VBX Limited reports a significant 51% increase in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Wuudagu B and C plateaus, setting the stage for a longer mine life and enhanced project economics.
- 51% increase in Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources at Wuudagu B and C
- Total resource now 95.8 million tonnes at 39.5% alumina and 13.7% silica
- Resource upgrade supports extension beyond 10-year mine life from 2025 PFS
- Independent SRK Consulting validates resource with high confidence classification
- Definitive Feasibility Study and environmental approvals underway for project advancement
Significant Resource Upgrade at Wuudagu
VBX Limited has announced a substantial 51% increase in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Wuudagu B and C plateaus, located in northern Western Australia. The updated resource now stands at 95.8 million tonnes grading 39.5% alumina (Al2O3) and 13.7% silica (SiO2), a notable enhancement over previous estimates.
This upgrade follows an extensive 2025 infill drilling program, which has improved both the size and confidence of the resource base. Independent expert SRK Consulting, led by Rodney Brown, a seasoned geologist with over 30 years’ experience in lateritic bauxite deposits, conducted the resource estimation, ensuring robust and credible results.
Implications for Mine Life and Project Development
The increased resource is expected to materially extend the Wuudagu Project’s mine life beyond the 10 years outlined in the 2025 Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), which was previously constrained by a 63.5 million tonne Indicated resource. The PFS mining rate of 6 million tonnes per annum suggests that this resource expansion could significantly enhance the project’s production profile and economic viability.
VBX’s Managing Director, Ryan de Franck, highlighted the importance of this milestone, noting that the resource upgrade demonstrates the project’s potential to become a long-term supplier of high-quality, low-silica bauxite. The company is now progressing towards a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), expected in the first half of 2026, which will incorporate these updated resource figures and further refine the project’s development plan.
Geological and Metallurgical Confidence
The Wuudagu bauxite deposits occur as lateritic duricrust cappings on mesa plateaus, with mineralisation characterised by nodular gibbsite-rich bauxite and low silica content. The resource estimate is reported on an in-situ basis and does not yet account for beneficiation improvements, which are expected to enhance product quality through industry-standard wet screening and scrubbing processes.
Metallurgical test work conducted to date indicates strong potential for producing a marketable product suitable for both low and high temperature Bayer processing. Ongoing optimisation of beneficiation parameters is underway as part of the DFS.
Environmental and Regulatory Progress
Environmental approvals are advancing, with the project having undergone a Public Environmental Review under an Accredited Assessment. An Environmental Review Document is scheduled for submission in early 2026, reflecting VBX’s commitment to responsible development and engagement with Traditional Owners and local communities.
Looking ahead, VBX anticipates releasing initial resource estimates for the Wuudagu D, E, and F plateaus in February 2026, which will further inform the project’s production potential and mine life extension.
Bottom Line?
With a major resource upgrade secured, VBX is poised to redefine Wuudagu’s role in the global bauxite market as it advances towards final project approvals and production.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming DFS incorporate the expanded resource to adjust mine planning and economics?
- What are the expected timelines and potential hurdles for environmental approvals and community engagement?
- How will beneficiation optimisation impact the final product quality and market positioning?