WTR: Licence Applications and Project Expansion

Ariana Resources plc ("Ariana" or "the Company"), the AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with gold project interests in Africa and Europe, is pleased to announce several key developments at its 76% owned Western Tethyan Resources ("WTR") and its ongoing regional growth strategy in the Balkans. These include the application for an extension of WTR's exploration licence over the Hertica Porphyry Project, submission of a new licence application over the Slivova Gold Project in Kosovo, and continued evaluation of multiple new exploration opportunities in North Macedonia and Bulgaria. These actions further underscore WTR's commitment to unlocking the mineral potential of the Western Tethyan Belt through systematic and responsible exploration.

Highlights:

• Three applications registered on the online system of the Independent Commission for Mines and Minerals ("ICMM") in Kosovo.
• Licence extension application for the Hertica Porphyry Project.
• 51% of the Slivova Gold Project is now registered as having been acquired by WTR with the corresponding application for change of control.
• New project opportunities are being evaluated in North Macedonia and Bulgaria.
• Kerim Sener, Managing Director, commented:

"There have been several important recent developments for Western Tethyan and its exploration activities in south-eastern Europe. Notably, a new licence area has been applied for at the Hertica Project to constrain the exploration focus on the area we believe to be the most prospective. Likewise, a new application for the Slivova Project has been submitted following the acquisition of 51% of the project, along with a corresponding submission of a change of control to the ICMM.

"We look forward to the approval of the change of control and the corresponding re-application for the Slivova licence being processed by the ICMM in due course. In the meantime, WTR is planning for the next stage of technical work on the Hertica and Slivova projects and considering new licence acquisitions elsewhere in the Balkan region."

Mentor Demi, Managing Director of Western Tethyan Resources, added:

"Extending our tenure at Hertica is a key step in our exploration strategy, and the Hertica Project remains a high-priority target in our portfolio. This licence extension ensures we can continue building on our substantial exploration progress and begin targeting drill-ready zones within a refined project footprint."

"The Slivova project is an exciting near-term opportunity for WTR. While we await final confirmation from the ICMM, this application safeguards our interest and enables us to remain on track for exploration and potential development.

"We are leveraging our deep regional expertise and a strong technical foundation to expand our footprint. Our goal is to establish a pipeline of high-quality projects across the Western Tethyan Belt, a region we believe holds tremendous long-term value."

Hertica Licence Extension

WTR has applied for an exploration licence extension, covering 29.99km² over the Hertica Porphyry Project in eastern Kosovo. This application is in advance of the expiry of the current 59.99km² licence, under which WTR has completed significant geological mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys and drilling across a large porphyry system. The reduced area reflects a focus on the most prospective zones identified during early exploration. To date, the work on Hertica has been funded primarily through the Exploration Alliance Agreement with Newmont Mining Corporation.

Slivova Gold Project

WTR has also submitted a new exploration licence application over the Slivova Gold Project area (51% WTR, 49% Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: AVU)) on behalf of the project company, AVU Kosova LLC, covering 30.5km² and matching the coordinates of the previously held licence. This step follows delays in formal approval by the ICMM regarding the transfer of control, reflecting WTR's recently earned 51% interest in the project. The new application ensures continuity of tenure and provides a framework for resuming field activities once regulatory confirmation is complete. To date, the work on Slivova has been funded primarily via Ariana.

Regional Expansion

In line with its broader strategic vision, WTR is actively assessing multiple new exploration opportunities across the Western Balkans. The Company has submitted several licence applications in North Macedonia and Bulgaria, targeting underexplored districts with strong geological potential for copper-gold and polymetallic mineralisation. WTR expects that certain projects, if granted or acquired, may form part of the Exploration Alliance Agreement with Newmont Mining Corporation.