Record-Breaking Gold Recoveries Position Astral's Feysville as Key Mandilla Satellite
Astral Resources has achieved exceptional metallurgical test results at its Feysville Gold Project, with gold recoveries exceeding 98% at the Kamperman deposit, paving the way for inclusion in the upcoming Mandilla Pre-Feasibility Study.
Outstanding Metallurgical Results Unlock Multi-Deposit Strategy
Astral Resources (ASX: AAR) has reported breakthrough metallurgical test results from its Feysville Gold Project, demonstrating that the company's satellite deposits can utilise the same low-cost processing route planned for its flagship Mandilla project.
The standout results from Kamperman show three of five tests returning an average overall gold recovery of 98.1% – exceptional figures that reinforce the free-milling nature of the ore. The remaining two Kamperman tests averaged 87.9% recovery, with the company noting these samples contained elevated copper that consumed available cyanide. These tests will be repeated with higher cyanide concentrations, likely pushing recoveries above 90%.
Results from the Rogan Josh deposit were similarly impressive, with tests yielding an average overall gold recovery of 91.5%, particularly notable given the modest 0.70g/t Au average head grade.
"These metallurgical test results clearly demonstrate that the simple, low-cost processing pathway being pursued in the Mandilla PFS will also be suitable for processing Feysville ore," said Managing Director Marc Ducler.
Integrated Development Strategy Takes Shape
The metallurgical results are particularly important as they enable Astral to incorporate the Feysville deposits – Kamperman, Think Big, and Rogan Josh – into its Mandilla Pre-Feasibility Study, which remains on track for completion this quarter.
Astral's strategy involves developing these higher-grade satellite deposits as valuable ore feed sources for the proposed 2.5Mtpa Mandilla process plant, creating an integrated multi-deposit operation within the prolific Kalgoorlie region.
| Deposit | Resource | Grade | Contained Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamperman | 2.0Mt | 1.3g/t Au | 83,800oz |
| Rogan Josh | 0.7Mt | 1.3g/t Au | 27,400oz |
| Total Feysville | 5.0Mt | 1.2g/t Au | 196,000oz |
| Total Astral Resources | 50.0Mt | 1.1g/t Au | 1,761,000oz |
Low-Cost Processing Parameters Confirmed
The metallurgical testing was completed at a coarse grind size of 150μm with 200ppm free cyanide concentration at pH 8.9 – parameters that typically translate to lower processing costs.
Cyanide and lime consumption averaged just 0.41kg/t and 1.40kg/t respectively across most samples, with the two copper-rich Kamperman samples requiring a still-manageable 1.1kg/t cyanide consumption.
These results suggest Astral can avoid expensive processing requirements like ultra-fine grinding or specialised oxidation circuits, potentially leading to lower capital and operating costs for the combined operation.
Understanding Metallurgical Recovery: Why It Matters for Gold Projects
Metallurgical recovery represents the percentage of gold that can be economically extracted from ore during processing. While high-grade ore always attracts investor attention, recovery rates can be equally important to a project's economics.
For example, a deposit with moderate grade but excellent recoveries (like Kamperman's 98%) may deliver better economic outcomes than a higher-grade deposit with problematic metallurgy requiring expensive processing methods.
The gravity recovery component (averaging 43.9% at Kamperman and 37.5% at Rogan Josh) is particularly significant, as gravity-recovered gold is typically the cheapest to produce, requiring minimal chemical processing.
Recovery rates also impact:
- Processing costs: Higher recoveries generally mean less ore needs to be processed for the same gold output
- Environmental footprint: Better recoveries typically result in less waste material and chemical usage
- Project economics: Every percentage point in recovery can significantly impact a project's NPV and IRR
Astral's exceptional recovery results suggest the company may be able to pursue a simpler, more cost-effective processing route than many competitors.
Strategic Growth Through Regional Consolidation
Astral's Feysville project is strategically located just 14km south of Kalgoorlie in the highly prospective Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone Belt. The project sits within the same geological corridor as world-class deposits including the Golden Mile Super Pit, New Celebration, and St Ives Gold Mine.
The company is simultaneously advancing exploration across its project portfolio:
- Assay results from a recently completed 313-hole/8,364-metre air-core program at Feysville expected later this month
- Results pending from a 46-hole/5,890-metre RC drill program also at Feysville
- RC drilling at the Iris deposit (Mandilla) currently underway with 17 holes planned
- Upcoming RC drilling at the newly acquired Spargoville Project, targeting extensions of the Hestia deposit
This multi-front approach provides Astral with numerous potential catalysts over the coming months, while the advancing Mandilla PFS represents a significant near-term milestone.
Investment Case: Creating a Multi-Asset Producer in a Tier-1 Location
Astral Resources presents a compelling investment case as it progresses toward production in one of Australia's premier gold districts. Key factors for investors to consider include:
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Resource Growth Potential: With 1.76 million ounces already defined across multiple deposits and active exploration programs, Astral has significant organic growth potential
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Processing Synergies: The exceptional metallurgical results confirm Astral can pursue a hub-and-spoke development strategy with satellite ore feed from multiple deposits
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Location Advantage: Operating in the Kalgoorlie region provides access to established infrastructure, skilled workforce, and potential toll-treatment options
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Imminent Catalysts: The upcoming Mandilla PFS, exploration results from multiple projects, and ongoing metallurgical optimisation provide numerous near-term potential value drivers
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Proven Technical Approach: The company's methodical approach to metallurgical testing and development planning demonstrates technical rigour
With the Mandilla PFS nearing completion and exceptional metallurgical results confirming the viability of incorporating multiple ore sources, Astral Resources Feysville project is positioning itself as an emerging gold producer in one of Australia's most productive gold regions.
Ready to Invest in Astral's Golden Future?
For investors seeking exposure to a rapidly advancing gold developer with exceptional metallurgical results and a clear path to production, Astral Resources presents a compelling opportunity. To learn more about Astral's Feysville Gold Project, its integrated development strategy and upcoming catalysts including the Mandilla Pre-Feasibility Study, visit Astral Resources' website for comprehensive investor information.
