HIGHLIGHTS
- Updated estimate of mineral resources and reserves reinforces the company’s strategy to bring the Casposo mine to renewed production, complemented by the previously announced toll milling agreement with ASX-listed Challenger Gold Limited
- The proven and probable mineral reserves for the Casposo mine are estimated at 2,149 Mt, grading 1.31 g/t Au and 58.52 g/t Ag and with a recoverable quantity of 80,000 ounces (Koz) Au and 3,276 M oz Ag.
- The measured and indicated mineral resources for the Casposo mine are estimated at 2.258 million tonnes (Mt), grading 1.48 g/t Au and 59.91 g/t Ag
- The inferred mineral resources are estimated at approximately 0.173 Mt, grading 7.52 g/t Au and 68.54 g/t Ag
- The after-tax net present value (NPV) at a discount rate of 11.8% is $72.7 million (gold price $2,855/oz)
- Undiscounted pre-tax cash flows of US$137.9 million (after-tax US$92.7 million).
- All-Inclusive Maintenance Cost (AISC): US$1,695/oz Au.
- The mine life is 74 months, based on mineral reserves.
- Estimated annual average production of 11,495 ounces recovered for gold and 468,434 ounces recovered for silver.
- The mining capital life totals $10.8 million and covers the maintenance of capital for the reprocessing of mineralized material from the development and construction of the stockpile (DCS), reclamation and closure costs (offset by the salvage value). No capital costs for open-pit mining operations as the company has chosen to use contract mining services.
- Average operating costs over the life of the mine are $85 per tonne milled or $1,517 per ounce of gold equivalent.
- The metallurgical recovery averages 88.0% for gold and 81.0% for silver against the LOM.
- Metal Prices: Lifetime of my average of US$2,855/oz gold and US$35/oz silver, based on consensus of independent forecasts for annual prices.
- *See the tables below for the assumptions used in the estimates
- **Only measured and indicated mineral resources are used in calculating NPV
Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD,OTC:AGLDF) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) (“Austral” or the “Company”), an established gold producer, is pleased to announce the positive results of a Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources estimate prepared internally in accordance with CIM Definitions 2014, National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code, 2012 (JORC 2012) in relation to the Company’s 100% owned Casposo operation in Argentina (the “Casposo Operation”).
To support the estimate of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the company submits a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 on the ASX (www.asx.com) and note+ (www.sedarplus.ca) today (the “Technical Report”).
Austral Executive Officer Stabro Kasaneva commented“This mineral reserve estimate for the Casposo operation marks a significant step forward in our strategy to advance the project toward previously proven production capabilities. Since being placed in care and maintenance in 2019, our team has worked hard to reassess and strengthen the technical and economic foundation of the project. The results of this reserve update reinforce our confidence in the long-term potential of the asset.
“We are especially encouraged by the timing of this announcement, as gold and silver prices remain robust amid strong market fundamentals. This favorable pricing environment enhances the economics of the project and positions us to deliver meaningful value to our shareholders.””
The updated mineral reserve estimates are based on the Company’s infill drilling and exploration activities since the June 30, 2016 technical report filed on SEDAR+, and the mineral resource estimates are based on the July 19, 2024 technical report filed on SEDAR+.
Declaration of Total Mineral Resources – as of June 30, 2025
Austral Gold Limited – Casposo Mine
| Category | Mass | Figure | Ours contained | Us recovered | ||||||
| (000′ tons) | (g/t Au) | (g/ton Ag) | (g/t AuEq) | (000’s oz Au) | (000’s oz Ag) | (000’s oz AuEq) | (000’s oz Au) | (000’s oz Ag) | (000’s oz AuEq) | |
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 2,258 | 1.48 | 59.91 | 2.13 | 107 | 4,349 | 155 | 98 | 3,688 | 138 |
| MI | 2,258 | 1.48 | 59.91 | 2.13 | 107 | 4,349 | 155 | 98 | 3,688 | 138 |
| Derived | 173 | 7.52 | 68.54 | 8.28 | 42 | 381 | 46 | 38 | 323 | 42 |
Notes:
- The mineral resources indicated include those mineral resources adapted to produce the mineral reserves.
