Rox Resources reports strong underground progress and high-grade gold intercepts at Youanmi, reinforcing confidence in hitting production targets on schedule.
- Underground mining at United North surpasses 1,200m with orebody crosscut
- Infill drilling reveals high-grade gold outside DFS mine plan
- Dewatering exposes historic portal at Main Pit, enabling underground access
- Site infrastructure rapidly expanding to support workforce growth
- Funding secured and production pathway on track for late 2026 start
High-Grade Gold Intercepts Extend Beyond DFS Boundaries
Rox Resources Limited (ASX:RXL) has struck significant high-grade gold mineralisation at its Youanmi Gold Project in Western Australia, with recent surface infill drilling at United North returning standout intercepts such as 5m at 14.15g/t Au and 15m at 3.63g/t Au. These results extend beyond the current Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) mine plan, suggesting potential to bolster early production ounces and perhaps expand the mine’s footprint.
The drilling has successfully infilled the top two production levels to a 20m by 20m spacing, de-risking the initial production fronts slated for late 2026. Rox’s Managing Director Phill Wilding highlighted the boost in confidence these results provide, noting the likelihood of additional ounces from upper levels that were previously unaccounted for in the DFS.
Underground Development Progresses Ahead of Schedule
Mining contractor Byrnecut has advanced underground workings at United North, completing over 1,200 metres and successfully crosscutting the orebody at the 2341mRL level access. This milestone confirms clear visual control of the mineralised shear zone, enabling operational precision to reduce ore dilution and loss during stoping.
Meanwhile, underground drilling preparations are well underway with contracts nearing finalisation for a drilling service provider to commence in mid-May. This program aims to tighten resource definition in the first two years of production, complementing the surface drilling results and supporting a robust mining schedule.
Main Pit Dewatering Unveils Historic Portal
Dewatering efforts at the Youanmi Main Pit have progressed smoothly, pumping out over 90% of stored water and exposing the historic Main Decline portal. This portal is set to become a key underground access point, alongside the upcoming Pollard Decline portal expected to be revealed later in Q2 2026. Transitioning to underground dewatering will follow, facilitating pit clean-up and decline face support.
This operational momentum aligns with Rox’s broader pathway to production, which includes the recent milestone of securing a $350 million debt facility from leading banks, as detailed in their earlier $350 million debt facilities announcement. The combined equity and debt funding underpin the company’s confidence in meeting its mid-2027 first gold pour target.
Rapid Infrastructure Expansion Supports Growing Workforce
To accommodate escalating site activities, Rox is expanding its camp capacity from 111 rooms with an additional 240 rooms planned for completion in the first half of 2026. This expansion includes 120 permanent high-spec rooms, 120 temporary construction rooms, and a new dry mess facility. New mining offices and changeroom facilities have also been commissioned, enhancing underground workforce amenities.
Power infrastructure is advancing with construction of a temporary Main Pit power station underway, supplying energy to the Main and Pollard underground mines until a permanent hybrid gas, solar, and battery power station comes online in mid-2027.
On Track for Production with Ongoing Development and Approvals
Rox’s pathway to production remains on schedule following the Final Investment Decision in March 2026 and receipt of key approvals for processing plant and site infrastructure. Early works including underground development, earthworks, and contract awards for long lead items such as power supply and oxygen plant are progressing. Further drilling and mine planning activities are set to continue, with a focus on expanding resource definition and commencing underground dewatering.
With a global mineral resource of 2.2 million ounces at 5.6 g/t gold, Youanmi is positioned as one of Western Australia’s next high-grade gold producers. Yet, while the drilling results and infrastructure developments are promising, the true economic impact of the additional ounces outside the DFS plan will hinge on forthcoming underground drilling and mine scheduling outcomes.
Bottom Line?
Rox Resources’ Youanmi project is advancing steadily, with high-grade drilling results outside the DFS plan offering potential upside, but the market will watch how these translate into mineable ounces as underground drilling ramps up.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the additional high-grade ounces materially extend the mine life or increase early production rates?
- How will underground drilling results influence final mine scheduling and capital allocation?
- What risks remain around dewatering timelines and infrastructure commissioning ahead of first gold?