Robust updates drilling results from E. Nusa Tengggara gold project

(18 August 2009)--Robust Resources Limited is pleased to advise that it has received results for a further five diamond holes drilled in the highly prospective Batu Hitam Prospect within the Lakuwahi caldera on Romang Island, East Nusa Tenggara.

All of the holes intersected hydrothermally altered and mineralised volcanic rocks and four intersected values of potential economic significance.

Of particular note are the assay results from hole LWD 036, which drilled some of the highest grade gold and silver obtained so far:
9.2 metres at 2.47 g/t Gold (Au) and 157 g/t Silver (Ag) from surface (5.09 g/t Au equivalent)

Including 1.5 metres at 6.53 g/t Au and 851 g/t Ag from 3.2 m (20.71 g/t Au equivalent)

This mineralisation extends the precious metal zone established in and around diamond hole LWD 002, drilled by Billiton in the late 1990?s, as well as the previous holes LWD 026 and LWD 027 drilled by Robust Resources Limited. Further evidence of the continuity of the broad precious metal mineralisation at Batu Hitam comes from diamond hole LWD 035 (46 metres @ 1.4 g/t Au Equivalent), which was drilled as a pilot hole for the bulk sample shaft currently being excavated at Batu Hitam.

As previously announced Robust also recognises the potential for base metal mineralisation in a geological horizon sitting just below the precious metal horizon at Batu Hitam. Results from the latest drill results have yielded grades such as 1 metre @ 1.13% Copper (Cu), 2.6% Lead (Pb) and 1.51% Zinc (Zn) from 35.7 metres in hole LWD034.

The mineralisation is still open in several directions and further drilling is required to continue the exploration of this exciting discovery.

Also at Batu Hitam a bulk sampling shaft has been commenced with the aim of gathering material for use in future metallurgical testwork as well as to give a three dimensional look at the geological structures containing the mineralisation in that area.

A series of channel samples is being taken and will be assayed as a direct comparison to the results obtained from LWD 035. All other bulk material excavated from the shaft is being stored in sealed bags to prevent contamination before its use later in metallurgical testing. Currently this shaft is at a depth of 4 metres below the surface and will eventually reach a depth of 30 metres.

Robust is also pleased to announce that the recently acquired third diamond drill rig has arrived at Romang Island. This new rig, with the capacity to reach depths of up to 550 metres using NQ core diamond drill gear, will assist to further accelerate the exploration program on Romang Island and enable testing of deeper targets

Holes LWD 038 to LWD 041 have been completed and assay results are awaited. Robust has now completed 2,442.5 metres of drilling in the Lakuwahi Project since November 2008. (end of edited release)