A leap towards Youanmi’s first gold - Australian Mining

AI desk brief

Rox Resources says its Youanmi gold project in Western Australia remains on track for first gold in mid-2027, with underground development running ahead of the definitive feasibility study schedule. August works totalled 577m, including 431m of development advance and 146m of stripping at the historic decline, while production stoping is slated to begin in October pending final assays and grade-control updates.

Construction of the 1Mtpa processing plant is gathering pace: concrete works are complete for the screen plant and CIL pad, foundations are in place for the crusher, ball mill and ISAMill, and the primary crusher walls and CIL tanks are advancing. Long-lead items are also moving, with Albion tanks shipped in late August and due in Perth in late September, while the crushers are in transit. Rox says the 351-room camp is complete and the project remains fully funded, including A$350m of debt facilities.

For the gold market, the key takeaway is future supply growth rather than immediate pricing impact. Youanmi hosts 2.2Moz at 5.6g/t and Rox is targeting a 150,000ozpa operation in later years, but first pour is still roughly nine months away and full ramp-up remains a medium-term story. Near-term, this is more a watchlist development for Australian mine supply than a direct catalyst for bullion.