Ariana Resources (LON:AAU) has started construction of its new gold mine at the Kiziltepe in western Turkey.
Final discussions are also underway with component suppliers while a mining contractor is expected to start commence site works in October.
Turkish firm Proccea Construction is Ariana’s partner on the project with the first gold pour expected in the second half of next year.
Kerim Sener, Ariana’s managing director, said he was pleased the construction phase of the 20,000 ounce per annum mine had now commenced, while a resource development trenching and drilling programme would start in October to bolster the existing resource.