Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) has delivered a fresh batch of high-grade gold intercepts from extensional drilling at its Kamperman deposit, reinforcing growth potential at the Feysville Gold Project in Western Australia, while diamond drilling at the Mandilla Project’s cornerstone Theia deposit has confirmed additional high-grade structures within and adjacent to the existing resource.
The company said results from both projects point to opportunities to lift overall grade, expand resources and better define high-grade shoots as it ramps up exploration activity through 2026.
Extensional drilling delivers standout results at Kamperman
At Feysville, Astral reported assay results from a recently completed 17-hole reverse circulation (RC) program totalling 2,954 metres at the Kamperman deposit, around 14 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie.
Map of Kamperman illustrating the October 2024 MRE and drill collar locations of recently completed geotechnical diamond drilling on local area geology.
The program was designed to test targets aimed at increasing the existing Mineral Resource and improving geological understanding, with a particular focus on high-grade zones not currently captured in the model.
Best intercepts included:
- 14m at 6.79 g/t gold from 192m, including 2m at 23.8 g/t
- 13m at 6.60 g/t gold from 44m, including 1m at 57.6 g/t
- 21m at 3.11 g/t gold from 115m, including 1m at 13.4 g/t
- 15m at 3.70 g/t gold from 123m, with multiple internal high-grade intervals
Cross-section through Kamperman illustrating current mineralisation interpretation and drill trace, assay results and geological interpretation.
The drilling confirmed northwest-striking high-grade gold mineralisation outside the current Kamperman Mineral Resource, as well as depth extensions to the southern lode and additional mineralisation in the footwall.
Several holes were drilled well beyond the existing resource envelope, with mineralisation remaining open at depth, supporting the potential for both grade and tonnage growth.
Kamperman currently hosts a Mineral Resource of two million tonnes at 1.3 g/t gold for 83,800 ounces.
High-grade shear zones confirmed at Theia
At the Mandilla Gold Project, about 70 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie, Astral reported results from two diamond drilling programs at the Theia deposit.
Map of Theia illustrating the April 2025 MRE and drill collar locations of recently completed diamond drilling on local area geology.
A three-hole diamond program targeting the narrow, high-grade “230 Shear” successfully intersected the structure in all holes, confirming it strikes through the main Theia system and remains mineralised at depth.
Best results from this program included:
- 1.57m at 22.8 g/t gold
- 2.27m at 4.94 g/t gold
Astral said the results confirmed the presence of a discrete, high-grade shear zone with potential to host additional sub-parallel repeats both within and beyond the current Theia resource.
Cross-section through Theia illustrating current MRE and drill trace, assay results and geological interpretation.
Visible gold supports potential for additional structures
A separate four-hole diamond drill program tested a potential steeply dipping sub-parallel structure to the east of the current Stage 5 Theia open pit.
Visible gold was logged in all four holes, with standout results including:
- 4.15m at 33.2 g/t gold, including 0.5m at 269.6 g/t
- Additional high-grade narrow intercepts at depth
The company said coherent zones of quartz and sulphides typical of Theia-style mineralisation confirmed strong potential for additional mineralised structures below and adjacent to the existing pit design.
Theia forms part of the broader Mandilla Mineral Resource, which totals 42 million tonnes at 1.1 g/t gold for 1.43 million ounces across the Theia, Iris, Eos and Hestia deposits.
Map of Mandilla Gold Project on local area geology.
Exploration ramps up as studies and approvals advance
Astral said three drill rigs are currently operating across its project portfolio, including two RC rigs and one diamond rig, as it advances sterilisation, resource definition and geotechnical drilling programs.
The company also confirmed it has received notice of the grant of a mining licence application over parts of the Feysville Project, marking a key step towards submission of a mining proposal and execution of a joint venture agreement with Mineral Mining Services to develop the Think Big Gold Mine.
Managing director Marc Ducler said the recent results highlighted the growth potential across both projects and supported Astral’s strategy of aggressive exploration alongside development studies.
“The program was highly successful in achieving its aims to extend interpreted high-grade gold zones beyond the existing Mineral Resource,” he said.
“Following our successful capital raise completed in December, Astral has funds on hand to maintain an aggressive exploration focus and complete the Mandilla DFS targeting a Final Investment Decision — all while maintaining a significant component of the equity requirement for development of the Mandilla Gold Project.”