Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) has strengthened its leadership and advisory ranks as it transitions towards gold production at its flagship 100%-owned Mandilla Gold Project, 70 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
The company has appointed two seasoned mining executives — Jed Whitford as chief operating officer and Mathew Wilson as general manager – Mandilla — to oversee the project’s next phase of development and delivery of its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).
Managing director Marc Ducler said the appointments mark a pivotal step in Astral’s evolution from explorer to developer.
“With our eyes now firmly set on making the transition to gold production at Mandilla, we are delighted to have made two key appointments to our executive leadership team,” Ducler said.
“Both of these new appointees will play a leading role in overseeing the completion of the Mandilla Definitive Feasibility Study and progressing the project towards a Final Investment Decision.”
Leadership experience and DFS partners
Whitford brings more than 25 years’ experience across gold and nickel operations, most recently with Glencore Nickel’s global management team. His career includes roles with Egan Street Resources, Minara Resources, Xstrata and Gold Fields.
Wilson, a mining engineer with over 20 years’ international experience, was mine manager during the development and successful startup of Iamgold’s Côté Gold Mine in Ontario, Canada. He has also held senior positions at Mincor Resources, Jubilee Mines and Glencore.
Astral has also appointed GR Engineering Services Ltd (GRES) to conduct Early Contractor Involvement for all process and non-process infrastructure at Mandilla, following a competitive tender process that drew interest from 10 engineering firms.
GRES is a leading Australian mining services group with extensive experience in Western Australian gold projects, having worked with Northern Star Resources, Genesis Minerals, Evolution Mining and others.
In addition, Level Solutions has been engaged as project management consultant to provide governance, risk management and project controls through the DFS and delivery phases.
Financing pathway and project timeline
To support project financing, Astral has appointed Taylor Collison as debt adviser. The firm will assist in arranging debt facilities in parallel with the DFS, drawing on strong relationships with domestic and international lenders. Taylor Collison recently managed a successful $110 million debt process for a Western Australian gold producer.
The Mandilla DFS is expected to be completed by mid-2026, paving the way for a Final Investment Decision in the September 2026 quarter. Astral aims to deliver first gold production by late 2027.
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Ducler said Astral was “progressively assembling a top-tier team of project developers, operators and financiers” to ensure Mandilla’s smooth progression into production — reinforcing the company’s transition from exploration success to operational readiness.