Mandilla’s MDRCD918 Delivers Exceptional 1,079 Gram-Metres Gold Intercept

Exceptional Drilling Results at Theia

Astral Resources (ASX: AAR) has announced outstanding assay results from its recent diamond drilling campaign at the Theia Deposit, part of the Mandilla Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The highlight is drill-hole MDRCD918, which returned multiple high-grade gold intersections aggregating to an unprecedented 1,079 gram-metres over the hole length, the highest metal accumulation recorded at Mandilla to date.

This hole featured spectacular intervals including 1 metre at 223.3 g/t Au near surface and a 9.6-metre section averaging 27.6 g/t Au at depth, with individual assays peaking at 227.6 g/t Au. Such results not only confirm the presence of robust high-grade mineralisation but also reinforce the geological model underpinning the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).

Implications for Resource Upgrade and Project Development

The drilling program’s primary objective was to infill and upgrade deeper Inferred Mineral Resources at Theia to the higher confidence Indicated category. The strong alignment of assay results with existing mineralisation wireframes suggests this goal is within reach. Cube Consulting is actively updating the Mandilla MRE, with completion anticipated in the March quarter of 2025. This update will pave the way for detailed mine design and scheduling as part of the forthcoming Pre-Feasibility Study.

Mandilla currently hosts a 1.3 million ounce gold resource, with Theia accounting for over 1 million ounces. The recent drilling success at Theia, combined with positive metallurgical test results demonstrating high gravity recoveries and efficient processing characteristics, continues to de-risk the project’s economic potential.

Exploration Momentum at Feysville

Alongside Mandilla, Astral is advancing exploration at its nearby Feysville Gold Project, located just 14 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie. Recent reverse circulation drilling at the Kamperman Deposit has identified extensions to mineralisation, while ongoing diamond and air-core drilling programs aim to refine geological understanding and test promising structural targets. These efforts are designed to grow Feysville’s resource base, which currently stands at approximately 196,000 ounces, and potentially provide satellite ore feed to Mandilla’s processing infrastructure.

Strategic Positioning in a Tier-One Gold District

Astral’s projects are situated in the prolific Kalgoorlie region, home to world-class gold mines such as the Golden Mile Super Pit and St Ives. The Mandilla and Feysville projects benefit from established infrastructure, granted mining leases free of third-party royalties (beyond the standard Western Australian government royalty), and proximity to major mining operations. This strategic positioning enhances the projects’ attractiveness for future development and potential partnerships.

Managing Director Marc Ducler highlighted the significance of the drilling results, noting the exceptional metal accumulation in MDRCD918 and the encouraging potential to upgrade resource confidence. He emphasised the ongoing exploration programs at Feysville and the company’s commitment to advancing both projects towards production.