Astral Resources presents a compelling investment case as an ASX-listed gold explorer with a 1.46 Moz resource base in Western Australia's premier Kalgoorlie region, anchored by its flagship Mandilla project which demonstrates robust economics with an AU$442 million NPV and 11-year mine life.
Astral Resources (ASX:AAR) is a gold mineral exploration company with three gold projects in tier 1 mining jurisdictions of Western Australia. The three assets are the Mandilla gold project, the Feysville gold project, and the Carnilya Hill gold project. The flagship and 100 percent owned Mandilla gold project has a mineral resource containing 1.27 million ounces (Moz) of contained gold. The other key project, 100 percent owned Feysville, hosts an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 5.0 Mt at 1.2g/t gold for 196 koz of contained gold . Feysville could potentially become a satellite source of high-grade ore feed for the flagship Mandilla gold project.
The scoping study completed at Mandilla unveils robust project economics. The cornerstone of the scoping study is the Theia deposit, which alone accounts for 81 percent of the total Mandilla mineral resource estimate. The deposit hosts a mineral resource estimate of 29 Mt at 1.1 g/t gold for 1.02 Moz of contained gold in one large open pit. The scoping study indicates a mine life of 11 years with an annual production of 100,000 oz in the first seven and a half years, dropping to 41,000 oz for the remaining three and a half years. The study outlines compelling financial metrics, including NPV@8 percent of AU$442 million, free cash flow of AU$740 million, and a payback period of nine months.
Astral benefits from a team of professionals boasting extensive expertise in geology and mining.
The company is led by managing director Marc Ducler, who has more than two decades of experience in the mining industry. The management team has a proven track record of executing several successful exploration and development projects, as well as M&A.
The Mandilla gold project is located within the northern region of the Widgiemooltha greenstone belt, approximately 70 kilometers to the south of the prominent mining hub of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Mandilla includes four deposits namely, Theia, Iris, Eos and Hestia. The cornerstone of the project is the Theia deposit, constituting 81 percent of Mandilla's resources, totaling 29 Mt at a grade of 1.1 g/t gold, amounting to 1.02 Moz of contained gold in a single open pit. Mandilla has a total mineral resource estimate of 37 Mt at 1.1 g/t gold for 1.27 Moz.
The scoping study indicates a mine life of 11 years with an annual production of 100,000 oz in the first seven and a half years, dropping to 41,000 oz for the remaining three and a half years. Astral estimates the pre-production capital spend at AU$191 million, and the project is anticipated to generate a free cash flow of AU$740 million (assuming a gold price of A$2,750/oz). The project’s NPV @8 percent is estimated at AU$442 million, and the IRR at 73 percent.
Drill collars at Theia deposit
Astral continues to advance exploration and resource expansion efforts at Mandilla. The company recently completed a four-hole 1,762-metre in-fill diamond drilling program at the Theia deposit late last year. Best results included: 28 metres at 2.63 g/t gold, 15.5 metres at 1.81 g/t gold, 9.6 metres at 27.6 g/t gold, 2.4 metres at 169.1 g/t gold, 24.9 metres at 4.14 g/t gold and 72.2 metres at 1.15 g/t gold.
Astral has commenced work on a pre-feasibility study at Mandilla, which is due in the June quarter 2025.
The Feysville project is situated in Australia's premier gold belt, merely 14 km south of the Golden Mile deposit, which boasts 70 million ounces, located in Kalgoorlie. The project's updated JORC 2012 MRE indicates 5.0 Mt at 1.2 g/t gold for 196 koz of contained gold. Including the Mandilla MRE of 37 Mt at 1.1 g/t gold for 1.27 Moz of contained gold, Astral’s total gold MRE is now calculated to be 42 Mt at 1.1 g/t gold for 1.46 Moz of contained gold (group MRE).
At Feysville, Astral is focusing on the high-grade Kamperman prospect. A recent 31-hole (3,834 m) reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at Kamperman returned encouraging assay results. The latest drilling program returned best assay results of 33 metres at 3.75 g/t gold, 22 metres at 5.21 g/t gold, and 22 metres at 4.44 g/t gold. This high success rate continues to indicate that Kamperman has the potential to be a substantial source of high-grade satellite ore for the Mandilla processing plant.
