-

(105)

(31)

-

(31)

(69)

-

(69)

Share of profit in associate - Zenit

-

-

-

1,142

-

1,142

1,142

-

1,142

Loss on remeasurement to fair value

3,283

(20)

3,263

-

28

28

(4,129)

-

(4,129)

Gain on disposal of investments through profit or loss

4,510

-

4,510

-

-

-

-

-

-

Recycling of foreign currency translation loss on loss of significant influence

-

-

-

-

-

-

(6,751)

-

(6,751)

Foreign exchange gain on translation of financial asset measured at fair value

-

-

-

-

-

-

352

-

352

Investment and other income

-

156

156

-

36

36

-

71

71

Profit/(loss) before taxation

7,613

(1,365)

6,248

1,111

(960)

151

(9,719)

(2,637)

(12,356)

Taxation

-

-

-

(37)

-

(37)

-

(4)

(4)

Profit/(loss) after tax

7,613

(1,365)

6,248

1,074

(960)

114

(9,719)

(2,641)

(12,360)

 

 

Geographical segments

The Group’s mineral assets and liabilities are located primarily in Zimbabwe and Türkiye.

 

 

30 June 2026

30 June 2025

31 December 2025

 

Zimbabwe & Türkiye

£’000

United Kingdom

& other territories

£’000

Group

£’000

Zimbabwe & Türkiye

£’000

United Kingdom

& other territories

£’000

Group

£’000

Zimbabwe & Türkiye

£`000

 

United Kingdom

& other territories

£’000

Group

£’000

Carrying amount of segment non-current assets

30,174

4,730

34,904

37,603

5,502

43,105

33,332

6,406

39,738

 

8. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss includes the Group’s listed and unlisted investments.

 

The movement in financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss is summarised below:

 

 

Group

£’000

At 1 January 2025

617

Additions

73

Amounts reclassified from equity accounted investments (note 6b)

17,107

Fair value movement

(10)

Exchange movement

337

At 31 December 2025

18,124

 

 

At 1 January 2026

18,124

Additions

-

Disposals(i)

(10,105)

Fair value movement(ii)

3,263

Exchange movement

32

At 30 June 2026

11,314

 

  1. In May 2026, Ariana sold 13.6% of its 23.5% interest in Zenit to Özaltın for US$19.5 million, resulting in a gain on disposal of £4.5 million recognised in profit or loss.
  2. Included within fair value movement is £3.283 million gain relating to the remaining 9.9% interest in Zenit being revalued to its fair value of US$14.2 million at 30 June 2026.

 

The fair value adjustments reflect market movements in the underlying securities, while exchange differences arise from the translation of foreign currency denominated investments.

 

9. Earnings per share

The calculation of basic profit per share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of £6.248 million divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, being 2,655,988,850.

 

The Group has also assessed the potential dilutive impact of 25,000,000 share options granted to RiverFort and 4,444,444 CDI options granted to lead managers and Xinhai that remained outstanding at 30 June 2026 (Note 14).  Only the RiverFort options were deemed dilutive, reducing earnings per share from 0.24p per share to 0.21p per share.

 

10. Trade and other receivables

 

30 June 2026

Group

£’000

30 June 2025

Group

£’000

31 December 2025

Group

£’000

Other receivables

340

196

221

Amounts owed by associate interest

-

291

-

Loans and receivables

641

-

632

Loan to associate interest

312

275

220

Prepayments

44

364

147

 

1,337

1,126

1,312

 

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

 

11. Trade and other payables

 

30 June 2026

Group

£’000

30 June 2025

Group

£’000

31 December 2025

Group

£’000

Trade and other payables

361

472

129

Social security and other taxes

10

20

14

Short term loan finance

-

1,267

629

Other creditors and advances

15

48

15

Accruals and deferred income

14

180

242

 

400

1,987

1,029

 

With the exception of the Riverfort loan facility in the prior periods, the above listed payables are all unsecured. Due to the short-term nature of current payables, their carrying values approximate their fair value.

 

RiverFort Loan Facility

On 8 November 2024, Ariana Resources plc, via subsidiary Rockover Holdings Limited (principal borrower) and other subsidiaries (co-borrowers), entered a US$5,000,000 loan facility with RiverFort at 15% annual interest, originally repayable over 18 months with final maturity on 8 July 2026. Rockover drew down US$2,000,000, recognised as a financial liability at amortised cost (net of transaction costs). The agreement allows either party to settle portions of the loan through equity issuance, subject to agreed conditions.

 

In the six months to 30 June 2025, Rockover repaid its first instalment (US$125,000, due 8 February 2025). A March 2025 amendment paused monthly repayments, and a revised agreement on 24 June 2025 added a second reprofile fee of US$250,000, compensation for deferred repayments and increased credit exposure, payable within three trading days of the planned ASX listing. Though settled post-IPO, the fee was recognised in the June 2025 accounts.

