Stockhead’s Tylah Tully looks at a letter of intent deal between Astral Resources (ASX:AAR) and Mineral Mining Services (MMS) which could see a development joint venture for early gold production at Astral’s Think Big deposit near Kalgoorlie. 

If the deal proceeds, the agreement will see MMS carry all of the upfront costs and recover those from cash flow, with profit split under an incentive structure.

Think Big ore was originally planned to be satellite feed for the Mandilla mill, but this new deal could see mining could kick off as early as Q3 2026 giving the company early cash flow as it waits for a final investment decision at the broader Mandilla asset.