Astra Extends High-Grade Mineralization in Multiple Directions, Including 80.54 g/t Gold Over 2 Metres At La Manchuria Project, Argentina
Astra Exploration Inc. (ASTR) has announced the initial assay results from the first batch of its Phase III drill program at the La Manchuria Gold and Silver Project in Argentina. The results cover eight diamond drill holes (DDH) totaling 5,176 metres drilled between April and June 2026. These findings confirm high-grade mineralization expanding into new areas between the Main and Eastern Zones, at the northwest extension of the Main Zone, and at the Basalto Zone. Additionally, the company identified wide intervals of disseminated mineralization that support potential open-pit mining scenarios.
Concurrently, Astra Exploration Inc. exercised its First Earn-In option to acquire an 80% undivided interest in the La Manchuria Mining Properties from Patagonia Gold. This acquisition was triggered after exceeding US$3,000,000 in expenditures, with Patagonia Gold retaining a 20% interest. Astra holds an option to increase its ownership to 90% via a $5 million cash payment by August 11, 2028. Patagonia's interest is carried until a 43-101 compliant resource of at least 1 million ounces of gold equivalent (indicated plus inferred) is published.
The Phase III program scope includes 16 drill holes totaling 5,176 metres, with assays received for the first eight holes while eight remain pending. Key intercepts from the completed holes include:
- Hole LMD-148 (Basalto Zone): 2 metres grading 80.54 g/t gold and 44.5 g/t silver from quartz-sulphide veinlets and fault breccias at 120 meters from surface.
- Hole LMD-143 (Main Zone):
- 56 metres grading 0.50 g/t AuEq (wide disseminated mineralization near surface).
- 0.9 metres grading 2.76 g/t Au and 540.6 g/t Ag (Vein 1 of the East Feeder).
- 2 metres grading 26.23 g/t Au (separate fault breccia associated with the Central Feeder).
- Hole LMD-144 (Main Zone): 0.58 metres grading 20.94 g/t Au and 9.9 g/t Ag from a banded quartz vein containing ginguro textures.
- Hole LMD-142 (Main Zone):
- 7 metres grading 1.56 g/t AuEq.
- 1 metre grading 15.85 g/t Au and 219.8 g/t Ag.
- Hole LMD-146 (Area Between Main and Eastern Zone): 21 metres grading 0.87 g/t AuEq (broad disseminated mineralization).
- Hole LMD-145 (Eastern Zone): 54 metres grading 0.86 g/t AuEq (broad near-surface mineralization); deeper vein intersections in andesitic rocks were essentially barren.
- Hole LMD-147 (Eastern Zone): Similar results to LMD-145, reinforcing lithological control on mineralization.
Samples were analyzed at the Alex Stewart International Argentina laboratory. Gold was analyzed via fire assay (Au4-50), while silver and multi-elements were analyzed via ICP (ICP-AR 39). High-grade silver (>100 g/t) and gold (>50 g/t) were analyzed by gravity method. Quality assurance and quality control measures included 152 blanks and 152 standards for 2,893 samples. The cutoff grade used for reporting is 0.3 g/t AuEq, based on an Ag:Au ratio of 60, $3,600 Au, $60 Ag, and average recoveries of 94% for Au and 85% for Ag. Estimated true widths are approximately 85% of the widths reported herein.
Brian Miller, CEO, stated, "High-grade mineralization is once again expanded into new areas with these first eight holes of the Phase III drill program. Simultaneously, wide intervals of disseminated mineralization were discovered in multiple shallow holes, which bodes well for a potential open pit mining scenario."
Diego Guido, Exploration Director, added, "Phase III drilling program confirms that La Manchuria contains two complementary exploration opportunities: broad, shallow disseminated mineralization developed within favorable volcanic units, and high-grade shoots localized along continuous structural zones."