Rumble Resources has secured crucial groundwater extraction approval and engaged contractors to progress Western Queen towards production, while updating its scoping study and preparing for project financing.
- Groundwater extraction licence granted for pit dewatering
- Preferred contractor engaged for pit dewatering works
- Updated scoping study incorporating June 2026 resource upgrade underway
- Toll milling agreement in place with Gylden Resources
- Bankable feasibility study targeted for December 2026
Critical Approvals and Dewatering Preparations Underway
Rumble Resources (ASX:RTR) has taken a significant step forward in developing its Western Queen Gold and Tungsten Project with the recent granting of a groundwater extraction licence by Western Australia's Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). This licence clears the way for the essential pit dewatering phase, a prerequisite to accessing the underground mine. The company has engaged a preferred contractor for this work, with pumps and pipework ordered and formal agreements nearing completion.
The only major outstanding regulatory hurdle now is the Mine Development and Closure Proposal, which must be approved before underground pre-development can commence. Managing Director Peter Harold emphasised the company's commitment to advancing towards production, noting that first ore delivery to the nearby Kirkalocka processing plant is expected roughly six months after the portal is established.
Resource Upgrade and Updated Scoping Study in Progress
Following a June 2026 resource upgrade that increased the Western Queen Mineral Resource to 5.13 million tonnes at 2.6 grams per tonne gold for 433,600 ounces, Rumble is updating its November 2025 scoping study. This revision will incorporate the expanded resource estimate, including a newly identified high-grade zone beneath historical workings, as well as a revised mining schedule and updated capital and operating cost estimates. The updated study is on track for delivery in late September 2026.
The original scoping study outlined a modest two-year underground mine producing 58,500 ounces of gold, with an attractive net present value and internal rate of return based on conservative gold prices. The updated study aims to capture more of the resource and reflects the final terms of the toll milling and blending agreement with Gylden Resources and Kirkalocka Gold, which will process the ore at a refurbished plant approximately 180 kilometres southeast of Western Queen.
Advancing Towards Financing and Operational Readiness
With the updated scoping study nearing completion, Rumble plans to formally invite project debt providers to submit financing term sheets. This step is critical to underpinning the forthcoming bankable feasibility study (BFS), which, subject to positive outcomes and acceptable financing terms, will support a decision to mine targeted for the December quarter of 2026.
Operational preparations are also progressing, with Jake Campbell appointed as General Manager Operations in August. Campbell brings more than 15 years of underground mining experience, particularly in project development and commissioning. An operational readiness plan is being drafted ahead of pre-development works scheduled for later this year, which include pit dewatering and cleaning the open pit ramp and floor.
Potential Tungsten Revenue Stream Adds Optionality
Beyond gold, Western Queen hosts a maiden tungsten resource estimated at 4.31 million tonnes at 0.31% WO3, containing 13,200 tonnes of tungsten trioxide. Metallurgical testwork has demonstrated the ability to upgrade scheelite mineralisation to a concentrate with 48% WO3 at 45% recovery using a simple gravity circuit. Rumble intends to conduct a scoping study on the tungsten component once the gold BFS is completed, potentially adding a valuable revenue stream to the project.
Bottom Line?
Rumble’s methodical advance through permitting, resource expansion, and contractor engagement sets a clear path towards production, but the timing and terms of project financing and final approvals will be pivotal for the Western Queen project’s next phase.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the final Mine Development and Closure Proposal approval be secured without delay?
- How will updated capital and operating costs in the new scoping study affect project economics?
- What terms will project debt providers offer following the updated scoping study?