Youanmi Gold Project: 117,000 Ounces Annual Production and $200M Funding Secured
Rox Resources (ASX – RXL) has delivered a comprehensive update on its Youanmi Gold Project, highlighting a compelling Definitive Feasibility Study and significant funding progress that set the stage for production in 2026.
- 7-year mine life with average annual production of ~117,000 ounces
- High-grade Probable Ore Reserve of 674,000 ounces at 4.8 g/t gold
- Pre-tax NPV of A$1.4 billion and IRR of 69% at A$5,200/oz gold price
- A$200 million equity placement completed; debt funding well advanced
- Early works and regulatory approvals progressing toward construction
Youanmi Gold Project, A Strategic Asset in Western Australia
Rox Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Youanmi Gold Project, located in the prolific Youanmi Greenstone Belt of Western Australia. The project benefits from a rich production history and is positioned within one of Australia's premier gold provinces, the Archaean Yilgarn Craton. The recent Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) outlines a robust 7-year mine life with an average annual production of approximately 117,000 ounces of gold doré, underscoring the project's potential to deliver sustained value.
Financial Strength and Funding Momentum
Central to Rox's update is the strong financial profile of the Youanmi Gold Project. The DFS reveals a pre-tax net present value (NPV) of A$1.4 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 69% based on a conservative gold price of A$5,200 per ounce. These metrics improve further at spot prices, with the NPV rising to A$1.9 billion and IRR to 86%. The company has successfully completed a A$200 million equity placement, representing roughly 40% of the estimated A$450 million funding requirement. Parallel debt funding discussions are well advanced, with binding term sheets anticipated in early 2026, reflecting strong lender appetite and positive financing terms.
Operational Readiness and Early Works
Rox is progressing steadily with early works and regulatory approvals. Key milestones include the commencement of underground exploration declines, dewatering of existing pits, and mobilization of mining contractor Byrnecut Australia. Infrastructure development is underway, including camp expansions and office installations, setting the foundation for processing plant construction and commissioning targeted for 2026. The project’s processing flowsheet is straightforward, leveraging proven metallurgical techniques to achieve an estimated 90.8% gold recovery.
Growth Potential and Exploration Upside
Beyond the initial mine plan, Rox highlights significant upside opportunities. The Youanmi Shear Zone extends over 60 kilometers, with much of the area outside current mine sites remaining underexplored. Recent drilling has intersected high-grade gold mineralization, and further resource definition and extensional drilling are planned for early 2026. This exploration potential could extend mine life and increase production rates, enhancing the project's long-term value proposition.
Experienced Leadership and Clear Path Forward
The company’s experienced management and board team, including CEO Phillip Wilding and Non-Executive Chair Stephen Dennis, bring a proven track record in developing Australian gold mines. Rox’s clear pathway to production includes advancing detailed engineering, securing final approvals, and making a final investment decision (FID) in the near term. The combination of strong DFS results, funding progress, and operational momentum positions Rox Resources to capitalize on the Youanmi Gold Project’s promising outlook.
Bottom Line?
With funding secured and construction milestones approaching, Rox Resources is poised to transform Youanmi into a significant gold producer, though market watchers will keenly follow exploration results and financing finalisation.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Rox Resources manage the risks associated with inferred resources in the production target?
- What are the key terms expected in the debt financing agreements anticipated in early 2026?
- How might further drilling along the Youanmi Shear Zone impact the mine life and production profile?