Ore Resources Secures Project Agreement Enabling Mining Leases at Coolgardie
Ore Resources has formalised a pivotal Project Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie people, setting the stage for mining lease approvals and advancing exploration at its Coolgardie Gold and Lithium Projects.
- Project Agreement executed with Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Applicants
- Enables mining lease grants critical for Kangaroo Hills development
- Agreement covers current and future Coolgardie tenure acquisitions
- 30,000m Phase 4 drilling program underway at Miriam Gold Project
- Strong balance sheet with A$10.7 million cash and zero debt
A Milestone for Coolgardie Projects
Ore Resources Ltd (ASX: OR3) has taken a significant step forward in its Coolgardie Gold and Lithium Projects by executing a Project Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Applicants. This agreement formalises a collaborative framework between the company and the traditional owners of the land, providing a clear pathway for exploration, development, and operational activities within the W.A. Goldfields region.
The agreement is more than a formality; it is a foundational milestone that enables the grant of mining leases, a crucial regulatory hurdle for Ore’s Kangaroo Hills Project and other prospects within the Coolgardie portfolio. By establishing protocols for heritage protection and ongoing engagement, the partnership aims to balance economic development with cultural respect.
Scope and Strategic Implications
Importantly, the Project Agreement is comprehensive, covering not only Ore’s existing tenure but also any future acquisitions within a 5-kilometre radius of the Coolgardie belt. This broad coverage provides operational flexibility and security as Ore advances its exploration and development plans.
Among the key projects benefiting from this agreement are the Miriam Gold Project, featuring the Forrest gold deposit, and the Kangaroo Hills Lithium Project, which includes the Big Red LCT pegmatite complex. Additional prospects such as Burbanks East and Nepean South are also encompassed, signalling Ore’s intent to aggressively pursue resource growth across multiple fronts.
Advancing Exploration with Strong Financial Backing
Ore is already progressing its exploration agenda with Reverse Circulation drilling underway at Miriam, marking the first phase of a planned 30,000-metre gold-focused drilling campaign scheduled for 2026. This ambitious program underscores the company’s commitment to unlocking value from its Coolgardie assets.
Financially, Ore Resources is well positioned to support its exploration and development activities, boasting a robust cash balance of A$10.7 million and zero debt as of the end of 2025. This strong balance sheet provides the runway necessary to execute its strategic plans without immediate capital constraints.
Leadership Perspective and Community Partnership
CEO Nick Rathjen emphasised the significance of the agreement, highlighting the constructive dialogue and genuine partnership with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie people. He noted that the agreement not only facilitates regulatory approvals but also reinforces a shared commitment to managing cultural heritage responsibly.
Such partnerships are increasingly critical in the Australian mining landscape, where social licence and community engagement can determine project viability. Ore’s approach reflects a broader industry trend towards collaborative development with Indigenous stakeholders.
Bottom Line?
With this agreement in place, Ore Resources is primed to accelerate its Coolgardie projects, but the pace of mining lease approvals and exploration results will be key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the mining leases for Kangaroo Hills and other projects be formally granted?
- What are the detailed terms and benefits for the Marlinyu Ghoorlie community under the agreement?
- How will exploration results from the 30,000m drilling program influence Ore’s development timeline?
