Rox Resources Accelerates Development at Youanmi Gold Project

Rox Resources has significantly intensified its development efforts at the Youanmi Gold Project in Western Australia, aiming for production readiness by 2026. The company reported on Wednesday that underground development in the United North area has progressed to approximately 420 meters, with a ventilation portal established following the move to 24-hour mining operations.

Dewatering of the Youanmi Main Pit is advancing well and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. This will ensure continuous access to the site and ongoing development activities. Additionally, the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the processing plant is progressing, with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) tenders currently under review.

Key Developments and Progress

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Phill Wilding emphasized the progress made in recent weeks, stating that mining operations at United North have accelerated since the transition to a continuous operation model. He noted, “Rox Resources has launched head-first into 2026, with significant progress made over the past few weeks as we move closer towards production at our Youanmi Gold Project.”

Wilding also highlighted advancements in the processing plant development, reporting that FEED works are underway. The first major component commitments have been received, and tenders for EPC contracts are currently under consideration. So far, indications regarding pricing and lead times align with the assumptions made in the definitive feasibility study (DFS).

Construction crews have returned to the site, focusing on expanding the accommodation camp and preparing for initial underground workshop facilities. Phase 1 of the camp expansion was completed in December, increasing the total on-site capacity to 111 rooms. Rox plans to further expand this capacity to around 350 rooms in the first half of 2026 to support operational growth.

At the United North site, planning for drillhole designs has commenced in preparation for the initial mining stages in 2026. Surface grade control and infill drilling are scheduled to begin this quarter to mitigate risks associated with early production fronts. Underground drilling is anticipated to start in early next quarter, subject to the ongoing review of drilling tenders.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook

Rox Resources has engaged Maca Interquip to manage the FEED for the processing plant and is conducting a formal open tender process for the EPC contract. Tenders have been received for the power station build-own-operate model and the fine grind circuit, while oxygen plant tenders remain open. The company has also committed to purchasing a fine grind mill from Glencore Technology, with delivery expected in the December quarter of 2026. Pricing for these components continues to align with DFS estimates.

Wilding highlighted the enhancement of the company’s technical leadership with the appointment of Jonathan Streeter as General Manager – Geology. “Jonathan brings extensive experience in operational and exploration geology, which will be imperative as we embark on this significant growth phase,” Wilding stated.

As Rox Resources enters this new year, the company carries a renewed momentum and confidence. Wilding expressed optimism about the future, stating, “The team at Rox Resources has entered 2026 with a surge of energy and optimism, fuelled by the progress we have made on our pathway towards production.”

With ongoing developments and strategic planning, Rox Resources is positioning itself to evolve into one of the highest-grade new gold producers in Western Australia.