Youanmi’s Shift to High-Grade Underground Mining Raises Stakes for Rox Resources
Rox Resources has announced a significant upgrade to the Youanmi Gold Project’s underground resource, boosting contained gold by 21% and increasing grade to 6.0 g/t, setting a robust foundation for its upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study.
- Youanmi total Mineral Resource Estimate reaches 2.2 million ounces at 5.6 g/t gold
- Underground resource grows by 0.4 million ounces, a 21% increase, with grade rising to 6.0 g/t
- 71% of underground resource now classified as Indicated, enhancing confidence
- Project confirmed for high-grade underground mining from the outset
- Definitive Feasibility Study on track for completion in November 2025
Resource Growth and Quality
Rox Resources Limited (ASX, RXL) has delivered a compelling update to its Youanmi Gold Project in Western Australia, revealing a total Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 2.2 million ounces at an impressive grade of 5.6 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. This latest estimate incorporates extensive drilling campaigns completed over 2024 and 2025, which have notably increased both the size and quality of the underground resource.
The underground resource alone has expanded by 0.4 million ounces, a 21% uplift, while the average grade has improved from 5.5 g/t to 6.0 g/t. Importantly, 71% of this underground resource is now classified as Indicated, reflecting a higher level of geological confidence and supporting more precise mine planning.
Strategic Shift to Underground Mining
This resource upgrade confirms Rox’s strategic decision to develop Youanmi as a high-grade underground mine from the outset, moving away from a previously considered two-stage approach involving lower-grade open pit mining. The open pit resource has decreased correspondingly, aligning with this refined development pathway.
Managing Director and CEO Phill Wilding highlighted the significance of the results, emphasizing that the improved resource metrics underpin a more robust Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), scheduled for completion in November 2025. The DFS is expected to deliver enhanced economic outcomes, including increased reserves and a longer mine life.
Technical Foundations and Confidence
The updated MRE benefits from a comprehensive dataset, including over 35,000 meters of extensional drilling and 11,000 meters of infill drilling across key zones such as Pollard, Prospect, Youanmi Main, and United North. Advanced geological modelling using Seequent Leapfrog Geo and Datamine Studio software has refined the understanding of mineralisation controls, structural complexity, and grade continuity.
Independent review by Cube Consulting has validated the estimation process, and the classification into Indicated and Inferred categories aligns with JORC Code standards. The robust dataset and improved confidence levels provide a strong platform for detailed mine design and economic modelling.
Next Steps Toward Production
Looking ahead, Rox plans to commence early works on the first exploration decline in the fourth quarter of 2025. This will facilitate closer spaced underground infill drilling and deeper resource definition, further enhancing resource confidence and supporting reserve conversion.
With metallurgical testwork underway to refine processing flowsheets and historical data indicating strong recoveries, Rox is advancing steadily toward establishing Youanmi as a high-grade, underground gold producer. The company’s focused execution plan and resource growth trajectory position it well within the competitive landscape of Western Australian gold projects.
Bottom Line?
Rox Resources’ Youanmi upgrade sets the stage for a pivotal DFS, promising a high-grade underground operation with enhanced economics.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the increased Indicated resource translate into Ore Reserves in the upcoming DFS?
- What are the detailed metallurgical recovery assumptions and their impact on project economics?
- How will early underground drilling and development progress influence the timeline to production?
