29 September 2025
AIM: AAU
ASX: AA2
INTERIM RESULTS
Ariana Resources plc (ASX: AA2, AIM: AAU, "Ariana" or the "Company"), the exploration and development company with gold project interests in Africa and Europe, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025.
Financial Highlights:
· Profit before tax of £0.2 million (H1 2024: £0.7m) was recorded for the period, with Ariana's share of profits from Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit") in Türkiye (of which Ariana owns 23.5%) in the six months to 30 June 2025, amounting to £1 million (H1 2024: £2m).
· During the period, Zenit continued to finance the Tavşan mine construction primarily via a US$20 million loan facility provided by Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankasi A.S. and from retained income; in H1 2025 processing plant construction was completed and the final approvals process commenced with the Turkish authorities for the operation to enter commercial production, post-period end.
· Exploration assets included in the Statement of Financial Position have increased to £18.5 million (H1 2024: £17.6m).
Operational Highlights:
· Revised Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") financial model on the Reserves at Dokwe North provided a post-tax NPV10 of US$354 million and IRR of 75% at a gold price of US$2,750/oz.
· Dokwe Gold Project in-pit Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources (JORC 2012) increased to 19.7Mt @ 1.54 g/t Au for 977,000 oz gold across the Dokwe North and Dokwe Central sites, using a 0.6 g/t cut-off and US$2,750/oz pit optimisation (of which Ariana owns 100%).
· Drilling results were announced for certain diamond drill holes previously completed at Dokwe, which determined an extension of gold mineralisation on the Eastern Zone, indicating the potential for the expansion of the resource.
· As at the half year, 10,513 ounces of gold have been produced from Zenit Mining Operations in Türkiye (of which Ariana owns 23.5%), recording US$34.6 million in revenue.
Strategic Highlights:
· Mr. Michael Atkins was appointed to the role of non-executive Deputy Chairman to support the process of listing on the ASX and the associated board transition post-merger and ASX listing.
· 51% of the Slivova Gold Project in Kosovo was secured by Western Tethyan Resources (of which Ariana holds 76%), following the achievement of the earn-in expenditure hurdle of Euro 800,000; the project remains under renewed application with the Kosovan authorities.
· Further Newmont Mining Corporation investment of £686,000 in January at a premium of 46% and additional capital, partly from UK institutions, totalling £1.13 million raised in March (net of commission) to secure sufficient funding to advance the company to its Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") listing, which was completed post-period end.
Significant Post-Period End Highlights:
· Ariana completed its dual-listing on the ASX, raising A$11 million before costs, largely from institutions, and introduced the investment opportunity to a broader range of investors.
· Zenit achieved operational status at Tavşan and remains on standby awaiting the final operations permit from the Turkish authorities to proceed to commercial production through its heap-leach; production of gold from higher grade ore from the Kiziltepe processing plant continues.
· A new geochemical target, defined by a coincident gold and arsenic anomaly, located 125m to the northeast of the planned Dokwe North pit-rim was defined and will become subject to priority drill-testing imminently.
Dr. Kerim Sener, Managing Director, commented:
"The first half of 2025 saw marked and continuing strength in the gold price, having increased by c.34% since then, benefiting the Company's future projects and enhancing the long-term value of our assets. Most notably, it is clear that our acquisition of the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe was perfectly timed, with the gold price having increased from US$2,000 per ounce to US$3,750 per ounce since we first commenced our due diligence work on the project in 2023.
"Exploration and development work continues at Dokwe, where our team has been focused on regional exploration, resource estimation and other feasibility study related work. More recently, the Company announced the identification of a coincident gold-arsenic anomaly akin to that which first identified Dokwe North, located just 125m to the northeast of the planned pit-rim at that location. This will become a priority for drill testing in our upcoming c.11,000m drilling programme.
