How Emmerson’s White Devil Could Unlock Over 60% of Its 611,400oz Gold Resource
Emmerson Resources updates its White Devil scoping study, revealing strong open pit potential with over 60% of its 611,400oz gold resource convertible at a conservative A$4,000/oz price. The study advances mine design, underground evaluation, and permitting, setting the stage for development.
- Preliminary pit optimisations convert >60% of 611,400oz resource to open pit
- Study assumes conservative A$4,000/oz gold price, below current market levels
- Ongoing underground mining evaluation to tap high-grade resource below pit
- Permitting underway with larger mining lease application submitted
- Scoping study completion expected early July 2025, advancing towards pre-feasibility
White Devil Emerges as Major Mine Deposit
Emmerson Resources Limited has provided a significant update on its White Devil gold deposit, located near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. The company’s latest scoping study confirms the deposit as a Major Mine Deposit, with preliminary pit optimisations indicating that over 60% of the 611,400-ounce Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) can be economically extracted via open pit mining at a conservative gold price assumption of A$4,000 per ounce. This figure is notably below the current gold price, underscoring the robustness of the project economics.
The White Devil deposit, with a resource grade of 4.2 grams per tonne gold over 4.6 million tonnes, is the largest mineral resource in the Tennant Creek Mineral Field. The deposit’s scale and grade position it as a key asset within Emmerson’s portfolio and a potential game changer under its joint venture with Tennant Mining, a subsidiary of Pan African Resources.
Advancing Mine Design and Underground Potential
Following the encouraging pit optimisation results completed by Entech Pty Ltd, Emmerson is progressing detailed pit design and mine scheduling. The study incorporates a mining model that accounts for expected dilution and ore loss, reinforcing the deposit’s resilience to operational variables. Importantly, a substantial high-grade resource remains below the proposed open pit shell, which is currently under evaluation for underground mining methods. This dual mining approach could significantly enhance the project’s overall value and longevity.
Metallurgical recovery assumptions remain strong at 95%, based on historical data and the processing flowsheet used at the nearby Nobles CIL gold plant operated by the joint venture partner. This continuity in processing technology reduces technical risk and supports a streamlined path to production.
Permitting and Infrastructure Expansion
Emmerson has initiated permitting activities in anticipation of development, including a heritage survey that cleared the way for expanded surface infrastructure. Recognising the larger footprint required for waste rock dumps and associated facilities, the company has lodged an application for a larger mining lease with Northern Territory regulators. While the timing for lease approval remains uncertain, it is not expected to impede the project’s development timeline.
With the nearby Nobles CIL plant now commissioned, the White Devil project is well positioned to leverage existing processing infrastructure, potentially accelerating its path to production under the joint venture framework.
Looking Ahead
The scoping study is on track for completion in early July 2025, after which Emmerson plans to advance to a pre-feasibility study. Managing Director Mike Dunbar highlighted the project’s strong fundamentals and the company’s commitment to unlocking White Devil’s potential. The combination of a significant resource base, conservative economic assumptions, and ongoing technical work paints a promising picture for Emmerson’s flagship asset.
Bottom Line?
White Devil’s evolving scoping study and permitting progress set the stage for a pivotal development phase, but final economics and underground mining outcomes remain key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the final scoping study detail operating costs and project economics?
- What are the timelines and likelihood for approval of the larger mining lease?
- How significant will the underground mining component be in extending mine life and value?
