I would think it might be a strategic move:

6 months financials are due this week, probably some drilling results coming soon, increased interest in potash, spin-off to be officially announced in a matter of days.

All signs point to a rise in the share price and Arianne knows that. Then why the 6 directors would accept to diminish their potential gains, allowing their options to rise from 7 cents to 10 cents?

I see only one thing:
Northern Securities arranged financing with Arianne on August 18th, with the possibility to increase financing for 50%, this means 750 000$ more in cash flow for Arianne if the share price hits more than 6 cents; and even more cash flow if 7,5 , then more at 8 and 9 cents if warrants gets exercised. The potential of cash flow they can get if the price goes let's say to 10 cents is (750K + 1000K + 900K) 2,650,000$ more than they already agreed on.

So for a total financing of 4.15 millions dollars if the share price goes up to the actual book value/share. This means a major potential upside.