"Meanwhile work has progressed on the mine construction at Tavşan, with all key development milestones having been met by mid-year. Post-period end, cold and hot commissioning tests on the process plant had been completed, along with the heap-leach pads and the site readied for production to commence. Zenit is poised to receive final operational approval through the provincial authorities, and once granted, the operation will commence commercial production in accordance with its strategic timeline. Our share of Zenit profits reduced on the prior period primarily due to lower grade ore being processed at Kiziltepe and the continued cost of bringing Tavsan into operational production.
"Early in the period, Newmont Mining Corporation made a further investment in the Company, reflecting their confidence in the opportunities identified from successful generative exploration undertaken in the SE European region by the team at Western Tethyan Resources, of which we own 76%. This financing has enabled activities to continue in Kosovo, while we await the grant of various exploration licence applications through the Kosovan authorities.
"Post period-end, Ariana successfully listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, broadening our access to the capital markets and increasing the Company's visibility among international and institutional investors, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Since listing the share price of the Company has strengthened appreciably.
"Ariana remains focused on advancing its high-quality pipeline of gold projects, leveraging strong market conditions and strategic partnerships to deliver shareholder value. Operational progress at Dokwe and Tavşan, combined with our enhanced financial flexibility following the ASX listing, positions the Company for continued growth. Further updates on financial performance and capital deployment will be provided in the Company's full-year report."
For the six months ended 30 June 2025
|
Note |
6 months to 30 June 2025 £'000 Unaudited |
6 months to 30 June 2024 £'000 Unaudited |
12 months to 31 December 2024 £'000 Audited |
Administrative costs (net of exchange gains) |
(3a) |
(806) |
(1,263) |
(2,737) |
General exploration expenditure |
|
- |
(94) |
(167) |
Operating loss |
|
(806) |
(1,357) |
(2,904) |
Fair value gain and profit on disposal of gold bullion backed bank accounts |
(3b) |
- |
103 |
170 |
Fair value profit/(loss) on listed investments through profit or loss |
|
28 |
(74) |
(134) |
Share of profit of associate accounted for using the equity method |
(7a) |
1,142 |
2,002 |
5,688 |
Share of loss of associate accounted for using the equity method |
(7c) |
(31) |
(148) |
(316) |
Finance cost |
(4) |
(218) |
- |
(34) |
Other Income |
|
30 |
42 |
77 |
Investment Income |
|
6 |
112 |
164 |
Profit before tax |
|
151 |
680 |
2,711 |
Taxation |
(9) |
(37) |
(19) |
(19) |
Profit for the period from continuing operations |
|
114 |
661 |
2,692 |
Earnings per share (pence) |
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted |
(10) |
0.01 |
0.06 |
0.18 |
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations |
|
(3,159) |
(2,185) |
3,726 |
Other comprehensive (loss)/profit for the period net of income tax |
|
(3,159) |
(2,185) |
3,726 |
Total comprehensive (loss)/profit for the period |
|
(3,045) |
(1,524) |
6,418 |
For the six months ended 30 June 2025
|
Note |
As at 30 June 2025 £'000 Unaudited |
As at 30 June 2024 £'000 Unaudited |
As at 31 December 2024 £'000 Audited |
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
326 |
666 |
238 |
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
(11) |
658 |
658 |
617 |
Intangible assets |
|
82 |
102 |
93 |
Land, property, plant and equipment |
|
172 |
281 |
227 |
Investment in associates accounted for using the equity method |
(7) |
23,350 |
13,837 |
23,479 |
Exploration assets |
(6a) |
18,517 |
17,624 |
18,122 |
Earn-in advances |
(6b) |
- |
508 |
755 |
Total non-current assets |
|
43,105 |
33,676 |
43,531 |
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
(12) |
1,126 |
514 |
1,149 |
Gold bullion backed bank accounts |
|
- |
665 |
- |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
424 |
1,227 |
913 |
Total current assets |
|
1,550 |
2,406 |
2,062 |
Total assets |
|
44,655 |
36,082 |
45,593 |
EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
Called up share capital |
(15) |
1,944 |
1,834 |
1,834 |
Share premium |
(15) |
18,724 |
16,995 |
16,995 |
Other reserves |
|
720 |
720 |
720 |
Share options |
(16) |
117 |
- |
- |
Translation reserve |
|
(16,581) |
(19,333) |
(13,422) |
Retained earnings |
|
37,254 |
35,109 |
37,140 |
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent |
|
42,178 |
35,325 |
43,267 |
Non-controlling interest |
|
140 |
140 |
140 |
Total equity |
|
42,318 |
35,465 |
43,407 |
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
(13) |
1,987 |
617 |
1,453 |
Total current liabilities |
|
1,987 |
617 |
1,453 |
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Other financial liabilities and provisions |
(14) |
350 |
- |
733 |
Total current liabilities |
|
350 |
- |
733 |
Total equity and liabilities |
|
44,655 |
36,082 |
45,593 |
For the six months ended 30 June 2025
|
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 2024 |
1,147 |
2,207 |
- |
720 |
(17,148) |
34,448 |
21,374 |
140 |
21,514 |
Changes in equity to July 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
661 |
661 |
- |
661 |
Other comprehensive Income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(2,185) |
- |
(2,185) |
- |
(2,185) |
Total Comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(2,185) |
661 |
(1,524) |
- |
(1,524) |
Issue of ordinary shares |
687 |
14,788 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
15,475 |
- |
15,475 |
Transactions with owners |
687 |
14,788 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
15,475 |
- |
15,475 |
Balance at 30 June 2024 |
1,834 |
16,995 |
- |
720 |
(19,333) |
35,109 |
35,325 |
140 |
35,465 |
Changes in equity to December 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,031 |
2,031 |
- |
2,031 |
Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5,911 |
- |
5,911 |
- |
5911 |
Total comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5,911 |
2,031 |
7,942 |
- |
7,942 |
Balance at 31 December 2024 |
1,834 |
16,995 |
- |
720 |
(13,422) |
37,140 |
43,267 |
140 |
43,407 |
Changes in equity to June 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
For the six months ended 30 June 2025
|
6 months to 30 June 2025 £'000 Unaudited |
6 months to 30 June 2024 £'000 Unaudited |
12 months to 31 December 2024 £'000 Unaudited |
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
Profit for the period |
114 |
661 |
2,692 |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
Depreciation of non-current assets |
58 |
54 |
119 |
Consultancy fees received in shares |
(30) |
(37) |
(135) |
Share of profit in equity accounted associate |
(1,142) |
(2,002) |
(5,688) |
Share of loss in equity accounted associate |
31 |
148 |
316 |
Fair value (profit)/loss on listed investments |
(28) |
74 |
134 |
Fair value gain and profit on disposal of gold bullion backed bank accounts |
- |
(103) |
(170) |
Finance costs |
218 |
- |
34 |
Investment income |
(6) |
(113) |
(164) |
Share options |
117 |
|
|
Income tax expense |
37 |
19 |
19 |
Movement in working capital |
(631) |
(1,299) |
(2,843) |
Change in trade and other receivables |
(231) |
211 |
(132) |
Change in trade and other payables |
(168) |
(115) |
(60) |
Cash outflow from operating activities |
(1,030) |
(1,203) |
(3,035) |
Taxation paid |
- |
(57) |
(57) |
Net cash used in operating activities |
(1,030) |
(1,260) |
(3,092) |
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
Earn-In Advances |
- |
(92) |
(339) |
Purchase of land, property, plant and equipment |
(26) |
(14) |
(15) |
Payments for intangible and exploration assets |
(794) |
(640) |
(1,059) |
Proceeds from disposal and (purchase) of gold bullion |
- |
1,027 |
1,759 |
Purchase of associate investment |
- |
(75) |
(75) |
Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
(38) |
(130) |
(121) |
Loan granted to associate |
(55) |
(140) |
(220) |
Investment income |
6 |
113 |
164 |
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities |
(907) |
49 |
94 |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
Issue of share capital |
1,839 |
- |
15,475 |
Less adjustment for non-cash consideration |
(207) |
- |
(15,475) |
Loan advance (net of up-front commission) |
- |
- |
1,498 |
Loan and Interest repayments |
(146) |
- |
- |
Net cash generated from financial activities |
1,486 |
- |
1,498 |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(451) |
(1,211) |
(1,500) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
913 |
2,517 |
2,517 |
Exchange adjustment on cash and cash equivalents |
(38) |
(79) |
(104) |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
424 |
1,227 |
913 |
|
|
|
|
Liquid funds available to the Group |
6 months to 30 June 2025 £'000 |
6 months to 30 June 2024 £'000 |
12 months to 31 December 2024 £'000 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
424 |
1,227 |
913 |
Gold bullion backed bank accounts held at year end at market value |
- |
665 |
- |
Total |
424 |
1,892 |
913 |
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 2nd Floor, Regis House, 45 King William Street, London, EC4R 9AN.