- Stationary domains were modeled according to lithological and structural continuity.
- Mineral resources were classified and reported in accordance with CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101 requirements.
- The indicated resources were defined using a 25 x 25 m drill grid in both strike and dip directions for ore mineralization. Inventory and DCS assets were defined based on operational history and sampling data.
- Variable limits were applied per sector, based on the spatial location and physical characteristics of the mineralized material:
Springs & Juliet: 1.24 g/ton AuEq.
Mercado & B-Vein: 1.15 g/ton aueq.
Stock: 1.01 g/t AuEq.
DCS: 0.85 g/ton AuEq. - The following bulk densities were used for the tonnage calculations:
2.5 to3 for open and underground domains
1.8 to3 for supplies
1.4 to3 for DCS material. - Mineral resources were limited by open-pit optimization, using metal prices of US$2,500/oz for gold and US$27.5/oz for silver.
- AuEq = (g/t) Au + (g/t) Ag / 90.91 [factor 90.91 = US$2,500 /oz for gold / US$27.5 /oz for silver.
- Ounces Contained were not applied to metallurgical recoveries.
- Ounces Recovered were applied to metallurgical recoveries by deposits.
- Metallurgical recovery rates were applied by deposit, based on historical and test data.
Ore Mineral: 91.1% gold and 84.8% silver
Stockpiles: 89.0% gold and 85.8% silver
DCS: 86.9% gold and 78.5% silver - Totals may not sum exactly due to rounding.
Mineral Reserve Statement by deposit – as of June 30, 2025
Austral Gold Limited – Casposo Mine
| Category | Mass | Grade | Metallurgical Recovery | Ounces Recovered | |||||
| (000 t) | (g/t Au) | (g/t Ag) | (% Au) | (%Ag) | (000 oz Au) | (000 oz Ag) | |||
| Julieta | |||||||||
| Proven | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Probable | 161 | 5.01 | 24.10 | 91.1 | 84.8 | 24 | 106 | ||
| Prov + Prob | 161 | 5.01 | 24.10 | 91.1 | 84.8 | 24 | 106 | ||
| Mercado | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Proven | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Probable | 92 | 1.73 | 150.60 | 91.1 | 84.8 | 5 | 378 | ||
| Prov + Prob | 92 | 1.73 | 150.60 | 91.1 | 84.8 | 5 | 378 | ||
| Total Open Pit | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Proven | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Probable | 253 | 3.81 | 70.15 | 91.1 | 84.8 | 28 | 484 | ||
| Prov + Prob | 253 | 3.81 | 70.15 | 91.1 | 84.8 | 28 | 484 | ||
| Stockpile | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Proven | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Probable | 1,507 | 0.88 | 52.95 | 86.9 | 78.5 | 37 | 2,013 | ||
| Prov + Prob | 1,507 | 0.88 | 52.95 | 86.9 | 78.5 | 37 | 2,013 | ||
| All | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Proven | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Probable | 2,149 | 1.31 | 58.52 | 88.7 | 81.0 | 80 | 3,276 | ||
| Prov + Prob | 2,149 | 1.31 | 58.52 | 88.7 | 81.0 | 80 | 3,276 | ||
Notes:
- Mineral Reserves were estimated using a gold price of US$2,200/oz and a silver price of US$25/oz.
- Dilution was considered as 10% and Mining Recovery as 95%.
- Variable cut-off grades were applied by sector, based on spatial location and physical characteristics of the mineralized material:
Julieta: 1.303 g/t AuEq,
Mercado: 1.217 g/t AuEq,
Stockpile: 1.152 g/t AuEq,
DCS: 1.047 g/t AuEq - The following bulk densities were applied for tonnage calculations:
In-situ mine material: 2.5 t/m3
Stockpile material: 1.8 t/m3
DCS material:1.5 t/m3 - Totals may not sum exactly due to rounding.
