Astra Intersects 1,286 g/t Silver and 9.0 g/t Gold Over 3.1 Metres; Extends High-Grade at Depth and Along Strike at La Manchuria Project, Argentina
Bonanza Grades Meet Host Rock Expansion as Astra Unlocks Depth at La Manchuria
On February 10, 2026, Astra Exploration reported the first batch of assay results from its Phase II drill program at the La Manchuria project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. The headline result is hole LMD-121, which intersected 3.1 metres grading 9.04 g/t gold and 1,286 g/t silver (including a sub-interval of 0.9m at 25.14 g/t gold and 3,102 g/t silver). Crucially, these high-grade results were hosted in an andesitic sill, a rock unit previously not considered a primary host, suggesting the mineralized system is more robust than initially interpreted. The company has completed 25 holes (5,119 metres) of the planned 10,000-metre Phase II program, with results for 19 holes still pending.
The news is Material - Positive for three specific reasons: - Validation of Model: The discovery of high-grade mineralization in the andesitic sill expands the volume of prospective host rock, effectively "opening" the system laterally and at depth. - Grade Consistency: The results (1,286 g/t Ag) mirror the bonanza grades seen in Phase I (June 2025), proving that the high-grade nature of the project is not an isolated occurrence. - Treasury Strength: Based on the October 2025 financing of C$6.25 million and the October treasury statement of ~C$7.0 million, the company is fully funded for the remaining 5,000 metres of Phase II drilling scheduled for March 2026. This eliminates near-term dilution risk while the company waits for the remaining 19 assay results.
Astra Exploration is a precious metals explorer focused on high-grade epithermal systems. - Flagship Project: La Manchuria (Santa Cruz, Argentina). Astra holds an option to acquire a 90% interest from Patagonia Gold Corp. The project is a low-sulphidation epithermal (LSE) gold-silver system. - Historical Context: Previous drilling by Barrick and Patagonia Gold was shallow (average 100-150m). Astra's model focuses on deeper feeder zones. - Other Projects: Pampa Paciencia (Chile - 100% owned LSE system) and Cerro Bayo (Chile - HSE system).