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.
The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards. The condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024, 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 2024 were approved by the Board of Directors on 9 June 2025. The financial information for the periods ended 30 June 2025 and 30 June 2024 are unaudited.
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 2024.
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.
Administrative costs are stated after exchange gains amounting to £337,000 compared to an exchange gain of £217,000 for the prior year. The Turkish Lira declined by approximately 20% against Sterling over the six month period to 30 June 2025, compared to the prior year, resulting in the Group suffering a significant increase in exchange rate volatility and its associated impact on transactions and balances.
During the year ended 31 December 2024, Galata disposed of all gold bullion backed bank accounts to provide working capital, generating a fair value gain of £170,000 in the statement of comprehensive income that year. No such bank accounts were held during the six-month period to 30 June 2025, and the balance at the reporting date is nil.
|
30 June 2025 £'000 |
30 June 2024 £'000 |
31 December 2024 £'000 |
Interest payable |
86 |
- |
34 |
Exchange gain arising on retranslation of loan |
(137) |
- |
- |
Amortisation of first arrangement fee |
87 |
- |
- |
Cost of modification of facility and reprofile fee |
182 |
- |
- |
|
218 |
- |
34 |
On 24 June 2025, Rockover Holdings Limited entered into a revised loan agreement with RiverFort Global Opportunities PCC Limited ("Riverfort") . The amendment was assessed as a substantial modification resulting in derecognition of the original financial liability and the immediate expense of unamortised costs of US$120,000 carried forward from the prior period. In addition, a reprofile fee of US$250,000, representing compensation for restructuring and increased credit exposure was expensed on recognition. This fee was treated as a cost of modifying the existing financial liability and not capitalised as a transaction cost of a new instrument.
On 26 June 2024, the Company acquired Rockover Holdings Limited, issuing 687,817,998 new ordinary shares to acquire the remaining Rockover shares not already owned by its subsidiary Asgard Metals Pty.
Ltd. This transaction secured full ownership of the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe and Ariana has maintained its policy of valuing exploration and evaluation assets at cost with no fair value adjustments applied.
The Group incurred total consideration of £16.119 million in connection with the acquisition. This comprised £15.475 million in equity issued by the Company, £317,000 relating to the reclassification of the interest previously held by Asgard, and £327,000 in professional fees and associated transaction costs.
As a result of the transaction, the Group recognised the following assets and liabilities:
Non-current assets included property, plant and equipment valued at £7,000, and an exploration asset totalling £16,262 million, including £817,000 capitalised goodwill. Current assets comprised other receivables of £17,000 and cash at bank of £169,000. These were offset by current liabilities of £336,000.
This position remained unchanged across the 30 June 2024, 31 December 2024, and 30 June 2025 reporting dates.
The Group, through its subsidiary and associate companies and its acquisition of Rockover Holdings Limited holds several exploration licences or mining claims in Zimbabwe, Türkiye, Cyprus and Kosovo.