 

Under the 24 June 2025 Deed of Amendment, the outstanding balance was to be reduced from ASX Public Offer proceeds. In September 2025, the Company repaid US$1,266,780.82 (including the reprofile fee), leaving a balance of US$1,000,000. Repayments were deferred until November 2025, with the balance to be cleared over a 13-month schedule ending November 2026.

 

In February 2026, RiverFort issued a Conversion Notice to discharge the then-outstanding balance of US$782,575 via 4,043,531 CDIs (each representing 10 fully paid ordinary shares), per the Facility Agreement's terms and pricing.

 

As at 30 June 2026, the Company holds no debt under the facility, but retains access to the undrawn US$3,000,000 for the next three years, should further funding be required.

 

12. Non-current payables

 

30 June 2026

Group

£’000

30 June 2025

Group

£’000

31 December 2025

Group

£’000

Long-term loan finance

-

280

-

Provision for employee benefits

89

70

85

 

89

350

733

 

Under the 24 June 2025 Deed of Amendment, the outstanding balance to Riverfort had been reclassified to current in the 31 December 2025 financial statements. See Note 13 for further details.

 

13. Called up share capital and share premium

Allotted, issued and fully paid 0.1p shares

Number of shares

#

Share Capital

£’000

Share Premium

£’000

In issue at 1 January 2025

1,834,181,328

1,834

16,995

Issue of shares on AIM during the period March 2025

109,768,953

110

1,702

Issue of CDI shares on admission to the Australia Securities Exchange

394,427,760

394

4,069

In issue at 30 June 2025

2,338,378,041

2,338

22,766

 

 

 

 

In issue at 1 January 2026

2,615,711,381

2,616

26,386

Issue of shares and CDI shares during period (i, ii, iii)

75,101,971

738

369

In issue at 30 June 2026

2,690,813,352

3,354

26,755

 

  1. In February 2026, the Company issued 40,435,311 ordinary shares to RiverFort to discharge the outstanding loan balance of US$782,575, in accordance with the terms and pricing under the Facility Agreement, see Note 11.
  2. In May 2026, the Company issued 3,333,333 CDI’s (at a 1:10 ratio to fully paid ordinary shares) to Xinhai as the Tranche 2 subscription under the Metallurgical Sampling and Testwork ("MST") Agreement, to advance the Dokwe drilling programme in lieu of a cash payment of A$1 million (£531,000).
  3. In May 2026, an additional 133,333 CDI’s were issued to lead managers as success fees relating to the Xinhai transaction, in lieu of cash consideration.

 

14. Share Options

As part of the A$8 million strategic investment with Xinhai, the Company issued three tranches of free-attaching CDI options to Xinhai and the lead managers during the period:

  • 13,333,333 CDI options issued to Xinhai on 29 April 2026, upon completion of Tranche 1 of the Investment and following receipt of shareholder approval;
  • 533,333 CDI options issued to the lead managers on 30 April 2026, in lieu of cash consideration; and
  • 1,666,667 CDI options issued to Xinhai on 22 May 2026, upon completion of the Tranche 2 conditions; and
  • 66,667 CDI options issued to the lead managers on 30 April 2026, in lieu of cash consideration.

 

These CDI options were issued free-attaching to the CDIs issued during the period (Note 13), and are exercisable at AU$0.50 per share, expiring 31 December 2027. As the CDIs were valued within equity based on the cash consideration they were issued in lieu of, the options are deemed to have no separate value, and no additional expense has been recognised in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

In the prior period, the Company recognised a fair value charge of £117,000 relating to 25,000,000 share options granted under the Funding Agreement with RiverFort. The Black-Scholes valuation was based on the following inputs:

 

The exercise price of these four-year options was £0.0150, with an expected volatility of 49.52%, and using an expected dividend yield of nil, and a risk-free interest rate of 4.21%, gives rise to a fair value of £0.0046 per option, or £117,000 in total, which was recognised in full with a corresponding credit to the share option reserve.

 

On 24 June 2025, the Company amended the terms of these options as follows:

•            The exercise price was reset to match the placing price of the Qualifying Raise in the forthcoming ASX listing, being A$0.28.

•            The expiry date was extended to 8 September 2029.

•            The options remained subject to escrow restrictions until 12 November 2025, in line with ASX listing requirements.

 

These options were granted at no cost to RiverFort as part of the broader refinancing arrangement and continue to confer subscription rights under the revised terms. There is no contractual obligation or expectation of cash settlement, and the transaction remains classified as equity-settled in accordance with IFRS 2.

 

15. Post balance sheet events

On 29 July 2026, the Group completed the sale of the 9.9% interest in the Kiziltepe sector for US$3.7 million. The transaction provided further non-dilutionary funding for Dokwe and simplified Ariana’s Turkish interests. The Group still retains a 9.9% interest in Zenit’s Tavşan Mine and Salinbaş Project.

 

16. Approval of interim financial statements

The interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 September 2026.