Mark Connelly is a mining industry veteran who has held positions of CEO and managing director with several multinational companies across many jurisdictions, including Australia, North America, South America, Africa and Europe. He has a proven track record in deal making and was principally responsible for the merger of Papillon Resources and B2 Gold Corp in October 2014 (value US$570 million), as well as the key person responsible for the merger of Adamus Resources and Endeavour Mining for US$579 million. He is currently the non-executive chair of Calidus Resources, Omnia Metals Group, Alto Metals, Warriedar Resources and Nickel Search.
Marc Ducler has more than 20 years of experience in the mining industry. He has held senior operational management roles with GoldFields, BHP, Fortescue Metals, MRL and Roy Hill. He was also the managing director of Egan Street Resources (a gold exploration and development company) until it was acquired by Silver Lake Resources (ASX:SLR).
Peter Stern has experience in corporate advisory, specializing in M&A and capital raising. He has spent six years with Macquarie Bank and three years with UBS and Deutsche Bank. He is a graduate of Monash University with a Bachelor of Science (geology major). Stern is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the chairman of Troy Resources.
David Varcoe is a mining engineer with over three decades of experience. He has extensive operational and managerial experience across various commodities, including gold, iron ore, copper, diamonds, coal, uranium and rare earths. His expertise spans board positions, operations management, project management and consulting. Varcoe is a principal consultant with the leading Australian firm AMC Consulting.
Justin Osborne is a geologist with over 30 years of experience in exploration. He was previously the executive director at Gold Road Resources (ASX:GOR), where he played a crucial role in developing the world-class Gruyere gold deposit (6.6 Moz gold). Osborne also held senior positions on the exploration executive team at Gold Fields. He was instrumental in developing the Damang Superpit project in Ghana and achieved significant discovery success at the St Ives gold mine.
Brendon Morton has over 20 years of experience, particularly in the global resources sector across Australia, Africa and Asia. He has held several executive financial and company secretarial roles with ASX-listed and unlisted companies in the resources industry.
Steve Lampron is a mining engineer with more than 20 years industry experience. As well as having worked in production roles for companies such as Placer Dome, Barrick and North American Palladium he has also worked as a Consultant for over 10 years.
Julie Reid has 36 years of experience working across Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia, covering a variety of commodities in diverse geological terrains. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from Curtin University of Technology.
Gold exploration with highly prospective assets in Western Australia
With a clear vision for value creation in the energy transition and precious metals sectors, Surface Metals has strategically assembled one of North America’s most compelling project portfolios. Anchored by a high-potential gold asset and a robust lithium pipeline, the company is focused on discovery-driven growth, resource development, and unlocking long-term shareholder value through exploration, partnerships and potential M&A.
Surface Metals (CSE:SUR,OTCQB:SURMF) is a diversified exploration and development company with a portfolio spanning precious metals and lithium, targeting the growing global need for electrification metals and gold as a financial hedge.
The company’s flagship Cimarron gold project in Nevada is an underexplored, high-grade oxide gold system with historic drilling by majors including Newmont and Echo Bay. Simultaneously, Surface Metals, through its subsidiary ACME Lithium US, is developing lithium projects across Nevada and Manitoba, Canada. These include the Clayton Valley lithium brine asset (with a defined resource), the claystone-hosted Fish Lake Valley project, and the pegmatite-rich Shatford and Cat-Euclid claims in partnership with Snow Lake Resources.
Surface Metals’ projects are located in prolific mining jurisdictions in Nevada and Manitoba
With a foundational 43-101 resource, compelling exploration upside, and strategic positioning next to producing and near-producing lithium assets, Surface Metals is building value from the ground up.
The Cimarron gold project is a high-grade epithermal gold exploration project located at the north end of the San Antonio Mountains in the historic San Antonio (Cimarron) mining district, approximately 18 miles north of Tonopah, Nevada. Surface Metals holds a 90 percent interest in the project through its US subsidiary, Surface Metals US Inc. The project comprises 31 lode claims and is characterized by shallow, structurally controlled, low-sulfidation oxide gold mineralization.
Cimarron lies at the intersection of two regionally significant gold trends: the northwest-trending Walker Lane Belt and a north-northeast trend hosting Round Mountain (Kinross), Bullfrog, Goldfield, Manhattan and Gold Hill deposits. Notably, Round Mountain—located just 28 miles north—has produced more than 15 million ounces of gold. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including nearby power, road access and historic drill pads.