Expenditure including a proportion of staff costs capitalised during the period is set out below:
Exploration Expenditure |
30 June 2025 Group £'000 |
Cost or valuation at 1 January 2024 |
1,085 |
Additions |
312 |
Business acquisition during the year (note 5) |
16,262 |
Exchange movement |
(35) |
Cost or valuation at 30 June 2024 |
17,624 |
Additions |
421 |
Exchange movement |
77 |
Cost or valuation at 31 December 2024 |
18,122 |
Additions and reclassification of earn-in expenditure |
1,699 |
Exchange movement |
(1,304) |
Cost or valuation at 30 June 2025 |
18,517 |
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.
The Group investments comprise the following:
Associate companies |
Note |
30 June 2025 Group £'000 |
30 June 2024 Group £'000 |
31 December 2024 Group £'000 |
Associate Interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit") |
7a |
21,236 |
7,386 |
21,335 |
Associate Interest in Pontid Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Pontid") |
7b |
- |
4,139 |
- |
Associate Interest in Venus Minerals Ltd ("Venus") |
7c |
2,114 |
2,312 |
2,144 |
Carrying amount of investment |
|
23,350 |
13,837 |
23,479 |
The Group accounts for its associate interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit") using the equity method in accordance with IAS 28 (revised). At 30 June 2025 the Group has a 23.5% interest in Zenit, and profits from Zenit are shared in the ratio of 23.5% the Group, 23.5% Proccea and the remaining 53% interest to Özaltin Holding A.S. Zenit is incorporated in Ankara, Türkiye, where it also maintains its principal place of business.
Basis of Preparation - Zenit has prepared its Group financial statements for the interim period to 30 June 2025 and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Furthermore, in compliance with IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies, Zenit has applied inflation accounting to accurately reflect the impact of Türkiye's current high inflation environment, to present a fair economic value of assets, liabilities, equity, and financial performance in real terms. Accordingly, Zenit has restated non-monetary items, shareholders' equity, and income statement components using inflation indices as of the reporting date.
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
|
Group Consolidated position 30 June 2025 £'000 |
Company position as previously stated 30 June 2024 £'000 |
Group Consolidated position 31 December 2024 £'000 |
Revenue |
20,652 |
16,214 |
45,936 |
Cost of sales (including royalty adjustments) |
(14,912) |
(9,427) |
(25,848) |
Gross Profit |
5,740 |
6,787 |
20,088 |
Administrative, general exploration and other expenditure |
(3,654) |
(3,315) |
(4,666) |
Inflation adjustments - restated non-monetary items, shareholders' equity and income statement components |
2,757 |
- |
(5,248) |
Provision (charge)/credit recognised for asset retirement obligations |
4,469 |
- |
(4,930) |
Operating profit |
9,312 |
3,472 |
5,244 |
Other income |
107 |
36 |
- |
Finance expenses including foreign exchange losses |
(1,082) |
(430) |
(1,081) |
Finance income including foreign exchange gains |
922 |
1,136 |
3,196 |
Profit for the period before tax |
9,259 |
4,214 |
7,359 |
Taxation credit/(charge) |
(4,400) |
4,309 |
(2,015) |
Profit for the period |
4,859 |
8,523 |
5,344 |
Proportion of Group's profit share |
23.5% |
23.5% |
23.5% |
Group's share of profit for the period |
1,142 |
2,002 |
1,256 |
Prior period profits - restatement following adoption of IFRS & Inflation accounting |
- |
- |
4,432 |
Group's share of profit for the period including prior year restatement |
1,142 |
2,002 |
5,688 |
Summary statement of financial position |
Group Consolidated position 30 June 2025 £'000 |
Company position as previously reported 30 June 2024 £'000 |
Group Consolidated position 31 December 2024 £'000 |
Non-current assets (including Kiziltepe Gold Mine and Tavşan Mine in construction) |
109,053 |
29,874 |
100,756 |
Current assets including cash and cash equivalents |
15,089 |
26,220 |
23,439 |
Current liabilities (including proportion of bank loan) |
(26,036) |
(12,592) |
(24,131) |
Non-current liabilities (including bank loan) |
(7,736) |
(12,070) |
(9,276) |
Equity |
90,370 |
31,432 |
90,788 |
Proportion of Group's ownership |
23.5% |
23.5% |
23.5% |
Carrying amount of Investment |
21,236 |
7,386 |
21,335 |
The June 2024 comparatives presented here have not been retrospectively adjusted for inflation accounting, as the change in accounting policy adopted by Zenit was first applied for the year ended 31 December 2024.
