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Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) has reported significant advancements in the Mandilla Gold Project, following metallurgical test work that demonstrates gold recoveries of up to 99.5%. The results from the Hestia, Eos, and Iris deposits have reconfirmed the project's outstanding metallurgical characteristics, which were previously highlighted in the Theia deposit.
Exceptional Metallurgical Performance
The latest metallurgical results indicate remarkably high gold recoveries and efficient leaching processes. At a grind size of 212µm, the following recoveries were achieved after just eight hours of leaching:
- Hestia: 96.5% gravity recovery and 99.5% final recovery.
- Eos: 17.9% gravity recovery and 98.8% final recovery.
- Iris: 66.8% gravity recovery and 96.5% final recovery.
These results are consistent with the previously reported high recoveries at the Theia deposit. Astral Resources has conducted 20 gravity and leach tests, with gold content in the assayed tail averaging 0.02 g/t, indicating that the 95.7% gold recovery assumption used in the Scoping Study might be conservative.
Marc Ducler, Managing Director of Astral Resources, emphasized the importance of these results in reducing project risk. The ability to achieve high recoveries at lower cyanide concentrations and coarser grind sizes points to potentially lower processing costs. The successful testing under real-world conditions will positively influence the economics of the Mandilla Gold Project’s Pre-Feasibility Study, scheduled for completion in the June quarter of 2025.
Impact on Pre-Feasibility Study and Future Prospects
The recent metallurgical results could lead to the inclusion of ore from the Iris deposit in the Pre-Feasibility Study. This is a notable development, considering that the initial Scoping Study did not account for the Iris deposit, which has a currently mapped Mineral Resource of 115,000 ounces. The rise in gold prices since the Scoping Study was released also adds to the project's potential value.
Exploration and Drilling Updates
Astral Resources has completed the first phase of an in-fill RC drilling program at the Theia deposit, with 70 holes drilled over 6,500 metres. The drill rig has now moved to the Feysville Gold Project to conduct a 34-hole, 3,750-metre program aimed at exploring extensions of the Kamperman deposit. Early results from this drilling have identified significant quartz and sulphide mineralization, suggesting further potential for gold discovery.
Additionally, resource estimation work is ongoing at Feysville, with updates expected for the Think Big, Rogan Josh, and Kamperman deposits later this month. The company is also refining geological models for the Hestia and Eos deposits, with updated Mineral Resource Estimates anticipated in the December quarter.
Strategic Focus
Astral Resources continues to focus on advancing the Mandilla Gold Project towards development readiness, supported by strong metallurgical results and ongoing exploration efforts. The company is leveraging its recent achievements to enhance project viability and drive future growth in the gold sector.
