24 August 2026 | Western Queen Gold and Tungsten Project, Western Australia
Rumble Resources has received a groundwater extraction licence for its Western Queen Gold and Tungsten Project, removing one of the key approvals needed for planned mine dewatering and clean-up work.
The project is about 90 kilometres north-west of Mount Magnet in Western Australia’s Yalgoo region. Rumble says the Mine Development and Closure Proposal is now the final major approval required for the proposed development pathway.
Contractors and equipment move into place
Rumble has engaged a preferred dewatering contractor, ordered pumps and pipework, and is finalising the commercial agreement for the work. It has also begun discussions with mining contractors and received expressions of interest.
The company’s operational-readiness plan targets dewatering and clean-up activities during the 2026 calendar year. Jake Campbell commenced as General Manager Operations on 10 August to lead the project-development work.
Western Queen has a Mineral Resource Estimate of 5.13 million tonnes at 2.6 grams per tonne gold for 433,600 ounces, including an Indicated component of 2.46 million tonnes at 2.9 grams per tonne for 227,700 ounces.
Updated study due in September
An updated scoping study is under way and is scheduled for completion in late September 2026. It will incorporate the June resource update, a revised mining schedule, final terms of Rumble’s toll-milling arrangement and refreshed capital and operating-cost estimates.
The study will also consider a new high-grade zone containing 145,000 tonnes at 11.3 grams per tonne gold for 52,500 ounces. Rumble has invited potential lenders to review the project after the updated study is released.
The proposed processing route uses the Kirkalocka Gold Mill, approximately 180 kilometres south-east of Western Queen, under a toll-milling and blending agreement. Refurbishment of the mill is scheduled during the second half of 2026.
Why it matters
The groundwater licence, equipment orders and contractor engagement move Western Queen beyond desktop planning and towards field execution. Near-term activity could involve dewatering, site rehabilitation, mining studies, contractor mobilisation and logistics, although a mine restart has not yet been approved.
Subject to a positive updated scoping study and financing, Rumble plans to complete a bankable feasibility study and target a decision to mine in the December quarter of 2026. The company says first ore could reach Kirkalocka about six months after the portal cut.
Source: Rumble Resources Limited, “Western Queen Project Development Update”, 24 August 2026.