How Western Gold Resources’ 277,000 oz Gold Duke Upgrade Sets Stage for Production

Resource Upgrade and Operational Readiness

Western Gold Resources Limited (WGR) has announced a significant update to the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its 100%-owned Gold Duke Project in Western Australia. The 2025 MRE reports a total resource of 4.8 million tonnes grading 1.8 grams per tonne gold, equating to 277,000 ounces. This update incorporates a substantial 33,980 metres of recent grade control and infill drilling, which has materially improved the confidence in geological continuity and operational realism.

The updated resource is reported within an optimised pit shell based on a gold price of A$7,000 per ounce, aligning with current market conditions and supporting realistic mine planning. Notably, the Measured and Indicated categories now total 2.0 million tonnes at 1.6 g/t Au for 104,000 ounces, providing a robust foundation for potential Ore Reserve conversion and near-term production scheduling.

Technical Enhancements and Metallurgical Confidence

WGR applied improved geological modelling techniques, including implicit vein modelling and refined structural interpretation, to better define mineralised lodes and reduce grade smearing. The dense drilling pattern has validated orebody continuity at mining scale, reducing geological uncertainty and supporting selective open-pit mining assumptions.

Metallurgical test work confirms excellent processing characteristics, with gold recoveries reaching up to 95.2% using conventional Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) methods. This metallurgical performance, combined with the project's oxide-dominated mineralisation, supports a capital-light start-up strategy.

Strategic Partnerships and Approvals

WGR has secured a binding toll milling agreement with Wiluna Mining Corporation Limited for processing Gold Duke ore at the Wiluna Processing Plant, located approximately 46 kilometres from the project site. This agreement is critical for near-term production and leverages existing infrastructure to reduce capital expenditure.

The project benefits from existing mining approvals across key deposits, Eagle, Emu, Golden Monarch, and Gold King, which collectively account for over half of the current resource inventory. These approvals, alongside a comprehensive grade control drilling program, position WGR well to transition from resource definition to production.

Growth Potential and Life-of-Mine Extension

Beyond the Stage 1 mining areas, WGR is advancing a brownfields growth strategy targeting nearby prospects such as Brilliant, Comedy King, and Bottom Camp. These targets lie within or adjacent to approved disturbance areas, offering potential for rapid, low-risk resource additions that could extend the project's life-of-mine and enhance production flexibility.

Ongoing technical optimisation, mine design refinement, and Ore Reserve estimation are underway to support the planned production ramp-up. WGR continues to engage with traditional owners and regulators to ensure compliance and sustainable development.