Western Queen Gold Project Shines with 29% Resource Increase
Rumble Resources (ASX: RTR) has announced a substantial upgrade to its Western Queen Gold Project, with mineral resources now standing at 3.72 million tonnes at 3.1g/t gold for 370,000 ounces. This represents a 29% increase in total gold ounces and an impressive 53% increase in head grade from the previous estimate.
The resource growth has been particularly strong at the Western Queen South deposit, which now hosts 2.32 million tonnes at 2.66g/t gold for 198,900 ounces – a 59% increase in the overall ounce position at this deposit.
"This is very positive news. The work done by the geological team have again demonstrated that there is more value in the Western Queen gold resources. We are now reporting a global resource of 370,000 oz gold at an average grade of 3.1g/t Au," said Peter Harold, Managing Director and CEO.
Recent Drilling Success Drives Resource Growth
The updated mineral resource estimate incorporates results from:
- An additional 8,205 meters of reverse circulation drilling
- 2,453 meters of diamond drilling completed since the October 2024 estimate
This targeted drilling program focused on extending existing high-grade south-plunging mineralized positions at the Western Queen South and Princess deposits, leading to a 75% increase in Inferred Resources to 2.4 million tonnes at 2.8g/t gold for 217,800 ounces.
Deposit | Tonnage (kt) | Grade (g/t Au) | Gold (oz) |
---|---|---|---|
Western Queen South | 2,320 | 2.7 | 198,900 |
Western Queen Central | 800 | 4.8 | 124,000 |
Princess | 480 | 2.3 | 36,200 |
Duke | 34 | 7.1 | 7,700 |
Cranes | 70 | 1.4 | 3,300 |
TOTAL | 3,720 | 3.1 | 370,000 |
Understanding Resource Classification
For investors new to resource estimates, it's important to understand the difference between Indicated and Inferred Resources:
Indicated Resources (152,000 oz at Western Queen): These have sufficient confidence in geological and grade continuity to support mine planning. They're defined by closer-spaced drilling (typically 25m x 20m) and have higher reliability.
Inferred Resources (218,000 oz at Western Queen): These have less certainty and are based on wider-spaced drilling or areas of geological complexity. They represent potential upside but require further drilling to increase confidence.
The substantial increase in Inferred Resources highlights the growth potential of the project, with further drilling planned to convert these to the higher-confidence Indicated category.
Strategic Location Near Processing Infrastructure
A key advantage of the Western Queen Gold Project by Rumble Resources Ltd is its location within a 200km radius of five gold processing facilities:
- The Dalgaranga Mill (48km by road) with 2.5 Mtpa capacity
- The Checkers Mill with 1.9 Mtpa capacity
- The Tuckabianna Mill with 1.2 Mtpa capacity
This proximity to existing infrastructure significantly reduces the capital expenditure required to bring the project into production and provides multiple options for processing ore.
Historical Production Demonstrates High-Grade Potential
The Western Queen deposits have a proven production history, with historical mining yielding 880,000 tonnes at 7.6g/t gold for 215,000 ounces. This production came from both open pit and underground operations:
- Western Queen Central produced 660,000 tonnes at 8.9g/t gold for 188,800 ounces
- Western Queen South produced 227,000 tonnes at 3.7g/t gold for 27,200 ounces
This production history provides strong validation of the geological model and confidence in the resource estimates.
Underground Mining Study Underway
With the updated resource model in hand, Rumble Resources has commenced an underground mining study at the Western Queen South and Central deposits. This follows a "proof of concept" study initiated in May 2025, which produced favorable preliminary results.
"The priority now is to compare the economics of the proposed open pit project with what an underground operation may return," explained Peter Harold.
The shift in focus toward potential underground mining prompted geologists to revise the resource model with stronger geological controls and a 1.0g/t gold cutoff across the mineralization. This process contributed to the substantial 53% increase in mineral resource head grade.
Exploration Upside Remains Significant
The Western Queen deposits remain open along strike and at depth along the 2.7km Western Queen Shear Zone, indicating substantial exploration upside. The company is planning further drilling programs to:
- Extend high-grade mineralization at depth
- Convert a significant portion of the new Inferred Resources to Indicated status
- Test the recently reinterpreted position of the Western Queen Shear Zone
A heritage survey request has been submitted for proposed aircore and RC drilling across exploration license E20/967, with this drilling planned for late 2025 or early 2026.
Why Investors Should Watch Rumble Resources
Rumble Resources is positioning itself as a significant gold developer in Western Australia's Murchison region with several compelling factors for investors to consider:
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Resource Growth Trajectory: The 29% increase in ounces and 53% increase in grade demonstrates the company's ability to grow resources through targeted exploration.
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Near-Term Development Path: With both open pit and underground mining studies underway, the project is advancing toward development decisions.
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Infrastructure Advantage: Proximity to multiple processing facilities significantly reduces capital requirements and time to production.
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High-Grade Profile: At 3.1g/t gold, Western Queen Gold Project stands well above the average grade of many Australian gold projects, potentially delivering stronger economics.
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Exploration Upside: With mineralization open along strike and at depth, there remains significant potential to further increase resources.
The company's dual focus on resource growth and development options positions it well to capitalize on strong gold prices, with multiple catalysts ahead as drilling and mining studies progress throughout 2025 and into 2026.
Ready to Explore This Golden Investment Opportunity?
Discover how Rumble Resources' significant resource upgrade at the Western Queen Gold Project could create substantial value for shareholders. With a 29% increase in gold ounces, strategic location near processing infrastructure, and ongoing mining studies, now is the perfect time to learn more about this compelling investment opportunity. Visit their website for comprehensive information about the company's projects and development plans.