There are no known legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of mineral resources or mineral reserves.
TECHNICAL CONTENT AND QUALIFIED PERSONS
The Technical Report referenced in this news release was prepared under the supervision of the following persons, each a non-Independent “Qualified Person” as defined by NI 43-101:
- Marcos Valencia, FAusIMM and Registered Member of the ChMC, Principal Geoscientist of the Company;
- Guillermo Valdés, Registered Member of the Ch.M.C, Mining Engineer and Technical Services Manager of the Company; and
- Francisco Pavez, Registered Member of the Ch.M.C, Metallurgical Civil Engineer and Manager of Metallurgical Processes of the Company,
- (collectively, the “Qualified Persons“).
The scientific and technical information contained in this announcement has been extracted from the Technical Report and has been reviewed and approved by the above Qualified Persons.
The Technical Report to support the updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates for the Casposo Operation, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, will be filed with the ASX and on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) within 45 days of this news release.
COMPETENT PERSON’S STATEMENT
For the purposes of Listing Rule 5.22, the Company confirms that the updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates for the Casposo Operation were based on work reviewed or compiled by the Marcos Valencia, Guillermo Valdés and Francisco Pavez, each a non-independent “Qualified Person” as defined by NI 43-101 and a “Competent Person” as defined in the JORC (2012) Code, either as a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, or members in good standing of Recognised Professional Organisations in Canada and the United States.
Each Competent Person is an employee of the Company.
Each Competent Person consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
Each Competent Person has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activities undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC (2012) Code.
DATA VERIFICATION
All information contained in this news release was generated by Austral and was previously verified in the technical report prepared by Marcos Valencia in 2024 and RPA in 2016. The scientific and technical information included in the Technical Report, which forms the basis of this news release disclosure, was reviewed by the Qualified Persons who determined that the disclosure is in accordance with the guidelines established by the CIM and falls under the requirements of NI 43-101 for publication to the market.
The data verification was carried out by taking the original information, comparing it with what was reported in the 2016 technical report, and also reviewing the procedures that Austral applied during its drilling and quality assurance activities.
All information captured and processing procedures and protocols have been developed to detect deviations in the early stages of the process and to apply corrective measures for mitigation and to minimize the source of risk of failures in the information generated and declared as public.
A site visit was undertaken by each of the Qualified Persons. However, it was not possible to oversee the drilling procedures and processes for data collection. Each of the Qualified Persons reviewed the protocols and procedures and determined that are in line with industry standards.
Analytical laboratories for the project have not been inspected at this stage. A thorough Quality Assurance and Quality Control (“QA/QC”) program adhering to internationally accepted standards were completed for Austral drilling over the past phases. Each of the Qualified Persons is satisfied with the methods employed for internal data validation and for the purpose of the mineral resource estimate.
The Qualified Person, Marcos Valencia considers that the sample preparation, security, and analytical procedures adopted for the resource drilling provide an adequate basis for the current mineral resource estimate and that the QAQC program and procedures developed by the Austral geology team and reviewed by each of the Qualified Persons are adequate. The data contained in the drill hole database were generated and collected according to the industrial standards and Austral applied proper programs to keep the security of the data developed by the Austral geology team and reviewed by each of the Qualified Persons.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For the purposes of listing Rule 5.9.1, the Company wishes to provide a summary of the material assumptions and outcomes of the Technical Report that was used to upgrade the mineral resources to ore reserves. This information is to be read together with the JORC (2012) Code Table 1 Report.
- The mineralised domains evaluated for the mineral resource estimation were interpreted by the Casposo geology team using a lithological model in Leapfrog and a set of cross-vertical sections were used to guide the 3D modelling for veins, breccias, stockwork or veinlets mineralization domains developed in Vulcan software.
