13m at 7.10g/t Au Highlights Spargoville Drilling Success for Astral Resources
Astral Resources reports strong assay results from its recent drilling at the Spargoville Gold Project, revealing significant high-grade gold mineralisation and expanding known deposits. Concurrent drilling at Mandilla advances resource confidence ahead of a major update later this year.
- 39-hole RC drill program at Spargoville returns multiple high-grade gold intersections
- Notable results include 13m at 7.10g/t Au and 5m at 9.35g/t Au at Wattle Dam Complex
- Mineralisation remains open at depth, with extensions identified at Redback, Huntsman, and Trapdoor deposits
- Ongoing sterilisation and in-fill drilling at Mandilla supports upcoming Mineral Resource update
- Exploration targeting identifies multiple high-priority faults for further drilling in 2026
Strong Drill Results at Spargoville
Astral Resources has released assay results from a 39-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at its Spargoville Gold Project’s Wattle Dam Complex in Western Australia. The program, completed in January 2026, delivered several high-grade gold intersections, including standout hits such as 13 metres at 7.10 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 5 metres at 9.35 g/t gold. These results confirm the presence of robust mineralisation across the Redback, Huntsman, and Trapdoor deposits.
The drilling was designed to both in-fill existing resource gaps and extend mineralisation zones, with the deepest holes on each line confirming that the gold-bearing lodes remain open at depth. Notably, mineralisation appears closely associated with the eastern contact of an interpreted porphyry unit, a geological feature that may guide future exploration efforts.
Expanding Resource Potential
Beyond confirming known deposits, the recent drilling extended mineralisation at Huntsman by up to 150 metres, suggesting the potential for resource growth. The Wattle Dam Complex currently hosts a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 2.1 million tonnes at 1.3 g/t gold for 91,000 ounces, but these new results hint at further upside.
Astral’s exploration targeting workshop has identified multiple high-priority splay faults off the regional Karramindie and Spargoville shear zones. These structures share similarities with those controlling mineralisation at the nearby high-grade Wattle Dam deposit and the St Ives Gold Camp, signalling promising targets for drilling throughout 2026.
Mandilla Project Drilling Advances Feasibility
Meanwhile, at the adjacent Mandilla Gold Project, Astral continues to progress its Definitive Feasibility Study with extensive sterilisation and in-fill drilling programs. To date, 110 holes totaling over 16,700 metres have been drilled, with a second RC rig focusing on reducing drill spacing at the Theia open pit to enhance resource confidence.
A diamond drilling program has also commenced at Theia, targeting depth extensions below the current open pit design. These efforts support an updated Mineral Resource Estimate expected in the latter half of 2026, underpinning the project’s development plans.
Strategic Outlook and Development Partnerships
Astral’s Managing Director, Marc Ducler, highlighted the company’s multi-rig approach and ongoing heritage surveys to facilitate early mining opportunities, including the Think Big Project. Development studies and contract negotiations for this project are advancing, with a joint venture agreement anticipated soon.
With a consolidated Mineral Resource of approximately 1.76 million ounces across Spargoville, Mandilla, and Feysville, and Ore Reserves exceeding one million ounces, Astral is positioning itself for significant growth. The company confirms that all prior assumptions and technical parameters remain valid, reinforcing confidence in its resource base and development trajectory.
Bottom Line?
Astral’s latest drilling success at Spargoville and ongoing Mandilla programs set the stage for a pivotal resource update and potential project expansion in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate impact Astral’s project valuation and development timeline?
- What are the implications of the newly identified high-priority faults for future exploration success?
- How might heritage clearance and joint venture negotiations influence operational progress at Think Big and Mandilla?
