Western Gold Resources drills ahead at Gold Duke as first assays roll in

• WGR receives initial unverified assays as extensive infill and grade control drilling continues at Gold Duke
• Company expects results will de-risk operations and enhance mine scheduling
• WGR aims to start production at the project in late 2025

Special Report: Western Gold Resources has completed more than 16,000m of infill and grade control drilling at the Gold Duke project in WA.

This represents 45% of the planned 35,000m program which remains on schedule. 

Initial raw assays have been received and are being validated by the Western Gold Resources Geological team.

The entire drilling program across the stage 1 pits – Emu, Eagle, Golden Monarch and Gold King – is expected to be completed within eight weeks and samples are being delivered on a frequent schedule. 

Western Gold Resources (ASX:WGR) says this pre-production drilling is designed to de-risk operations and enhance mine scheduling flexibility, effectively eliminating the need for grade control during production. 

It will strengthen WGR’s low-cost, high efficiency production strategy ahead of a final investment decision and supports plans for a late Q4 2025 mining start. 

Scoping study update pending

Not to mention, a strong and sustained gold price above A$5,400/oz has the potential to further enhance the economics of the Gold Duke project. 

Against this positive backdrop, the company is also advancing a review of the updated scoping study, which is in the final stage prior to its approval and release.

“To date the company’s grade control and infill drilling program is progressing on schedule, with more than ~45% of the total program completed we are pleased to have received the first batch of raw data from the drilling campaign,” managing director Cullum Winn said

“Our geological team is working diligently to compile the raw data received for the first 20 holes of the program.”

The company has received all the funds from the recently announced $3m secured loan facility, which will continue to support the remaining infill and grade control drilling.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.