 

ASX COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

 

Table 1 – Dokwe Mineral Resource Estimate

Deposit

Classification

Tonnage
(kt)

Grade
(g/t Au)

Contained Gold
(oz)

Dokwe North

Measured

21,055

0.92

   621,500

Indicated

27,224

0.71

   617,400

Inferred

11,963

0.67

   258,500

Total

60,242

0.77

1,497,400

Dokwe Central

Indicated

  2,107

1.39

     94,300

Inferred

     117

1.66

       6,200

Total

  2,225

1.41

   100,600

Total

Measured

21,055

0.92

   621,500

Indicated

29,331

0.75

   711,700

Inferred

12,080

0.68

   264,700

Total

62,467

0.80

1,598,000

 

Notes:

  1. The Dokwe Mineral Resource Estimate is reported within a Dokwe North pit-shell optimized at US$5,000/oz Au.
  2. The Mineral Resource Estimate is reported accordance with the JORC (2012) Code, using a cut-off grade of 0.2g/t Au. Errors may be present due to rounding. The Dokwe Mineral Resource Estimate is inclusive of Reserves.
  3. Figures presented above are both gross and net attributable to Ariana, via its subsidiary Canister Resources (Pvt) Ltd in Zimbabwe.

 

Table 2 – Dokwe Ore Reserve Estimate

Grade Bin

Classification

Mined Ore (kt)

Mined Ore

Grade (g/t)

Mined Au (oz)

High Grade

>1.0 g/t Au

Proved

  6,298

1.88

   379,700

Probable

  4,709

1.95

   294,600

Total

11,007

1.91

   674,300

Medium Grade

0.5-1.0 g/t Au

Proved

  8,043

0.58

   150,600

Probable

  8,273

0.55

   147,200

Total

16,316

0.57

   297,700

Low Grade

0.2-0.5 g/t Au

Proved

  6,615

0.28

     59,000

Probable

11,932

0.27

   104,200

Total

18,548

0.27

  163,200

Grand Total

Proved

20,956

0.87

  589,200

Probable

24,915

0.68

   546,000

Total

45,871

0.77

1,135,200

 

Notes:

  1. The Dokwe North Ore Reserves are reported within the Dokwe North pit design and include mining dilution and recovery.
  2. The Ore Reserves are reported in accordance with the JORC (2012) Code, using a cut-off grade of 0.2g/t Au, calculated and used to constrain the Ore Reserves.  Errors may be present due to rounding.
  3. Figures presented above are both gross and net attributable to Ariana, via its subsidiary Canister Resources (Pvt) Ltd in Zimbabwe.

 

Previous AIM Announcements – Reverse Circulation Drilling Programme

For further information on the RC drilling programme, please refer to the AIM announcements on 23 October 2025, 4 November 2025, 12 December 2025, 23 December 2025, 11 March 2026 and 14 May 2026.

 

Compliance Statements

 

The information in this announcement relating to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves has been reported by the Company in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code) previously (refer to the Company’s replacement prospectus which was released to the ASX market platform on 8 September 2025 (Prospectus) and is available on the Company website at http://www.arianaresources.com/) (Previous Market Announcement). The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the Previous Market Announcement and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the Previous Market Announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

 

The information in this announcement that relates to the Dokwe PFS production target, or the forecast financial information derived from that production target was first reported on the ASX in the Previous Market Announcement. The Company confirms that all the material assumptions underpinning the production target, and the forecast financial information derived from the production target, in the Previous Market Announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

 

Competent Persons Statement

 

The information in the Investment Overview Section of the prospectus (included at Section 3), the Company and Projects Overview (included at Section 5), and the Independent Geologist’s Report (included at Annexure A of the prospectus), which relate to exploration targets, exploration results, mineral resources, Ore Reserves and forward looking financial information is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by Alfred Gillman, Ruth Woodcock, Izak van Coller, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan (together, the JORC Competent People), and Richard John Siddle, Andrew Bamber and Daniel Van Heerdan (together, the Qualified People). Refer to the Independent Geologist’s Report for further information in relation to the information compiled by each of the JORC Competent People and the Qualified People, their professional memberships, their relevant qualifications and experience and their relationship with the Company.

 

The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons’ findings are presented have not been materially modified from the Previous Market Announcement.

 

Forward looking statements and disclaimer

 

This announcement contains certain "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "forecast", "likely", "believe", "future", "project", "opinion", "guidance", "should", "could", "target", "propose", "to be", "foresee", "aim", "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "continue", “indicative” and "guidance", and other similar words and expressions, which may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production dates, expected costs or production outputs for the Company, based on (among other things) its estimates of future production of the Projects.

 

To the extent that this document contains forward-looking information (including forward-looking statements, opinions or estimates), the forward-looking information is subject to a number of risk factors, including those generally associated with the gold exploration, mining and production businesses. Any such forward-looking statement also inherently involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance and achievements to be materially greater or less than estimated. These factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, general economic and share market conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves), changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, geological and geotechnical events, and environmental issues, and the recruitment and retention of key personnel.

 

- ENDS -

 

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