Emmerson’s Tennant Creek Growth Hinges on Feasibility and Processing Alliance
Emmerson Resources has reported a significant increase in its White Devil gold resource at Tennant Creek and kicked off feasibility studies alongside a $6.9 million exploration budget for early 2026.
- White Devil gold resource grows to 616,200 ounces with 89% indicated
- Feasibility studies underway to define development strategy
- Tennant Creek JV exploration budget approved at $6.9 million for Q1 2026
- Hermitage Project drilling extends copper, gold, and critical metals mineralisation
- Strong cash position of $6.45 million with no debt and upcoming royalty payments
Resource Growth at White Devil
Emmerson Resources Limited (ASX, ERM) has delivered a robust update on its Tennant Creek operations, highlighting a mineral resource estimate of 4.7 million tonnes at 4.1 grams per tonne gold, equating to 616,200 ounces at the White Devil Gold Deposit. Notably, 89% of this resource is classified as indicated, reflecting a high degree of confidence in the deposit's quality and quantity. This marks an 18,600-ounce increase in the indicated category since the last update, underscoring steady progress in resource delineation.
The White Devil deposit now forms a cornerstone of Emmerson’s Tennant Creek Mineral Field portfolio, which collectively holds nearly one million ounces of gold across 7 million tonnes at an average grade of 4.4 g/t. This resource base positions Emmerson as a significant player in one of Australia's historically rich gold and copper regions.
Advancing Feasibility and Exploration
Following the resource upgrade, Emmerson has commenced feasibility studies aimed at determining the optimal development pathway for White Devil. These studies are critical for transitioning the project from exploration to potential production, with early indications suggesting improved economics due to the increased proportion of indicated resources.
Complementing this, the Tennant Creek Joint Venture has approved a substantial $6.9 million exploration budget for the first quarter of 2026. This program includes 8,600 metres of diamond drilling targeting depth extensions and geophysical anomalies at White Devil and Golden Forty South, alongside 13,900 metres of reverse circulation drilling and a 180-kilometre helicopter magneto telluric survey over priority targets. This aggressive exploration approach reflects confidence in the region’s prospectivity and the JV partners’ commitment to unlocking further value.
Hermitage Project Shows Multi-Metal Potential
Beyond Tennant Creek, Emmerson’s 100% owned Hermitage Project has yielded promising results from recent drilling, extending zones of copper, gold, cobalt, bismuth, and silver mineralisation. Highlights include intercepts such as 17 metres at 1.23% copper equivalent and 9 metres at 13.0 grams per tonne gold, indicating potential for multiple revenue streams. The presence of critical metals like cobalt and bismuth aligns with global demand trends, enhancing the strategic value of this asset.
Financial Position and Strategic Alliances
Emmerson maintains a strong balance sheet with $6.45 million in cash and no debt as of December 31, 2025. The company is poised to begin receiving minimum production payments equivalent to a 6% royalty on 30,000 ounces of gold production from the Small Mines Joint Venture in the June quarter, providing an early revenue stream.
Strategically, Emmerson has joined forces with Tennant Minerals Limited and CuFe Limited to evaluate a multi-user processing facility for copper, gold, and critical minerals in the Tennant Creek region. This alliance aims to leverage shared infrastructure to enhance project economics and regional development, reflecting a collaborative approach to resource development.
Outlook
With a solid resource base, active feasibility and exploration programs, and a healthy financial position, Emmerson Resources is well-positioned to advance its Tennant Creek projects through 2026. The upcoming drilling campaigns and processing facility studies will be key milestones to watch as the company seeks to convert resources into production and value for shareholders.
Bottom Line?
Emmerson’s expanding resource base and strategic initiatives set the stage for a pivotal year in unlocking Tennant Creek’s potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the feasibility study outcomes impact the timeline for White Devil’s development?
- What are the prospects for expanding the Hermitage Project’s critical metals resources?
- How might the multi-user processing facility alliance influence regional mining economics?