How Astral Resources’ New Agreement Unlocks Think Big Gold Project Potential
Astral Resources has secured a pivotal Land Use Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claim Group, clearing the way for funded development of the Think Big Gold deposit in Western Australia.
- Land Use Agreement signed with Marlinyu Ghoorlie covering key Feysville tenements
- Agreement establishes heritage protection and mining activity protocols
- Joint development Letter of Intent with Mineral Mining Services to fully fund Think Big
- Think Big deposit hosts 85,200 ounces of gold, enabling early production
- Agreement supports Mining Lease grant and strengthens community partnership
Strategic Partnership with Marlinyu Ghoorlie
Astral Resources’ wholly owned subsidiary, Feysville Gold Pty Ltd, has formalised a Land Use Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claim Group. This agreement covers critical tenements within the Feysville Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, including the significant Think Big Gold deposit. The accord sets out protocols for heritage surveys, site protection, and clearance procedures, reflecting a cooperative approach to balancing mining development with cultural heritage preservation.
Enabling Development Through Collaboration
The Land Use Agreement is more than a regulatory formality; it embodies a framework of mutual respect and partnership. It facilitates ongoing engagement between Astral and the Marlinyu Ghoorlie people, providing opportunities for their participation in project activities and compensation for impacts on native title rights. This foundation is crucial for the anticipated grant of a Mining Lease, a key regulatory milestone that will enable the commencement of mining operations at Think Big.
Fully Funded Development Pathway
Complementing this agreement, Astral recently announced a Letter of Intent with Mineral Mining Services Pty Ltd (MMS) to form a development partnership. Under this arrangement, MMS will fully fund the development costs of the Think Big deposit, with costs to be recouped from initial project cash flows. This structure significantly de-risks Astral’s capital expenditure and accelerates the timeline for early gold production, which is expected to generate cash flow to support further development of Astral’s flagship Mandilla Gold Project.
Project Scale and Outlook
The Think Big deposit boasts a Mineral Resource Estimate of approximately 85,200 ounces of gold, contained within 2.4 million tonnes grading 1.1 grams per tonne. Within the broader Mandilla Pre-Feasibility Study, Think Big was projected to contribute around 30,000 ounces to the life-of-mine plan, with production originally scheduled to begin in year three. The new development partnership aims to bring this production forward, enhancing the project’s financial profile and reducing reliance on external funding.
A Positive Signal for Stakeholders
Managing Director Marc Ducler emphasised the significance of the agreement, highlighting it as a milestone in Astral’s collaborative relationship with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie. The company’s commitment to responsible development and stakeholder engagement is clear, setting a positive tone for upcoming definitive agreements and regulatory approvals. This progress positions Astral Resources to unlock value from its Western Australian gold assets while respecting cultural heritage and community interests.
Bottom Line?
With regulatory and community frameworks now aligned, Astral Resources is poised to accelerate gold production and strengthen its project pipeline.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the Mining Lease for the Think Big deposit be formally granted?
- What are the detailed terms and timeline for the definitive joint venture agreement with MMS?
- How will the Land Use Agreement impact ongoing heritage management and community involvement?
