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White Devil Expansion Raises Development Hurdles and JV Stakes

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Emmerson Resources has reported significant shallow high-grade gold intersections extending the White Devil deposit in Tennant Creek, with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate due in October 2025. These results underpin ongoing feasibility studies and hint at a potential mine development by FY2027.

  • Shallow high-grade gold zones confirmed west of historical White Devil open pit
  • Notable drill results include 15m @ 6.78 g/t and 15m @ 5.64 g/t gold
  • Updated Mineral Resource Estimate expected in October 2025
  • Pre-Feasibility Study underway following positive Scoping Study
  • Joint venture with Tennant Consolidated Mining Group nearing 75% earn-in

Extending a Historic High-Grade Gold Legacy

Emmerson Resources has delivered a compelling update from its White Devil Gold Project near Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, revealing new shallow, high-grade gold mineralisation zones that extend beyond the historical open pit boundaries. The White Devil deposit, historically a prolific underground mine with over 760,000 ounces produced at an impressive 14.6 g/t grade, is showing fresh promise through recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaigns.

The latest drilling results include standout intercepts such as 15 metres at 6.78 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 49 metres depth, including a remarkable 2 metres at 46.1 g/t, and 15 metres at 5.64 g/t from surface. These intersections confirm continuity of mineralisation to the west and are expected to enhance the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), which stood at 611,400 ounces as of April 2025.

Advancing Towards Development

Following a positive Scoping Study completed in July 2025 that classified White Devil as a Major Mine Deposit under the joint venture (JV) framework with Tennant Consolidated Mining Group (TCMG), a subsidiary of Pan African Resources, Emmerson has commenced a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). This study incorporates 5,000 metres of infill and extensional drilling aimed at upgrading resource confidence and expanding the western mineralisation footprint.

Managing Director Mike Dunbar expressed enthusiasm about the rapid progress, highlighting the resource growth from an initial 490,000 ounces to over 610,000 ounces within eight months, alongside the promising drilling results. The updated MRE, expected in October, will form the foundation for the PFS, which targets completion by year-end and could pave the way for development as early as fiscal year 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.

Strategic JV and Regional Context

The White Devil deposit benefits from proximity to the JV partner’s CIL processing facility at Nobles, approximately 48 kilometres away, enhancing the project's logistical appeal. Emmerson’s JV with TCMG is nearing completion of a $10.5 million exploration earn-in, which would grant TCMG a 75% interest in the Tennant Creek Project. Under JV terms, deposits exceeding 250,000 ounces qualify as Major Mine Deposits, triggering a cost-sharing arrangement that could accelerate project development.

Emmerson’s extensive landholding in the Tennant Creek Mineral Field, one of Australia’s highest-grade gold and copper regions, positions it well to capitalise on further discoveries. The company is also exploring other promising targets within the region, leveraging new technologies and geological models to uncover deposits unseen for decades.

Looking Ahead

The forthcoming MRE update will be closely watched by investors and analysts, as it will clarify the scale and confidence of the resource base following the recent drilling success. Meanwhile, the PFS will provide critical insights into the economic viability and development pathway of White Devil. Emmerson’s methodical approach, combining rigorous drilling, resource modelling, and feasibility assessments, underscores its commitment to unlocking value from this historically significant gold field.

Bottom Line?

With high-grade extensions confirmed and studies advancing, White Devil is poised to redefine Emmerson’s growth trajectory in the Northern Territory gold sector.

Questions in the middle?

  • How much will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate increase the total gold ounces at White Devil?
  • What are the key risks and timelines associated with regulatory approvals for development?
  • How will the JV structure influence Emmerson’s funding and operational control moving forward?