- Drill hole spacing at the mine generally ranges from 12.5 m x 12.5 m to 60 m x 60 m. Given the density of drilling at the Casposo Mine, a 25 m by 25 m grid pattern has been established to classify resources as Indicated. This pattern, aligned with the vein main vein plane, allows for the definition of geological continuity with an acceptable level of risk for resource estimation.
- Benchmarking was conducted using comparable deposits in Argentina, Peru and Chile, where a broader grid pattern, typically 30 m x 30 m is commonly used to classify Indicated resources. Formal studies to determine the optimal grid spacing are recommended, and the Qualified Person suggests initiating such studies. Resources can only be classified as Measured when the vein is exposed; however no Measured resources were defined in this estimation process.
- All the resources located outside the established grid pattern have been classified as Inferred.
- Based on the available data, benchmarking results, and the expert judgment of the Qualified Person (QP), a 25-meter x 25-meter drill grid pattern was adopted to define Indicated Resources for the Manantiales, Julieta, Mercado, and B-Vein deposits.
- Metal prices used for the estimation are US$2,500 per ounce of gold and US$27.50 per ounce of silver.
Mineral Resource Statement by deposit – Inclusive Reserves – as of June 30, 2025
Austral Gold Limited – Casposo Mine
| Category | Mass | Grade | Ounces Contained | Ounces Recovered | ||||||
| (000′ t) | (g/t Au) | (g/t Ag) | (g/t AuEq) | (000’s oz Au) | (000’s oz Ag) | (000’s oz Aueq) | (000’s oz Au) | (000’s oz Ag) | (000’s oz Aueq) | |
| Manantiales | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 22 | 4.31 | 24.28 | 4.58 | 3.0 | 17 | 3.2 | 3 | 15 | 2.9 |
| M + I | 22 | 4.31 | 24.28 | 4.58 | 3.0 | 17 | 3.2 | 3 | 15 | 2.9 |
| Inferred | 9 | 9.04 | 34.51 | 9.42 | 2.5 | 10 | 2.7 | 2 | 8 | 2.4 |
| Julieta | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 166 | 5.46 | 25,99 | 5.75 | 29,2 | 139 | 30.7 | 27 | 118 | 27.9 |
| M + I | 166 | 5.46 | 25,99 | 5.75 | 29,2 | 139 | 30.7 | 27 | 118 | 27.9 |
| Inferred | 98 | 10.48 | 18.59 | 10.68 | 32.9 | 58 | 33.6 | 30 | 50 | 30.6 |
| Mercado | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 103 | 2.50 | 134.91 | 3.98 | 8.3 | 447 | 13.2 | 8 | 379 | 11.7 |
| M + I | 103 | 2.50 | 134.91 | 3.98 | 8.3 | 447 | 13.2 | 8 | 379 | 11.7 |
| Inferred | 36 | 2.89 | 30.53 | 3.23 | 3.3 | 35 | 3.7 | 3 | 30 | 3.4 |
| B-Vein | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 56 | 3.63 | 137.05 | 5.14 | 6.6 | 249 | 9.3 | 6 | 211 | 8.3 |
| M + I | 56 | 3.63 | 137.05 | 5.14 | 6.6 | 249 | 9.3 | 6 | 211 | 8.3 |
| Inferred | 30 | 3.05 | 283.33 | 6.17 | 3.0 | 277 | 6.0 | 3 | 235 | 5.3 |
| Total Open Pit | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 348 | 4.21 | 76.21 | 5.05 | 47 | 852 | 56 | 43 | 723 | 51 |
| M + I | 348 | 4.21 | 76.21 | 5.05 | 47 | 852 | 56 | 43 | 723 | 51 |
| Inferred | 173 | 7.52 | 68.54 | 8.28 | 42 | 381 | 46 | 38 | 323 | 42 |
| Stockpile | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 389 | 1.36 | 72.54 | 2.16 | 17.0 | 907 | 27.0 | 16 | 769 | 24.0 |
| M + I | 389 | 1.36 | 72.54 | 2.16 | 17.0 | 907 | 27.0 | 16 | 769 | 24.0 |
| Inferred | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| DCS | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 1,521 | 0.88 | 52.95 | 1.50 | 43.0 | 2,589 | 71.4 | 39 | 2,196 | 63.3 |
| M + I | 1,521 | 0.88 | 52.95 | 1.50 | 43.0 | 2,589 | 71.4 | 39 | 2,196 | 63.3 |
| Inferred | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| ALL | ||||||||||
| Measured | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Indicated | 2,258 | 1.48 | 59.91 | 2.13 | 107 | 4,349 | 155 | 98 | 3,688 | 138 |
| M + I | 2,258 | 1.48 | 59.91 | 2.13 | 107 | 4,349 | 155 | 98 | 3,688 | 138 |
| Inferred | 173 | 7.52 | 68.54 | 8.28 | 42 | 381 | 46 | 38 | 323 | 42 |
Notes:
- The Indicated Mineral Resources are inclusive of those Mineral Resources modified to produce the Mineral Reserves.
