Rox Resources has secured final underground mining permits for its Youanmi Gold Project, setting the stage for immediate mining activities with Byrnecut Australia mobilising this month. Processing plant approvals and infrastructure developments are progressing, aiming for production in early 2026.
- Final underground mining permits granted by WA regulators
- Byrnecut Australia to begin United North exploration decline imminently
- Processing plant and infrastructure approvals expected by Q1 2026
- Early works including camp expansion and power station commissioning underway
- Definitive Feasibility Study advancing alongside ongoing dewatering and resource updates
A Milestone for Youanmi
Rox Resources Limited has reached a pivotal milestone in the development of its Youanmi Gold Project in Western Australia by securing the final regulatory approvals required to commence underground mining. The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration has granted the Mining Development and Closure Proposal permit, enabling Rox to move forward with underground operations at this historically significant site.
This approval follows earlier permits, including the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit and water extraction consents, reflecting a comprehensive regulatory framework now in place. With these permissions, Rox is poised to transition from exploration to production, a critical step for the company and its investors.
Mining Mobilisation and Early Works
Mining partner Byrnecut Australia is set to mobilise to the Youanmi site this month, with underground mining activities scheduled to begin in early November via the United North exploration decline. Preparations at the site are well advanced, including road repairs, face meshing, and marking of the decline portal, ensuring a smooth start to operations.
Simultaneously, early infrastructure developments are progressing rapidly. The Phase 1 camp expansion is underway, adding 60 high-spec rooms to accommodate the growing workforce. A temporary power station is nearing commissioning, supporting the initial mining and construction activities. Plans for a larger Phase 2 camp expansion are slated for early 2026, which will significantly increase accommodation capacity and support the ramp-up of mining operations.
Advancing Towards Production
Rox’s pathway to production remains on track, underpinned by ongoing dewatering efforts at the Main pit, now approximately 50% complete, and the United North pit pumped to target levels. The company’s Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is progressing swiftly, with key work streams including processing plant design, metallurgical testing, geotechnical studies, and tailings dam design being undertaken by reputable consultants.
Recent updates to the Mineral Resource Estimate have revealed a significant increase in underground resources, bolstering the project’s economic potential. Rox is also actively filling key management roles and has appointed Byrnecut as the underground mining contractor, alongside other critical contracts such as the camp expansion and owners team.
Looking Ahead
While the underground mining permit marks a major step forward, Rox still awaits approvals for the processing plant and associated infrastructure, expected in the first half of 2026. The company is also continuing exploration drilling near the mine and regional targets, refining metallurgical processes, and advancing environmental and design work.
With project financing discussions underway and a clear strategic plan, Rox Resources is positioning Youanmi to become one of Western Australia’s highest-grade new gold producers. The coming months will be critical as mining operations commence and the DFS delivers further clarity on the project’s full-scale development.
Bottom Line?
Rox Resources’ Youanmi project moves decisively from permitting to production, with mining imminent and infrastructure approvals on the horizon.
Questions in the middle?
- When will processing plant and infrastructure approvals be finalised to enable full-scale production?
- How will ongoing exploration and resource updates impact the Definitive Feasibility Study outcomes?
- What are the financing arrangements and timelines to support Youanmi’s development through to steady-state mining?