Rox Resources has received the last major environmental approval for its Youanmi Gold Mine, enabling full-scale construction of the processing plant and advancing underground mining ahead of schedule.
- Final Works Approval granted for processing plant and infrastructure
- EPC contractor Interquip begins processing plant construction
- Multiple mining declines progressing with ore stockpiles growing
- Cash balance of $152.7 million with $350 million debt facilities
- First gold production remains on track for mid-2027
Final Environmental Approval Unlocks Construction
Rox Resources (ASX:RXL) has cleared a critical hurdle at its Youanmi Gold Mine in Western Australia, receiving the final major environmental Works Approval for the processing plant, tailings dam, wastewater treatment, power station, and associated infrastructure. This green light means the project is now fully permitted to proceed with construction and is on course for first gold pour by mid-2027.
Following the approval, EPC contractor Interquip mobilised swiftly to site, setting up offices and commencing civil works. Structural foundation concrete pouring is due to start imminently, with key mill components like the ball mill shell and CIL tanks either on or ahead of schedule. This momentum keeps the processing plant construction firmly on track for commissioning in the second half of 2027.
Underground Mining Advances on Multiple Fronts
Mining development at Youanmi is progressing well, with three declines now active. The historic Youanmi Decline is expanding to accommodate modern equipment, while the Pollard Decline; a high-grade future ore source; has commenced, providing a platform for early growth drilling aimed at extending mine life. Combined advance rates for these declines reached 92 metres in June, with expectations to accelerate further.
Meanwhile, operations at United North continue to outperform the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) benchmarks. June saw 339 metres of advance using a single jumbo, with ore drive development underway on multiple fronts. The run-of-mine stockpile is growing steadily, targeting approximately 190,000 tonnes at 3.3 grams per tonne to support plant commissioning. Underground diamond drilling is also underway to improve geological confidence and resource definition.
Site Infrastructure and Financial Position
Supporting infrastructure is advancing with mining offices, changerooms, workshops, and wash bays either completed or nearing completion. The camp upgrade will provide 351 high-spec rooms along with modern mess and recreational facilities, ready for handover by the end of July.
Financially, Rox Resources reported a cash balance of $152.7 million as of 30 June 2026, down $47.7 million from the previous quarter as construction and mining activities ramped up. The company retains access to $350 million in debt facilities, expected to be drawn in the second half of the year, underpinning the project's funding through to production.
Pathway to Production Remains on Schedule
With all major approvals secured and construction underway, Rox is executing its plan to become a high-grade gold producer. The Definitive Feasibility Study was released in November 2025, followed by equity and debt funding rounds closing out by March 2026. Dewatering of the Main Pit is complete, mining is active across all declines, and early infill drilling has commenced. The company is progressing final contracts for power purchase and oxygen supply to support operations.
Rox’s Managing Director Phill Wilding highlighted the rapid acceleration in construction and mining fronts, noting that long lead items are tracking on or ahead of schedule, and first steel for the processing plant is due on site this month. The combined progress de-risks the project and keeps the company on track for gold production in mid-CY2027, a key milestone for investors watching the development closely.
Bottom Line?
Rox Resources is firmly advancing Youanmi toward production, with approvals and construction milestones aligning to sustain momentum into 2027.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Rox secure final contracts for power and oxygen supply without delay?
- How will underground drilling results impact resource confidence and mine life extension?
- What are the detailed capital expenditure trends expected in the upcoming quarterly report?