Astral Resources (ASX: AAR) has reported positive assay results from its latest diamond drilling at the Mandilla gold project in Western Australia. The company is currently executing an expanded 12-hole, 7,500-metre deep drilling program aimed at testing the depth potential beneath the Theia deposit. Recent data from holes AMRCD260 and AMRCD261 have confirmed broad zones of mineralisation, extending both within and beyond the current resource pit shell.

Highlights from the latest drilling include a standout intersection in hole AMRCD260, which returned 52.60m at 1.48g/t Au from 389.4 metres. This hole also intercepted deeper, high-grade gold, including 7.0m at 5.22g/t Au and 43.86m at 0.87g/t Au. Meanwhile, hole AMRCD261 produced 54.0m at 2.38g/t Au from 316.0 metres and ended in mineralisation, with visible gold noted by geologists at 603.33 metres depth.

Regarding the progress of the current exploration campaign, management expressed confidence in the deposit's scale.

"The Theia Deeps drill program continues to demonstrate that Theia has significant growth potential beyond the current resource, while also confirming mineralisation within the current pit shell."

"Additionally, AMRCD376 - for which assays are pending and which is located 170 metres to the east of AMRCD260 on the same section - is visually encouraging with broad zones of alteration typical of the Theia gold mineralisation system (quartz, abundant sulphides, and visible gold logged extensively through the hole), providing encouragement that gold mineralisation may extend further at depth."

— Marc Ducler, Managing Director

Astral has completed nine of the planned twelve holes to date. As the program nears its conclusion, the company prepares for the final assessment of the 12-hole deep diamond drilling campaign upon its completion. This evaluation will determine the next steps for resource expansion and whether further drilling is warranted to build on these recent technical successes.

Read the full announcement: Deep Drilling Continues to Expand Theia Deeps