During August 2024, the merger of Zenit and Pontid was completed such that all interests in Kiziltepe, Tavşan and Salinbaş are now held through the 23.5% share of Zenit. This merger concludes 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 £4.139m has been reallocated to Zenit.
The Company's shareholding in Venus increased from 58% to 61% during February 2024, following the conversion of loan finance into equity. The Ariana 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 Ariana Board believes it 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 2025 amounted to £31,000.
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 2025 |
|
|
|
30 June 2024 |
|
31 December 2024 |
|
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) |
- |
(806) |
(806) |
- |
(1,263) |
(1,263) |
- |
(2,737) |
(2,737) |
General and specific exploration expenditure |
- |
- |
- |
(94) |
- |
(94) |
(167) |
- |
(167) |
Fair value adjustments on Investment |
- |
28 |
28 |
- |
(74) |
(74) |
|
(134) |
(134) |
Finance cost |
|
(218) |
(218) |
|
|
|
|
(34) |
(34) |
Profit on disposal of gold bullion backed bank accounts |
- |
- |
- |
103 |
- |
103 |
170 |
- |
170 |
Share of loss in associate - Venus |
(31) |
- |
(31) |
(148) |
- |
(148) |
(316) |
- |
(316) |
Share of profit in associate - Zenit |
1,142 |
- |
1,142 |
2,002 |
- |
2,002 |
5,688 |
- |
5,688 |
Investment and other income |
- |
36 |
36 |
- |
154 |
154 |
|
241 |
241 |
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
1,111 |
(960) |
151 |
1,863 |
(1,183) |
680 |
5,375 |
(2,664) |
2,711 |
Taxation |
(37) |
- |
(37) |
(19) |
- |
(19) |
(19) |
- |
(19) |
Profit/(loss) after tax |
1,074 |
(960) |
114 |
1,844 |
(1,183) |
661 |
5,536 |
(2,664) |
2,692 |
Geographical segments
The Group's mineral assets and liabilities are located primarily in Zimbabwe and Türkiye.
|
30 June 2025 |
30 June 2024 |
31 December 2024 |
||||||
|
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 |
37,603 |
5,502 |
43,105 |
30,753 |
2,923 |
33,676 |
38,426 |
5,105 |
43,531 |
9. Taxation
The Group had taxable exchange gains from its operations in Türkiye and a corporation tax charge is anticipated.
The charge reflected in these interim accounts is based on the following transactions:
|
30 June 2025 Group £'000 |
30 June 2024 Group £'000 |
31 December 2024 Group £'000 |
Withholding tax suffered on subsidiary dividends |
- |
19 |
19 |
Advanced corporation tax on subsidiary profits and exchange gains |
37 |
- |
- |
Tax charge for the period |
37 |
19 |
19 |
The calculation of basic profit per share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of £114,000
divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, being 1,899,141,854.
The Group has also assessed the potential dilutive impact of 25,000,000 share options granted to RiverFort. These options, which were amended during the period as detailed in Note 16, remain outstanding at the reporting date. The outstanding share options are considered anti-dilutive. Consequently, diluted earnings per share is stated at the same amount as basic earnings per share.
