Western Gold Resources has increased the production target for its Gold Duke Project near Wiluna after completing an expanded scoping study based on its December 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate.
The study outlines a production target of 1.11 million tonnes grading 1.7 grams per tonne gold for 59,700 ounces of contained gold. This represents a 62% increase in tonnes and a 30% increase in contained gold compared with the September 2025 study, which contemplated 46,000 ounces.
At an assumed 93% metallurgical recovery, the company estimates 55,500 ounces of recovered and payable gold. Western Gold said 82% of the production target is derived from Measured and Indicated resources, with the balance sourced from Inferred material.
The target draws on the Gold Duke resource of 4.84 million tonnes at 1.8g/t for 277,000 ounces, including 2.05 million tonnes at 1.6g/t for 104,000 ounces in the Measured and Indicated categories.
The proposed development comprises 18 shallow open pits and toll treatment at the Wiluna processing plant, about 46 kilometres from the project. The study estimates an operating surplus of $72.9 million before project capital, financing and tax, using a gold price of A$6,100 an ounce. These figures are study estimates and remain subject to the assumptions and qualifications set out in the company's announcement.
Western Gold estimates a funding requirement of $8 million to $10 million and a projected mine life of 21 months. A binding toll-milling agreement remains in place, although treatment has been deferred because of plant availability. As a result, the production schedule is principally dependent on access to the Wiluna plant.
The company's next steps include about 12,000 metres of life-of-mine extension, grade-control and infill drilling, together with infrastructure and water work, final mine planning, contractor readiness, site preparation and funding activities.
Managing Director Cullum Winn said the expanded study demonstrated the effect of the larger resource base on the proposed operation. The work ahead is aimed at converting the study plan into a development-ready programme once processing availability and funding are secured.