Aerial view of the project property
From 1980 to 2004, significant historical exploration was conducted by major operators such as Newmont, Echo Bay, Romarco and Budge. More than 190 drill holes define three main mineralized zones: West, Central and East. Echo Bay's internal reports (1987) estimated a non-NI 43-101 compliant resource of over 50,000 oz of gold hosted in approximately 1.5 million tons (Mt), with roughly 80 percent of the ounces located in the West Zone. Historic high-grade intercepts include:
Mineralization remains open in multiple directions, and surface sampling has returned anomalous gold values across a wide area, indicating strong potential for both lateral and vertical extensions. The mineralized system features strong structural controls and is interpreted to be part of a shallow, boiling zone epithermal system.
Surface Metals is currently finalizing its 2025/2026 exploration interpretation and strategy to potentially expand the known mineralized envelope and produce an NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate.
The Clayton Valley Project, held through Surface’s subsidiary ACME Lithium US, is located in Esmeralda County, home to the only operating lithium brine mine in the United States: Albemarle’s Silver Peak mine. ACME’s 100 percent interest covers 122 placer claims totaling 2,440 acres in one of the world’s most prolific lithium-producing basins.
The project hosts a defined NI 43-101 inferred resource of 302,900 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), based on extensive geophysical surveys (gravity and HSAMT), Phase 1 and Phase 2 drilling, and a 10-day pump test. The brines are hosted in interbedded silts, clays, sand and gravel, with lithium concentrations in brine ranging from 38 to 130 mg/L. Borehole DH-1 confirmed brine presence from 85 meters to 370 meters, with increased concentrations in basal gravels and lacustrine tuff layers.
Phase 2 drilling (DH-1A and TW-1) reached a depth of 1,940 ft, intersecting the Lower Gravel Unit (LGU), interpreted as the main brine aquifer. Pack testing and zone-isolated sampling from the LGU showed lithium values up to 71 mg/L. Permeability tests demonstrated favorable aquifer transmissivity. The presence of bicarbonate-rich groundwater indicates typical Clayton Valley geochemistry, conducive to direct lithium extraction (DLE) processing. Surface is currently evaluating DLE partnerships and pilot testing, with SLB (formerly Schlumberger) having already demonstrated a working DLE unit in the region.
The Fish Lake Valley (FLV) project is a 100 percent owned sedimentary lithium claystone asset covering 207 claims across 4,002 acres in Esmeralda County. The project is strategically adjacent to Ioneer’s fully permitted and DOE-funded Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project, with expected commencement of construction in 2025 and offtake agreements with Ford, Panasonic and Toyota.
FLV hosts lithium values up to 1,418 parts per million (ppm) in surface samples, with boron anomalies as high as 1,964 ppm—both strong indicators of favorable sedimentary lithium potential. Two major field sampling programs (2022 and 2023) confirmed the widespread presence of lithium-bearing illite-smectite clays. Phase 2 sampling utilized Asterra’s satellite analytics to identify new mineralized zones.
Geophysical surveys, including gravity and HSAMT, confirm the presence of a deep down-dropped basin with clay-rich horizons extending to over 1.3 km depth. Interpreted illite-smectite units, comparable to Rhyolite Ridge’s host rocks, are present throughout the basin. The project is fully permitted for drilling, with multiple high-priority drill targets identified for validation and resource definition. Surface is actively seeking a JV or strategic partner to fund and advance this asset.
The Shatford Lake project comprises 21 claims (8,883 acres), Birse Lake adds another 10 claims (5,196 acres), and the Cat-Euclid block includes six claims (2,930 acres). The claims straddle the Greer-Shatford Shear Zone, a major 15-km structural corridor hosting known pegmatites, favorable host rocks and historic lithium occurrences.
Snow Lake’s 2024 field campaign discovered a 25 m to 30 m wide tantalite-bearing pegmatite on the Cat-Euclid block and identified multiple new pegmatite swarms under heavy overburden. Drilling at Shatford Lake (2023) included eight holes totaling 3,280 meters, intersecting pegmatites in six holes. 3D modeling of airborne magnetic data correlated structural dilation zones with pegmatite emplacement, prime targets for lithium mineralization. Multiple new drill targets have been identified for follow-up in 2025. The joint venture provides a low-cost pathway to potential lithium discoveries near a fully integrated lithium processing facility.
With over 28 years of global experience in finance and corporate development, Stephen Hanson has held executive roles across mining, energy and resource sectors. He has successfully executed M&A deals and created exit strategies for multiple public and private companies. Hanson’s focus at Surface Metals is on unlocking value through resource expansion and strategic partnerships.
A CPA with deep experience in financial reporting for junior mining companies, Zara Kanji oversees compliance, budgeting, and financial strategy. She brings more than two decades of expertise in audit, taxation and advisory for public entities in Canada.
