Western Gold Resources Ltd has released an Expanded Scoping Study for its Gold Duke Project in Western Australia, lifting its production target by approximately 62% compared to the previous study conducted in September 2025.

The updated assessment outlines a production target of 1.11 million tonnes at 1.7 grams per tonne gold for 59,700 ounces of contained gold. This compares with the September 2025 comparison point of 686 thousand tonnes at 2.1 grams per tonne gold for 46,000 ounces. Contained gold increases by roughly 30%—adding about 13,700 ounces—even though the expanded mine plan incorporates a lower average grade.

Based on an assumed 93% metallurgical recovery, recovered and payable gold is forecast at approximately 55,500 ounces, up about 30% from 42,800 ounces in the earlier study. Approximately 82% of the expanded production target is derived from Measured (71%) and Indicated (11%) Mineral Resources. The study is underpinned by a December 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate of 4.84 million tonnes at 1.8 grams per tonne gold for 277,000 ounces, which incorporated 33,980 metres of close-spaced reverse circulation grade control and infill drilling.

Expanded mine designs now span 18 individual open pits across the project, broadening the proposed production base. At an assumed gold price of A$6,100 per ounce, the project generates an estimated A$72.9 million operating surplus before project-level capital, financing, and tax.

“The Expanded Scoping Study represents a significant step forward for Gold Duke and demonstrates the value created through the substantial technical work completed across the Project over the past 12 months.”

“Importantly, this is not simply the result of applying a higher gold price to the previous study.”

— Cullum Winn, Managing Director

The project utilizes a capital-efficient development strategy relying on shallow open-pit mining and toll treatment at the Wiluna Processing Plant, located approximately 46 kilometres from the project under a binding toll milling agreement with Wiluna Mining Corporation Limited.

“Our focus now moves from expanding and optimising the Project to completing the remaining work required to transition Gold Duke into production.”

— Cullum Winn, Managing Director

Realising the development outcomes outlined in the study will require capital funding in the order of $8 million to $10 million, with no certainty that this funding will be secured when required.

Read the full announcement: Expanded Scoping Study 30% Increase in Gold Oz Production