Astral Resources has strengthened its position as an emerging Western Australian gold developer, increasing its total mineral resource to 2.07 million ounces (Moz), driven by a significant upgrade at its flagship Mandilla project.

The updated Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) 2012 mineral resource estimate (MRE) for Mandilla now stands at 54 million metric tonnes (Mt) at 1.0 gram per tonne (g/t) for 1.74 million troy ounces (Moz) of gold, marking a 22 per cent increase in contained ounces compared to the April 2025 estimate.

Astral’s broader portfolio, including Feysville and Spargoville, has lifted the group resource to 62Mt at 1.1g/t for 2.07Moz, reinforcing the company’s growth trajectory in the Kalgoorlie region.

Managing director Marc Ducler said the update is a key step towards advancing the project.

“This update to the Mandilla mineral resource estimate is an important precursor to the detailed mine design work that is now underway to support the Mandilla definitive feasibility study (DFS),” Ducler said.

A key highlight of the update is the introduction of a maiden measured resource at the Theia deposit, which sits at the core of Mandilla. Theia alone hosts 1.39Moz and represents around 80 per cent of the project’s total resource base.

The new classification follows an extensive infill drilling campaign, which also validated Astral’s geological modelling.

“Importantly, the outcome of the infill program was a very strong validation of the geological interpretation and estimation methodology,” Ducler said.

“The fact that both grade and ounces have increased by 5.2 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively – demonstrates a strong confidence in our estimation methodology.”

Despite the focus on in-fill drilling, Astral added approximately 310,000 ounces to the Mandilla resource at a discovery cost of less than $10 per ounce, highlighting the efficiency of its exploration strategy.

The company is continuing to expand Theia, with drilling confirming the deposit remains open at depth. A diamond drilling program is currently targeting extensions up to 175 metres below the existing resource.

“In-fill drilling is ongoing at Theia, with a 23,000m program underway… which will ensure the first 12–18 months of mine production is derived from the measured resource category,” Ducler said.

Astral is also assessing underground mining potential at Theia, supported by strong gold prices and encouraging early study results.

“Given our confidence that the Theia deposit remains open at depth, we are now evaluating an underground mining option for Theia,” Ducler said.

Alongside resource growth, the company is progressing feasibility work and approvals, with the Mandilla definitive feasibility study (DFS) advancing and mine design activities underway.

“Pleasingly, the Astral Group MRE is now 2.07Moz, firmly cementing our status as a significant emerging gold producer in Western Australia,” Ducler said.

With continued drilling, feasibility work and exploration across its broader tenement package, Astral is positioning Mandilla as a cornerstone development asset in the Eastern Goldfields.