• The identification of multiple new prospects has expanded Stage 2 at Golden Duke 
• Western Gold Resources plans to build on the existing 34,000oz Stage 1 mining project 
• The construction of scoping level mining models is being prioritised 

Special Report: Western Gold Resources could be on the production runway faster than originally planned in the wake of identifying multiple new mining opportunities at the Gold Duke project.

A review of brownfield targets within the asset area including Bottom Camp, Joyners Find, Emu/Eagle Saddle Zone, Gold King and Gold Monarch Saddle Zone as well as Bower Bird and Comedy King, has highlighted the chance for Western Gold Resources (ASX:WGR) to add project scale, operational flexibility and enhance cash flow. 

Most of these prospects are within the DEMIRS (Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)-approved disturbance area and are outside the proposed optimised pit designs for the Eagle, Emu, Golden Monarch and Gold King deposits highlighted in the September 2024 scoping study. 

Despite hovering near a one-week low on Wednesday, gold prices have risen 11.16% since the beginning of 2025. 

An all-time peak of US$2,956 was reached earlier this month over concerns surrounding President Trump’s tariff policies. 

As well as contributing to a healthy wave of market activity such as M&A deals, higher commodity prices generally provide companies with greater potential to raise funds and start exploration or drilling campaigns. 

For WGR, it means the company can start looking at resource development options to extend the life of mine at Gold Duke. 

Positioned to drive growth 

“The delineation of multiple brownfields targets at our Gold Duke project presents an exciting opportunity to extend the Life of Mine and enhance project scalability,” WGR managing director Cullum Winn said. 

“With open mineralisation, strong gold prices and near-surface deposits, we are well-positioned to unlock further value and drive future growth.” 

Mineralisation at Bottoms Camp remains open with drilling required to assess total ounce potential and its contribution to the broader project. 

Over at Joyners Camp, notable drill results include 5m at 8g/t gold from 41m and 3m at 22.07g/t gold from 84m, warranting further assessment for both open-pit and underground mining potential.

A 900m strike length has been outlined at Emu/Eagle Saddle Zone showing strong potential for mining with standout drill results such as 7m at 1.52g/t gold from 7m and 7m at 10.79g/t from 43m. 

Gold King and Gold Monarch Saddle Zone features an 800m continuous strike with the Bower Bird and Comedy King prospects flagged for further exploration and evaluation. 

Looking ahead

In the near term, WGR plans to develop preliminary mining models and start drill program design and budgeting to ensure the timing of activities aligns with Stage 1. 

Measured and indicated resource models will be also developed to support the calculation of ore reserves. 

This article was developed in collaboration with Western Gold Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. 

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