Since commencing work on our Red Rabbit Gold Project, which includes the Kiziltepe gold mine, Ariana has been committed to building strong links with local communities and to establishing relationships of trust with stakeholders across Turkey.  In addition, the Company has in place an Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy. Since inception, we have been committed to socially responsible and environmentally conscious exploration and mining.  Whilst work on establishing vital stakeholder links often occurs in the background, its importance cannot be under-estimated.  Without such concerted efforts over many years, we would not be in the strong position of having an operating a gold mine today.

The Board of Directors actively encourages communications with shareholders and seeks to protect shareholders’ interests at all times. There are regular opportunities to engage directly with shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and at investor events and shows throughout the year. The Company also updates shareholders via regulatory news, financial reports, director Q&As and social media updates. 

Ariana has always attached great importance to professional development and the creation of employment in the localities where we operate. The Company provides fair remuneration, flexible working arrangements where practical and exposure to wider aspects of the Company’s operations. The Company gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment received irrespective of age, gender, colour, ethnicity, disability, nationality, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. The Board also welcomes interest and suggestions from employees, which can improve business performance.

Ariana has a strong track-record for developing young geologists in the early stages of their careers.  We know that investing in today’s graduates will lead to tomorrow’s exploration leaders.  Ariana itself has benefited from students who have gone on to take up leadership roles within the Company.  Every year, Ariana has typically invited two British and two Turkish undergraduates to take summer internships with our exploration team. This has proved to be a highly successful programme and has also reinforced our relationships with universities both in the UK and in Turkey.

Ariana has also sponsored a PhD thesis on the gold metallogenesis of western Turkey and has supported several MSc students with projects based on our operations in western Turkey. Our ability to attract and retain a talented team has enabled us to explore at half the cost of our industry peer group.

Ariana has a strong track record of working with local suppliers and employing local people. Ariana has run many training programmes to focus on the mechanical, physical, technical and safety aspects of its exploration programmes. The Joint Venture company, Zenit Madencilik, employs local personnel, including professionally qualified mining engineers, from nearby villages and towns.  All visitors to the mine are required to complete a mine safety test before they are permitted to access the mine site. 

Working with the local community to promote educational standards has also been a priority for Ariana.  Since 2010, a highly experienced member of our joint venture company, Zenit Madencilik, has been committed full-time to the development of local stakeholder engagement in the Sindirgi area.  His unremitting efforts to build local links and guide environmentally responsible policies, mean that he is now a highly regarded member of the local community.  

Through our joint venture we actively support Sindirgi Elementary School as part of our CSR policy.  In addition, our joint venture sponsors the Sindirgi High School magazine and the Sindirgi Book Fair.  The joint venture  also supports the community through its sponsorship of firefighting equipment.  Firefighting is an important local issue, as much of the upland area in the vicinity of the mine is covered in protected pine forests.

The Company has a prompt payment policy and seeks to ensure that all liabilities are settled within the supplier’s terms. Through fair dealings the Company aims to cultivate the goodwill of its contractors, consultants and suppliers.

Ariana has established operating guidelines to ensure that specific environmental standards are met by its exploration and mining teams.  Ariana is also a founder member of the Gold Miners’ Association of Turkey and a subscriber to e3 Plus: A Framework for Responsible Exploration (https://www.pdac.ca/priorities/responsible-exploration/e3-plus).  We comply with various local environmental standards in Turkey and operate under the relevant certification from government departments accordingly.  

Ariana is committed to best-practice in socially and ethically responsible exploration and mining for the benefit of all stakeholders. The activities of the Company are in line with applicable laws on human rights. 

Company activities are carried out in accordance with its Health and Safety Policy, which adheres to all applicable laws. Relevant to their job roles, members of the team have received certification in occupational health and safety, advanced off-road driving, first-aid and survival.