A capital markets specialist with over 28 years of experience, Vivian Katsuris has served in executive and board roles for numerous TSXV and CSE-listed companies. Her expertise spans brokerage, corporate governance and strategic advisory.
Formerly with BHP Billiton for 19 years, Yannis Tsitos has decades of exploration and M&A experience across multiple continents. He is currently the president of Goldsource Mines and sits on several public company boards.
A certified professional geologist and NI 43-101 Qualified Person, William Feyerabend has authored multiple technical reports on lithium assets and has decades of exploration experience in the US, Mexico and South America.
With over 45 years in global mineral exploration and mine evaluation, Dane Bridge provides strategic technical oversight across Surface’s exploration assets.
A specialist in hydrology and lithium brine systems, Matt Banta brings over 20 years of field and analytical experience with a focus on lithium extraction and water resource modeling.
Canadian Gold Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CAN) ("Canadian Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received all required permits from the Government of Québec to proceed with a bulk sampling program with plans to test between 5,000 to 10,000 tonnes of mineralized materials at its 100%-owned Lac Arsenault Gold Project, located in the Gaspé region of eastern Québec. The bulk sample is intended for exploration purposes only and is not considered a production decision.
As a condition of the permit, the Company is required to drill three (3) shallow water monitoring wells in the vicinity of the proposed sampling area to identify potential groundwater presence. If water tables are encountered, baseline water quality testing will be conducted both before and after the program. Canadian Gold fully supports this requirement as part of its commitment to responsible exploration and environmental stewardship.
Next Steps
With permits secured, Canadian Gold will now begin preparations for mobilizing personnel and equipment to site. In the coming weeks, the Company will finalize agreements with drilling, excavation, and haulage contractors, complete the required water wells, and install temporary infrastructure to support safe operations near the Baker and Mersereau veins. Once site preparation is complete, material sampling is anticipated to commence and continue for approximately three weeks. The sampled material will be transported to a third-party facility for off-site processing and analysis. Updates will be provided as results become available, including recoveries and implications for future exploration planning.
Management Commentary
Ron Goguen, President & CEO of Canadian Gold, commented:
"Receiving this permit is a major milestone in the advancement of our Lac Arsenault Project. This program is designed to evaluate the technical and geological characteristics of the near-surface mineralization. Historical work conducted by Imperial and Esso Minerals in the 1970s reported a historical estimate of approximately 40,000 tonnes grading 15.43 g/t gold and 197 g/t silver (Stevenson, L., 1975, Geological Report on the Lac Arsenault Property, Esso Minerals Canada). A subsequent 1996 report revised the estimate to 199,580 tonnes grading 9.59 g/t gold, or approximately 61,536 contained ounces (Côté, R., 1996, Lac Arsenault Project Resource Evaluation, Unpublished Internal Report). While these historical estimates do not comply with current CIM standards, they indicate strong historical interest in this high-grade system. Additional core drilling, systematic surface sampling, and database verification will be required to validate the data and assess whether a current resource can be defined."
Clarification on Economic Potential
While Canadian Gold is encouraged by the opportunity to generate technical and metallurgical data from the bulk sample, no economic analysis has been completed, and there are no mineral reserves at Lac Arsenault. Any references to possible revenue from sample processing are entirely speculative and do not demonstrate economic viability. There is no production decision and no feasibility study has been conducted. Should positive results occur, proceeds may be allocated toward working capital, additional exploration, or future shareholder returns, but no production decision or dividend policy has been made at this time. There is no assurance that results will support future exploration or development decisions.
Figure 1 - Aerial view of the Lac Arsenault Project showing the Baker and Mersereau vein system areas. The upcoming bulk sample will be extracted from these zones.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11663/258860_96b60e43f467fb2b_001full.jpg
Historical Resource Estimate Disclosure (NI 43-101 2.4)
The Company refers to the following historical estimates:
These historical estimates were based on underground sampling and trenching using manual polygonal methods. The estimates are relevant as they reflect historical interpretations, but they pre-date NI 43-101 and do not comply with current CIM Definition Standards. A Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to classify the estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Company is not treating the estimates as current, and further verification is required.
To bring these historical estimates into compliance with current CIM standards, the Company anticipates conducting:
The Company believes the planned exploration bulk sample will provide critical geological, grade continuity, and metallurgical information to support this process.
