Astral Resources NL (ASX: AAR) has announced strong assay results from ongoing drilling at its 100%-owned Mandilla Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Astral Resources is an exploration and development company primarily focused on its Mandilla Gold Project, situated approximately 70 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie, featuring several gold deposits including Theia, Iris, Eos, and Hestia. The latest assays cover 41 reverse circulation (RC) in-fill holes, totalling 4,456 metres, specifically targeting the Theia Stage 1 open pit. These results continue to meet expectations, validating both the geological and Mineral Resource models for Theia with a weighted average grade of 1.54 grams per tonne gold.
The in-fill drilling program has yielded several high-grade intervals, reinforcing the significant potential of the Stage 1 open pit. Notable results include 7 metres at 10.4 grams per tonne gold from 133 metres, with a higher-grade section of 1 metre at 53.0 grams per tonne gold, and 13 metres at 5.00 grams per tonne gold from 36 metres, including 1 metre at 36.8 grams per tonne gold. Additionally, an exceptional high-grade intercept was reported from drill hole AMRCD374, part of the Theia Deeps program and collared within the Stage 1 pit footprint. This hole delivered 1 metre at 219 grams per tonne gold from 25 metres, further demonstrating the robust mineralisation.
Managing Director Marc Ducler commented that the results reinforce the high-grade nature of the altered zones within the host granite and the potential economic value of the early mining inventory. The Theia Stage 1 RC in-fill program is continuing, with 225 holes for 22,705 metres already completed and a further 206 holes planned. The Theia Deeps diamond drilling program is also ongoing, with assay results pending for seven holes. These ongoing programs aim to further de-risk the development of the Mandilla Gold Project and support the conversion of Stage 1 Mineral Resources to the Measured category for the Definitive Feasibility Study.