All investments disclosed in this section are held by the Group's wholly owned subsidiary, Asgard Metals Pty. Ltd, which continued its investment strategy during the period by acquiring additional shares in both listed and unlisted securities.
The movement in financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss is summarised below:
|
Group 2024 £'000 |
|
At 1 January 2024 |
883 |
|
Additions |
195 |
|
Fair value adjustment Reclassification to cost of investment following business combination |
(74) (316) |
|
Exchange movement |
(30) |
|
At 30 June 2024 |
658 |
|
Additions |
61 |
|
Fair value adjustment |
(60) |
|
Exchange movement |
(42) |
|
At 31 December 2024 |
617 |
|
Additions |
38 |
|
Fair value adjustment |
28 |
|
Exchange movement |
(25) |
|
At 30 June 2025 |
658 |
|
The fair value adjustments reflect market movements in the underlying securities, while exchange differences arise from the translation of foreign currency denominated investments. The reclassification of £316,000 during H1 2024 relates to the business combination with Rockover Holdings Limited, where certain investments were reclassified as part of the acquisition accounting. |
|
30 June 2025 Group £'000 |
30 June 2024 Group £'000 |
31 December 2024 Group £'000 |
Other receivables |
196 |
257 |
171 |
Amounts owed by associate interest |
291 |
- |
437 |
Loan to associate interest |
275 |
140 |
220 |
Prepayments |
364 |
117 |
321 |
|
1,126 |
514 |
1,149 |
The fair value of trade and other receivables is not materially different to the carrying values presented.
|
30 June 2025 Group £'000 |
30 June 2024 Group £'000 |
31 December 2024 Group £'000 |
Trade and other payables |
472 |
437 |
297 |
Social security and other taxes |
20 |
31 |
36 |
Short term Loan finance |
1,267 |
- |
843 |
Other creditors and advances |
48 |
52 |
77 |
Accruals and deferred income |
180 |
97 |
200 |
|
1,987 |
617 |
1,453 |
With exception of the Riverfort loan facility, 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, together with its subsidiary Rockover Holdings Limited (as principal borrower) and various other subsidiaries (as co-borrowers) entered into a loan agreement with RiverFort, securing a funding facility of US$5,000,000. The loan carries a 15% annual interest rate, with an original repayment period of 18 months and final maturity date of 8 July 2026. To date, Rockover has drawn down US$2,000,000 under the facility. This advance has been recognised as a financial liability measured at amortised cost, reflecting net funding received after transaction costs. The agreement includes a share settlement mechanism, allowing both parties to settle portions of the loan through equity issuance, subject to agreed conditions.
During the six-month period to 30 June 2025, Rockover repaid its first loan instalment of US$125,000, due on 8 February 2025. Following a facility amendment in March 2025, monthly repayments were paused. On 24 June 2025, Rockover entered into a revised loan agreement, which included a second reprofile fee of US$250,000, contractually committed in June and payable within three trading days of the planned ASX listing. This fee, reflecting compensation for deferred capital repayments and increased credit exposure, was recognised in the June 2025 accounts, notwithstanding its settlement occurring post-IPO.
As agreed under the Deed of Amendment dated 24 June 2025, the outstanding balance was to be reduced using proceeds from the ASX Public Offer. Subsequent to the reporting date, the Company confirms that US$1,266,780.82 was repaid in September 2025, representing partial settlement of the outstanding balance, including the reprofile fee. Following this repayment, the remaining balance stands at US$1,000,000. Monthly repayments under the revised facility are deferred until November 2025 (12 months after the initial drawdown), with the outstanding amount to be repaid in full over a 13-month schedule, concluding in November 2026.
Riverfort has secured its position in the loan agreement through the issue of a debenture, which was registered at Companies House on 8 November 2024. This debenture grants Riverfort a fixed and floating charge over certain assets of Rockover.
|
30 June 2025 Group £'000 |
30 June 2024 Group £'000 |
31 December 2024 Group £'000 |
Long-term loan finance |
280 |
- |
655 |
Provision for employee benefits |
70 |
- |
78 |
|
350 |
- |
733 |
Long-term loan finance includes the portion of monthly repayments due under the revised RiverFort loan facility for the period July 2026 to 8 November 2026, comprising five remaining instalments of US$76,923.
