Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – June 30, 2026) – Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) (FSE: S3I) (“Astra” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities at the La Manchuria low-sulphidation epithermal (LSE) gold-silver project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, and the Don Mario high-sulphidation epithermal (HSE) gold project in the Maricunga District of northern Chile. Additionally, independent analyst coverage has been initiated by Zach Matheson, of ATB Cormark Capital Markets.
Astra’s CEO, Brian Miller commented:
“Q2 has been highly productive and transformational for Astra. Field observations from the Phase III drill program at La Manchuria indicate the deposit continues to grow and will create more drill targets for the next phase of drilling which is expected to commence in early Q4. With the recent financing of C$15M, Astra is well-positioned to continue unlocking value from its exploration assets while minimizing dilution.
“Astra’s team has also recently completed some low-cost drill targeting field work at the Don Mario project in northern Chile and is expecting those results in the near future. Don Mario is a high-sulphidation epithermal (HSE) system located in the world-class Maricunga District, one of the most prolific gold belts in the Andes. These types of systems can have immense economic value, as they tend to be large and often oxidized, which reduces production costs. A relevant example with these characteristics is the Salares Norte mine, located approximately 175km north of Don Mario in the same belt, which began production in 2024, and is expected to produce 525 – 550Koz of gold-equivalent at an AISC of USD $450 – $600 per ounce1 this year.”
Astra’s Exploration Director, Diego Guido commented:
“During the phase III drill program at La Manchuria, every drill hole has intersected veins and/or veinlets, some with visible mineralization, further expanding the system which remains open in all directions.
“At Don Mario, geological mapping and field observations indicate that the area hosts a large HSE alteration system with potential for gold mineralization. This large alteration footprint has been identified by satellite imagery mapping and will be confirmed by spectral mineralogy, but preliminary exhibits the scale and characteristics commonly associated with major HSE gold systems in the Maricunga belt.”
La Manchuria Update
Astra has completed the Phase III drill program, consisting of 16 holes totaling ~5,170 metres of DDH drilling. Initial assays could be received as early as July, but more likely in August and September.
