Astro Resources has been granted ministerial approval for its gold project at North Doolgunna, north-east of Meekatharra.
Astro was informed of the decision following successful negotiations of native title and heritage issues the company said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.
"The Company will now undertake an immediate and extensive work program with a view to developing the previously identified exploration targets into drilling targets," the statement said.
Astro holds a 60 per cent stake in the project after it completed the acquisition of North Doolgunna Metals in April.
See company statement below:
Astro Resources NL ("Astro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the grant of its North Doolgunna Gold Project - consisting of tenements E52/2480-2482 inclusive.
The Company was yesterday informed of ministerial grant provided as of 4 October, 2010 following successful negotiation of native title and execution of Heritage Protection Agreements.
The Company will now undertake an immediate and extensive work program with a view to developing the previously identified exploration targets into drilling targets.
The initial work program will primarily focus on those targets identified by the completed aeromagnetic survey that was integrated with high definition open file geophysical data.
Regolith mapping to be carried out at these target areas to determine the effectiveness of proposed partial leach MMI soil geochemistry. The subsequent anomalies will provide first pass drill targets, following which the Company will move to the securement of a drilling contract.
The Company will make further announcement in that regard in due course.
In April 2010, Astro Resources NL completed the acquisition of North Doolgunna Metals Pty Ltd ("NDM").
NDM holds a majority interest (60% via joint venture) in the North Doolgunna Gold Project located in the prolific Peak Hill Goldfields district.
