How Riversgold’s Native Title Deals Unlock Kalgoorlie Gold Production in 2026
Riversgold has signed key Native Title agreements and a funding partnership to advance its Northern Zone Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, aiming for production in 2026.
- Executed Native Title agreements with Marlinyu Ghoorlie group
- Agreements establish heritage protection and mining lease protocols
- Signed Right to Mine and Co-Operation Agreement with MEGA Resources
- MEGA to fund all development and mining costs for 50/50 profit share
- Targeting gold production start in 2026 at Northern Zone
A Milestone in Native Title and Project Advancement
Riversgold Limited has reached a significant milestone in its Kalgoorlie Gold Project by executing Native Title agreements with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group. These agreements cover the Northern Zone Gold Project, located just 25 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and set a cooperative framework to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage while facilitating the granting of mining leases.
The agreements outline protocols for heritage surveys and safeguards to ensure site protection, reflecting Riversgold’s commitment to working respectfully with the traditional owners. This development is a crucial step toward converting exploration tenements into a mining lease, a prerequisite for advancing the project towards production.
Funding and Partnership with MEGA Resources
Complementing the Native Title agreements, Riversgold has also formalised a Right to Mine and Co-Operation Agreement with MEGA Resources. Under this arrangement, MEGA will fund 100% of the development and mining costs at the Northern Zone, including ancillary activities such as haulage and processing. In return, profits from the project will be shared equally between MEGA and the project owners, with Riversgold holding an 80% interest and Oracle Power Plc retaining 20%.
This partnership effectively de-risks the capital expenditure for Riversgold, allowing the company to focus on advancing exploration and operational readiness. The collaboration is positioned to accelerate the project’s timeline, with gold production targeted to commence in 2026.
Strategic Location and Future Prospects
The Northern Zone Gold Project benefits from its proximity to the renowned Kalgoorlie "Super Pit" and the Golden Mile/Fimiston mining area, one of the world’s richest gold regions. This strategic location enhances the project’s potential economic viability and attractiveness to investors.
Riversgold’s Exploration Director, Ed Mead, emphasised the importance of the agreements as a foundation for mutual respect and partnership with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie people, highlighting the company’s commitment to responsible development. The next phases will focus on securing the mining lease and progressing towards operational milestones.
Bottom Line?
With Native Title agreements secured and funding in place, Riversgold is poised to unlock value at Northern Zone, but regulatory and operational hurdles remain ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the mining lease be officially granted, and what regulatory challenges might arise?
- How will MEGA Resources’ funding and operational execution impact project timelines?
- What exploration results or production updates can investors expect in 2026?