These payments form part of the deferred principal balance of US$1,000,000, as agreed under the Deed of Amendment dated 24 June 2025. The revised schedule reflects the updated repayment structure agreed with RiverFort and is consistent with the Group's recognition of long-term financial liabilities.
Allotted, issued and fully paid 0.1p shares |
Number of shares |
Share Capital £'000 |
Share Premium £'000 |
In issue at 1 January 2024 |
1,146,363,330 |
1,147 |
2,207 |
Issue of merger shares (note 5) |
687,817,998 |
687 |
14,788 |
In issue at 30 June 2024 & 31 December 2024 |
1,834,181,328 |
1,834 |
16,995 |
Issue of shares during period |
109,768,953 |
110 |
1,729 |
In issue at 30 June 2025 |
1,943,950,281 |
1,944 |
18,724 |
In January 2025, the Company issued 28,880,000 ordinary shares to Newmont Ventures Limited, raising £686,000 in net proceeds.
Subsequently, at the end of March 2025, the Company completed a share placement and retail offer, issuing 80,888,953 ordinary shares and raising net proceeds of £1,126,000, after deduction of broker commission and associated costs.
During the period, the Company recognised a fair value charge of £117,271 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 £117,271 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.
• The expiry date was extended to 8 September 2025.
• The options remain 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. A revaluation of the options and associated charge will be recalculated post these Interim accounts.
17. Post balance sheet
On 10 September 2025, the Company successfully completed a dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") under ticker code AA2, issuing CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) representing ordinary shares of the Company. Each CDI corresponds to ten existing ordinary shares.
(a) Under the ASX Offer, the Group raised A$11 million (approximately £5.3 million) in gross proceeds through the issuance of 39,285,714 CDIs to eligible investors. An additional 157,062 CDIs were issued under a separate Director Offer. The CDIs represent a total of 394,427,760 new ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each, issued at an effective price of 1.34 pence per share, based on an exchange rate of £1.00 = A$2.07.
The Company issued 4,444,444 CDI share options to the Lead Manager as part of their fee in connection with the ASX listing.
Following the ASX admission, the Company's issued share capital consisted of 2,338,378,041 ordinary shares, each carrying one voting right. The issuance of CDIs does not constitute a new class of equity. The underlying shares rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares and holders of either instrument have equivalent economic rights, including dividends and voting (subject to conversion mechanics) across both markets.
(b) The Company confirms that it has repaid US$1,266,780.82 (£938,716.26) as a partial repayment under the RiverFort Facility, with US$1 million (£741,025) remaining outstanding. The outstanding amount (including interest) will be either repaid in cash in full in accordance with the repayment schedule or converted into Shares or CDIs in accordance with the conversion rights under the RiverFort Facility.
The interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 26 September 2025.
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.
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.
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 -
The Board of Ariana Resources plc has approved this announcement and authorised its release.
Contacts:
Ariana Resources plc Michael de Villiers, Chairman Dr. Kerim Sener, Managing Director |
|
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3476 2080 |
|
|
|
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
Shaw and Partners (Lead Manager - ASX) Damien Gullone
Yellow Jersey PR Limited (Financial PR ) Dom Barretto / Shivantha Thambirajah / Bessie Elliot |
|
Tel: +44 (0) 203 829 5000
Tel: +44 (0) 203 411 7773
Tel: +61 (0)2 9238 1268
Tel: +44 (0) 7983 521 488 |
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 plc:
Ariana is a mineral exploration, development and production company dual listed on AIM (AIM: AAU) and ASX (ASX: AA2), 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 a major gold development project in Zimbabwe, gold-silver production in Türkiye 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.
Ends.