Dr Kerim Sener, Managing Director, commented: “These additional drilling results from the Kepez North area have further reinforced our understanding of this unusually high-grade zone of gold and silver mineralisation. Following the results of the drilling announced in late June, the JV returned the drilling rig to Kepez to complete a drill-out to enable total conversion of the resource to a JORC measured classification and hence enable the mining team to complete the required work to translate this area to a JORC proven reserve status ready for mining to commence.

The mining team has been progressing the required planning to allow for the establishment of a small waste-rock dump to the west of Kepez and the associated permitting requirements. The JV is looking to expedite the addition of this mining area into the production schedule.

“With a current total JORC measured and indicated resource of 36 400 oz of gold at a grade of 7.15 g/t Au, Kepez North will provide Kiziltepe with a source of high-grade ore for blending with our current processing plant feedstock. Further exploration will continue in the vicinity, to determine the potential for this vein system to host other spatially restricted but high-grade zones of mineralisation which could add to the mine production schedule in the future.”