Ariana Resources (LON:AAU) reported to the market today details of its latest resource upgrade with the news that it has increased the Kiziltepe JORC resource by 25 percent, with a significant 60% increase in the Measured and Indicated component.

This new resource model will form the basis for the formal Bankable Feasibility Study which is about to be undertaken by their newly formed JV Company Zenith Mining. We took the opportunity to speak to Ariana's Managing Director Kerim Sener and asked him a to expand on the significance of todays news. Here's what he had to say:

On 6^th September Goldstone Resources (LON:GRL) announced that it has received positive results from its recent VTEM (Versatile Time-Domain Electromagnetic) geophysical survey over sections of the Homase Licence in Ghana.

With Mining and Exploration, it always comes down to the macroeconomic fundamentals. Global demand and supply for any particular commodity will invariably set the backdrop determining, to a greater part, the worth of companies within that sector.

So given the burgeoning levels demand from China and its equally vociferous neighbours, what are the fundamentals for Zinc? Often overlooked by investors, yet its rust resistant properties make it an essential element in the manufacturing of many modern day appliances.

Since May of this year, Goldstone Resources (LON:GRL) have secured nearly £4.2million cash, in order to fund an expanded exploration programme and have also gained a serious strategic partner in Bendigo Mining (ASX:BDG).

Finder Resources (LON: FND ASX:FND) is an emerging copper producer through its Wetar project on Wetar Island in Indonesia. The company is also developing the highly prospective advanced Ojolali gold-silver project in Sumatra, providing a well balanced mix of base and precious metals within its portfolio.

Significantly, per the Company Update of 7th July, Finders has successfully operated a demonstration plant at Wetar producing 1970 tonnes of copper cathode and the company is now moving into the next phase of production expansion. Add to this the positive Jambi Drilling Results from its Ojolali project, and the Company appears to be moving toward significant value generation for shareholders.

Today Ariana Resources (LON:AAU) released the long awaited news that its joint venture agreement with Proccea Construction Co has been completed and that the transition from "Gold Explorer" to "Gold Producer" is now formally underway (click here to view). This is certainly exciting news, and something Investors have been eagerly anticipating.

Regency Mines (LON:RGM) released an exploration update yesterday detailing progress at the Munglinup North Project within the Lake Johnston Greenstone Belt. (click here to view). As we would expect, progress looks to be methodical and focussed. After reviewing the announcement, we had some questions for Andrew Bell.  Here is what he had to say:

On 28th April Red Rock Resources (AIM:RRR) announced that it had entered into a loan agreement in order to secure a substantial investment in a South American resource asset. Yesterday the company provided the market with confirmation of that investment stating that it has entered into a Funding and Cooperation Agreement with the operator of two high grade Gold mines in Colombia!

Red Rock released a very comprehensive update today, detailing progress being made at Migori (click here to view). In view of the great amount of detail contained therein, we touched base with Andrew Bell (who is currently in Australia) and asked him if he would care expand on the update for the benefit of investors - and he was happy to oblige!

Last week Range Resources (ASX: RRS) (AIM:RRL) released its highly anticipated update from Texas advising that an Independent Reserves Report from Lonquist & Co LLC confirmed a "Significant Find" at North Chapman Ranch Field. This was then followed up with the news of spudding of the Russell Bevly #1.