Exceptional High-Grade Gold Discoveries at Kamperman Deposit
Recent geotechnical diamond drilling at Astral Resources' (ASX: AAR) Feysville Gold Project has returned spectacular high-grade gold results, with assays up to 100.7g/t Au within the optimized pit shell at the Kamperman deposit.
The 15-hole (1,371 meters) geotechnical diamond drill program, primarily designed to gather rock property information for pit wall design, has unexpectedly revealed significant gold mineralization beyond the current resource boundaries.
Standout results from Kamperman include:
- 6.6 meters at 2.42g/t Au from 22.7 meters
- 4.7 meters at 30.6g/t Au from 31.8 meters (including 1.3 meters at 95.7g/t Au)
- 2.1 meters at 32.8g/t Au from 123 meters (including 0.6 meters at 100.7g/t Au)
The high-grade intersection of 4.7 meters at 30.6g/t Au presented as visible gold in quartz veins within a feldspar porphyry, suggesting potential for additional vein lodes in this area.
"For this drilling to have returned such high-grade gold intersections that, for the most part, are outside of the areas contemplated in the PFS, is a great outcome that presents as pure upside!" – Managing Director Marc Ducler
Significant Supergene Mineralization at Rogan Josh and Think Big
The drilling program also delivered promising results at the Rogan Josh and Think Big deposits:
Rogan Josh:
- 3.9 meters at 5.26g/t Au from 21.7 meters (including 0.7 meters at 13.2g/t Au)
Think Big:
- 5.2 meters at 3.93g/t Au from 31.6 meters (including 1 meter at 10.5g/t Au)
- 5.7 meters at 1.27g/t Au from 79.8 meters
These results highlight the potential to expand the resource base at both deposits, particularly at Rogan Josh where results suggest supergene gold mineralization may extend further west.
Understanding Supergene Gold Enrichment
Supergene gold enrichment is a natural process where gold is concentrated near the surface through weathering and chemical processes. This occurs when primary gold-bearing rocks are subjected to weathering, causing the gold to dissolve and then redeposit in higher concentrations.
In gold exploration, supergene enrichment creates zones where gold grades are significantly higher than the surrounding primary mineralization. These zones typically form horizontal or gently dipping "blankets" of enriched material above the primary deposit.
Key characteristics of supergene gold deposits include:
- Near-surface location: Typically found in the weathered zone of a deposit
- Higher grades: Often contain significantly higher gold concentrations than primary mineralization
- Different mineralogy: Gold may occur in different forms compared to primary mineralization
- Horizontal orientation: Commonly form blanket-like deposits following the water table
For investors, supergene enrichment is significant because it can create higher-grade deposits that are often shallower and more economical to mine. The presence of supergene enrichment at Rogan Josh and Think Big suggests potential for additional shallow, high-grade resources that could enhance the project economics.
Comprehensive Exploration Program Advancing Across Multiple Projects
Astral Resources is advancing a multi-faceted exploration program across its project portfolio:
Mandilla Project:
- Completed a 19-hole (2,971-meter) RC drill program at the Iris deposit
- Completed a 24-hole (3,306-meter) RC program at Hestia
- Commenced a 99-hole (10,000-meter) in-fill program at Theia targeting a portion of the Stage 1 pit
- Diamond drilling scheduled to commence, targeting high-grade gold structures
Spargoville Project:
- Currently executing a 90-hole (13,458-meter) program with 48 holes completed
- Planning a 41-hole (5,000-meter) RC program on behalf of the KOMIR joint venture
Investment Potential: Building on Astral's Impressive Resource Base
Astral Resources currently boasts a substantial resource base of 1.76 million ounces across its projects:
- Mandilla: 42Mt at 1.1g/t Au for 1,426,000 ounces
- Feysville: 5Mt at 1.2g/t Au for 196,000 ounces
- Spargoville: 3Mt at 1.4g/t Au for 139,000 ounces
The recently completed Mandilla Pre-Feasibility Study demonstrated a production target of 1.41 million ounces, with Feysville contributing 132,000 ounces as satellite ore.
The company has a strong track record of resource growth, with Managing Director Marc Ducler noting that "Astral has a history of adding new Mineral Resources at a discovery cost of less than $20 per ounce, a benchmark we aim to maintain."
Why Investors Should Follow Astral Resources
Astral Resources offers compelling investment potential for several key reasons:
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Exceptional high-grade gold discoveries – Intercepts up to 100.7g/t Au demonstrate the potential for significant resource growth
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Clear path to production – The recently completed Mandilla PFS provides a solid foundation for development
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Cost-effective resource growth – Proven ability to add resources at less than $20 per ounce
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Extensive exploration upside – Multiple active drilling programs across three gold projects
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Strategic location – Projects situated in the prolific Kalgoorlie region, near world-class gold deposits including the KCGM Super Pit
The high-grade gold discovery at Astral Resources, particularly within the optimized pit shell but outside the current resource boundaries, presents a significant opportunity to enhance the economics of the Mandilla project through additional high-grade ounces.
As the company continues to advance the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and its extensive exploration programs, Astral Resources appears well-positioned to deliver substantial growth in both resources and shareholder value.
Ready to Capitalise on Astral Resources' Gold Discoveries?
Discover how Astral Resources' exceptional high-grade gold discoveries at Feysville, including impressive intercepts of up to 100.7g/t Au, could enhance your investment portfolio. With a solid 1.76 million ounce resource base, active exploration programs across multiple projects, and a clear path to production, Astral offers compelling growth potential. Visit astralresources.com.au to learn more about this promising ASX-listed gold explorer and position yourself for potential returns as they continue to expand their gold resources at a discovery cost of less than $20 per ounce.
