Astral Resources has revealed substantial deep diamond drilling results at its Theia Deposit, part of the Mandilla Gold Project, highlighting significant mineralisation both within and extending well beyond the current resource boundaries.
- Broad gold zones intersected below April 2026 resource shell
- Notable intercepts include 52.6m at 1.48g/t and 54.0m at 2.38g/t Au
- Visible gold observed at depths exceeding 600m
- Expanded 12-hole deep drilling program progressing with assays pending
- Mandilla hosts 2.07Moz gold resource with 1.08Moz ore reserves
Deep Drilling Uncovers Significant Extensions at Theia
Astral Resources (ASX:AAR) has delivered compelling evidence that the Theia Deposit at its Mandilla Gold Project in Western Australia harbours more gold than previously modelled. Deep diamond drilling assays from holes AMRCD260 and AMRCD261 reveal broad zones of mineralisation both within the April 2026 Mineral Resource shell and extending hundreds of metres beneath it.
Highlights include AMRCD260’s 52.6 metres at 1.48 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 389.4 metres, confirming the inferred resource base, followed by deeper intercepts of 7 metres at 5.22 g/t from 583 metres and 43.86 metres at 0.87 g/t from 605 metres. Similarly, AMRCD261 returned 54 metres at 2.38 g/t from 316 metres, a high-grade zone outside the current resource shell, and ended in mineralisation with visible gold observed at 603 metres depth.
Visible Gold and Mineral System Potential
Visible gold sightings in drill core, particularly at depths exceeding 600 metres, underscore the potential richness of these deep zones. While visual estimates are not substitutes for assays, the presence of visible gold alongside quartz and sulphide veining is a strong geological indicator of economic mineralisation.
Pending assays from nearby drill holes, including AMRCD262 and AMRCD376, which show encouraging visual signs of mineralisation, could further expand the resource footprint. Theia’s mineralised system now appears to extend vertically by more than 250 metres below the existing resource shell, suggesting substantial growth potential.
Ongoing Drilling and Resource Growth Strategy
The expanded 12-hole, 7,500-metre deep diamond drilling program has completed nine holes to date, with further holes planned to convert new mineralisation into inferred resources and test extensions along strike and at depth. Concurrently, an in-fill drilling campaign within the Stage 1 open pit resource continues, with 140 holes completed to date, aiming to upgrade resource classifications and support feasibility studies.
Managing Director Marc Ducler emphasised the program’s success in confirming mineralisation within the current pit shell and uncovering significant extensions, noting that the company is well-positioned to assess resource expansion potential upon completion of the ongoing drill program.
Mandilla Project’s Robust Resource and Reserve Base
The Mandilla Gold Project now boasts a consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate of 61.6 million tonnes at 1.0 g/t gold for 2.07 million ounces, encompassing Theia, Iris, Eos, and Hestia deposits, along with the Feysville and Spargoville projects. Ore Reserves stand at 36.6 million tonnes at 0.9 g/t for 1.08 million ounces.
Metallurgical testing across these deposits has demonstrated high gravity recoverable gold and excellent overall recoveries, supporting the project’s economic viability. The Mandilla Pre-Feasibility Study, announced in June 2025, outlined a standalone operation producing 95,000 ounces per year for the first 12 years, with a base case net present value of $1.4 billion AUD at A$4,250/oz gold price.
Exploration Beyond Theia and Project Development
While Theia remains the primary focus, Astral continues exploration and sterilisation drilling across Mandilla, pending heritage clearance surveys. Drilling at Feysville and Spargoville remains on hold awaiting these clearances. The company’s methodical approach to expanding and upgrading resources aligns with its timeline targeting first gold production in early 2028.
These latest deep drilling results reinforce the notion that Theia’s mineral system is more extensive than previously understood, providing a strong foundation for upcoming resource updates and feasibility milestones.
Bottom Line?
Astral’s deep drilling success at Theia sets the stage for potential resource upgrades, but pending assays and heritage survey outcomes will be critical to defining the project’s next growth phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results from AMRCD262 and AMRCD376 impact the current resource model?
- What timelines are expected for heritage clearance surveys affecting drilling at Feysville and Spargoville?
- To what extent can the deeper mineralisation be economically extracted given current project parameters?