- Stationary domains were modelled according to the lithological and structural continuity.
- Mineral Resources were classified and reported in accordance with CIM Definition Standards and JORC (2012) requirements.
- Indicated Resources were defined using a 25 m x 25 m drill grid in both strike and dip directions for ore mineralization. Stockpile and DCS resources were defined based on operational history and sampling data.
- Variable cut-off grades were applied by sector, based on spatial location and physical characteristics of the mineralized material:
Manantiales & Julieta: 1.24 g/t AuEq.
Mercado & B-Vein: 1.15 g/t AuEq.
Stockpile: 1.01 g/t AuEq.
DCS: 0.85 g/t AuEq. - The following bulk densities were applied for tonnage calculations:
2.5 t/m3 for open pit and underground domains
1.8 t/m3 for stockpiles
1.4 t/m3 for DCS material. - Mineral Resources were constrained by open -pit optimization, using metal prices of US$2,500 /oz for gold and US$27.5 /oz for silver.
- AuEq = (g/t) Au + (g/t) Ag / 90.91 [factor 90.91 = US$2,500 /oz for gold / US$27.5 /oz for silver]
- Ounces Contained were not applied to metallurgical recovery.
- Ounces Recovered were applied to metallurgical recovery from deposits.
- Metallurgical recovery rates were applied by deposit, based on historical and test data.
Ore mineral: 91.1% gold and 84.8% silver
Stocks: 89.0% gold and 85.8% silver
DCS: 86.9% gold and 78.5% silver - Due to rounding, totals cannot be added exactly.
Metallurgical operational recoveries used in resource and mineral reserves estimation – June 30, 2025
Austral Gold Limited – Casposo Mine
| Deposit | Metallurgical recovery | |
| Au (%) | Ag (%) | |
| Feathers | 91.1 | 84.8 |
| Julia | 91.1 | 84.8 |
| Mercado | 91.1 | 84.8 |
| B-Vien | 91.1 | 84.8 |
| Stock | 89.0 | 85.8 |
| DCS | 86.9 | 78.5 |
About Australasian gold
Austral Gold is a gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of production and exploration assets.
For more information, please visit the company’s website: www www.australgold.com.
Neither 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.
Release approved by Austral Gold Chief Executive Officer Stabro Kasaneva.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical and consist primarily of projections and statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “could,” “potential,” “should,” “anticipates,” “likely,” “believes” and words with similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, all projections regarding the Casposo operation, including estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, all expected and future economic statements regarding the Casposo operation, all projections regarding future project progress, including production and expected production levels, operating performance, financial results and strategic growth.
All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, fluctuations in commodity prices; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the condition of capital markets, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves; and other risks and hazards associated with the exploitation and development of mineral properties, as well as the availability of capital. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions that may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements and management’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral’s forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and Austral assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/270307
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