About the Lac Arsenault Project
The Lac Arsenault Project is located in Québec's Gaspé region and hosts multiple high-grade epithermal-style vein systems including the Baker, Mersereau, and Dunning veins. The project lies along the Grand Pabos Fault, a regional structure within the Gaspé-Newfoundland tectonic belt that shares characteristics with other productive gold systems, such as the Cadillac-Larder Lake Fault Zone (Abitibi) and the Cape Ray-Valentine Lake Shear Zone (Newfoundland), which are known to host multi-million-ounce deposits.
Surface Sample Highlights
Baker Vein
| Sample ID | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Pb (%) |
| BVA2025-004 | 28.9 | 306 | – |
| BVA2025-006 | 22.9 | 399 | 17.8 |
| BVA2025-008 | 5.32 | 452 | 25.7 |
| Historical* | 32.83 | – | – |
| Historical* | 15.43 | 197 | 6.6 |
Mersereau Vein
| Sample ID | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Pb (%) |
| MERS-1 | 25.5 | 447 | 18.4 |
| Historical* | 39.7 | 77.3 | 0.88 |
| Historical* | 13.4 | 109 | 4.69 |
| Historical* | 5.16 | 194 | 5.13 |
* Historical results are cited from Stevenson (1975). These assays are not compliant with NI 43-101 and are provided for reference only. Surface samples are selective in nature and may not reflect the average grade or continuity of mineralization.
Note: The 2025 surface sample results shown above were previously disclosed in the Company's news release dated July 9, 2025, which included complete QA/QC protocols and analytical methods in accordance with NI 43-101.
The purpose of the permitted bulk sample is to evaluate grade continuity, test metallurgical recoveries, and gather data to inform future exploration and development decisions. The Company cautions that this bulk sampling initiative is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic or technical viability. As such, the technical and economic outcomes are uncertain, and there is a higher risk of failure. The bulk sample program is exploratory in nature.
About Canadian Gold Resources Ltd.
Canadian Gold Resources Ltd. is a Canadian junior exploration company advancing a portfolio of precious metals projects in Québec. The Company's flagship asset is the Lac Arsenault Project, where a fully permitted bulk sampling program of up to 10,000 tonnes is now ready to get underway. Canadian Gold also holds interests in other highly prospective properties in the Gaspé Peninsula and remains committed to discovery-driven growth.
Qualified Person Statement:
The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Smethurst, P.Geo., a Director of Canadian Gold and a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101.
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Ron Goguen
President & CEO, Canadian Gold Resources Ltd.
rongoguen@cdngold.com
+1 (506) 383-4274
Investor Relations
investors@cdngold.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding exploration plans, the timing and execution of the bulk sample program, and the potential results or economic implications of the program. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks. There is no assurance that the bulk sample will achieve its intended objectives or lead to a compliant resource estimate or economic development. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Sranan Gold Corp. (CSE: SRAN) (FSE: P84) (Tradegate: P84) ("Sranan" or the "Company") invites investors to attend the Company's upcoming live webinar presentation and audience Q&A.
CEO Oscar Louzada will provide an overview of the Company's 29,000-hectare Tapanahony Project in Suriname, where historical drilling and artisanal mining underscore the project's resource potential, and a sufficiently funded drilling campaign is set to commence imminently.
The webinar will be a live, interactive online event where attendees can ask the presenter questions. A recording will be available for those who cannot join the live event.
Event: Presentation and Q&A with Sranan Gold Corp. hosted by Radius Research
Presentation Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 12:00PM Eastern Time / 9:00AM Pacific Time
Webcast Registration Link:Â https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5217520835419/WN_k-jVtrbsRY2cRugxL6RHSgÂ
This webinar is hosted by Radius Research, part of Market Radius Capital, Inc. and hosted by Martin Gagel, a former top-ranked sell-side technology and special situations analyst.
About Sranan Gold
Sranan Gold Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Suriname. The highly prospective Tapanahony Project is located in the heart of Suriname's modern-day gold rush. Tapanahony covers 29,000 hectares in one of the oldest and largest small-scale mining areas in Suriname. There is significant production from saprolite by local miners along a 4.5-kilometre trend, where several areas of mining have been opened.
Sranan Gold is also exploring its Aida Property consisting of five mineral claims covering an area of 2,335.42 hectares on the Shuswap Highland within the Kamloops Mining Division. For more information, visit sranangold.com.
Information contact
Oscar Louzada, CEO
+31 6 25438975
THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's exploration plans and results at its projects. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Further details about the risks applicable to the Company are contained in the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile.
Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258809
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