Gold Duke Project Nears Mining Decision Amid Critical Grade Control Validation

Comprehensive Drilling Confirms Orebody Continuity

Western Gold Resources (ASX – WGR) has successfully completed a 35,300-metre grade control and infill drilling program at its flagship Gold Duke Project in Western Australia’s Goldfields region. The latest assay results from 28 drill holes across the Eagle South and Gold King deposits reinforce the accuracy of the company’s geological model and validate the continuity of gold mineralisation both laterally and at depth.

The drilling, conducted on a tight 5m by 10m grid, returned high-grade, consistent gold intercepts such as 10 metres at 3.78 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 30 metres at Eagle South, and 5 metres at 3.99 g/t gold from 40 metres at Gold King. These results closely align with the grades projected in the company’s recent Scoping Study, providing strong technical confidence ahead of the imminent Decision to Mine.

Financial Outlook Strengthened by Low Capital and Rapid Payback

Western Gold Resources highlights that the project’s low pre-mining capital requirement of approximately A$2.6 to 2.8 million, combined with a rapid payback period estimated at just three months, positions Gold Duke for swift transition into production. Financial modelling under various gold price scenarios projects undiscounted pre-tax cash surpluses ranging from A$56 million to A$97 million, underscoring the project’s robust economic potential amid record Australian gold prices.

All samples were analysed by ISO-certified laboratories using industry-standard 50-gram fire assay methods with stringent quality assurance and quality control protocols, ensuring JORC-compliant accuracy and repeatability. The strong correlation between new grade control data and historical drilling further de-risks the project’s development pathway.

Advancing Toward Mining and Resource Expansion

With the grade control drilling phase now complete, Western Gold Resources is progressing an updated Mineral Resource Model that will underpin detailed mine scheduling and pit design optimisation. The company plans to incorporate the remaining assay results from approximately 32,550 metres of drilling in the coming weeks, which may reveal further resource growth opportunities along the Joyners Find shear corridor.

Looking beyond Stage 1 mining, the company intends to initiate Stage 2 exploration targeting down-plunge extensions and parallel lodes at nearby prospects such as Emu South and Eagle East. This strategic approach aims to extend the mine life and enhance the overall value of the Gold Duke Project.

Technical and Operational Confidence

Managing Director Cullum Winn emphasised the significance of the drilling results, stating that the strong alignment with the Scoping Study model confirms the robustness of the orebody and supports the financial forecasts. The project’s fully funded development plan, combined with proven technical validation, positions Western Gold Resources to capitalise on favourable market conditions and advance toward production in late 2025.

Overall, the Gold Duke Project has reached a critical stage of technical maturity, with geological, metallurgical, and economic foundations firmly established. This sets the stage for Western Gold Resources to transition from exploration to a low-cost gold producer in Western Australia.