Rox Resources has initiated underground mining at its Youanmi Gold Project with the first cut fired at the United North pit, backed by robust lender commitments and progressing steadily toward production.
- First decline cut successfully fired at United North pit
- Site development and construction advancing on schedule
- Updated indicative debt commitments confirm strong project bankability
- Definitive Feasibility Study nearing completion
- Pathway to first gold production remains on track for 2024
Milestone Achieved at Youanmi
Rox Resources Limited (ASX, RXL) has marked a significant milestone in its development of the Youanmi Gold Project in Western Australia by successfully firing the first cut at the United North pit exploration decline. This initial blast, completed over the weekend of 8-9 November 2025, signals the commencement of underground mining operations and sets the stage for continuous development in the weeks ahead.
Steady Progress on Site and Financing
Alongside the physical progress underground, Rox is advancing site works including commissioning of the batch plant to enable fibrecreting, a critical step for stabilizing the decline. The company reports that key management roles have been filled, and infrastructure such as the Phase One camp expansion is nearing completion, underscoring a well-orchestrated development plan.
On the financial front, Rox has received updated indicative credit-endorsed commitments from leading Australian and international banks. These commitments, consistent with the company’s funding requirements, reinforce the strong bankability of the project and provide confidence ahead of the final debt approvals expected post-Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) release.
Definitive Feasibility Study and Next Steps
The DFS, nearing completion, is anticipated to present a compelling business case for full-scale development of Youanmi. Rox’s Managing Director and CEO, Phill Wilding, highlighted the momentum building as the company advances toward becoming one of Western Australia’s highest-grade new gold producers.
Upcoming activities include continued near-mine and regional drilling, metallurgical test work refinement, dewatering of the Main Pit, detailed engineering of the process plant, and ongoing permitting processes. The company’s pathway to production timeline remains on track, targeting first gold output within calendar year 2024.
Balancing Optimism with Caution
While the project’s resource base is robust, with a global mineral resource of 2.2 million ounces at 5.6 grams per tonne, a portion of the production target includes inferred resources, which carry inherent geological uncertainty. Rox has structured its mine plan to limit reliance on these inferred resources in the early years, mitigating risk as it moves toward steady-state production.
Overall, Rox Resources is advancing Youanmi with a clear strategic focus, supported by operational milestones and strong financial backing, positioning the project as a promising addition to Western Australia’s gold mining landscape.
Bottom Line?
With underground mining underway and lender support solidified, Rox Resources is poised for a pivotal phase as the DFS finalizes and production nears.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the final Definitive Feasibility Study impact the project’s financial outlook and investment decision?
- What are the risks and contingencies associated with the inferred mineral resources in the mine plan?
- How quickly can Rox Resources ramp up production following initial underground development?