Rox Resources Delivers Exceptional Youanmi DFS Results: $1.4 Billion NPV Project Set for First Gold by Mid-2027
Major Milestone Achieved as High-Grade Underground Operation Confirms Outstanding Economics
Rox Resources Limited has delivered a game-changing Definitive Feasibility Study for its 100%-owned Rox Resources Youanmi Gold Project in Western Australia, confirming a high-grade, high-margin gold operation with exceptional financial metrics that position the company as a future major player in Australian gold production.
Exceptional DFS Highlights Confirm World-Class Asset
The comprehensive DFS validates the Rox Resources Youanmi Gold Project as a technically and economically robust project with compelling investment metrics that stand out among Australian gold development opportunities.
Key Financial Highlights:
- Pre-tax NPV8 of A$1.43 billion at base case A$5,200/oz gold price
- Post-tax NPV8 of A$965 million delivering outstanding returns
- Pre-tax IRR of 69% with post-tax IRR of 55%
- Rapid payback of just 1.9 years post-tax from commissioning
- A$2.25 billion in pre-tax free cash flow over initial 7-year mine life
Production Profile:
- Average annual production of 117,000 oz with peak production of 176,000 oz
- High-grade feed at 4.9 g/t Au from 5.7 Mt production target
- Low AISC of A$1,978/oz enabling exceptional margins
- First gold targeted for mid-CY 2027 with mill construction commencing early 2026
At current spot gold prices of A$6,100/oz, the project economics become even more compelling with a pre-tax NPV8 of A$1.92 billion and IRR of 86%. Consequently, this demonstrates substantial upside to the already conservative base case assumptions.
| Metric | Base Case (A$5,200) | Spot Case (A$6,100) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-tax NPV8 | A$1.43 billion | A$1.92 billion |
| Post-tax NPV8 | A$965 million | A$1.31 billion |
| Pre-tax IRR | 69% | 86% |
| Payback Period | 1.9 years | 1.5 years |
Understanding the Albion Process™: The Technical Advantage
The Youanmi processing strategy centres on the proven Albion Process™, a cutting-edge oxidation technology that extracts value from semi-refractory gold ores. Furthermore, this atmospheric oxidation process operates under neutral pH conditions, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional roasting whilst achieving superior gold recovery rates.
Why This Matters to Investors: The Albion Process™ enables 94% gold recovery from concentrated sulphides whilst maintaining lower capital and operating costs compared to alternative oxidation technologies. In addition, with an overall plant recovery of 90.8%, this technology choice significantly enhances project economics and positions Youanmi as a technically advanced operation.
The technology has proven commercial viability through multiple operating facilities worldwide, including similar applications in precious metals extraction. Moreover, the process reduces environmental impact through lower temperature operation compared to conventional roasting methods.
Strategic Development Timeline and Capital Requirements
Rox has established a clear pathway to production with disciplined capital allocation and strategic timing that maximises investor value.
Development Milestones:
- Q1 2026: Final Investment Decision following debt package completion
- Q2 2026: Mill construction commences with early equipment orders already underway
- Mid-2027: First gold production from commissioning stockpile
- 2028: Steady-state production of 75,000 tonnes per month
Capital Investment:
- Pre-production capital of A$383 million including A$15 million contingency
- Processing facilities: A$217 million for 1.0 Mtpa plant
- Underground development: A$28 million for initial capital works
- Sustaining capital: A$172 million over mine life
Financial Structure
The company has engaged BurnVoir Corporate Finance to arrange approximately 60% debt funding (circa A$270 million) with the remainder via equity placement. However, multiple major Australian and international banks have provided credit-endorsed expressions of interest on attractive terms.
Management Commentary: Managing Director Phill Wilding stated: "Today's announcement marks a major turning point for Rox Resources in our journey towards becoming Western Australia's next gold producer. The study solidifies our plan for production, delivering cash flows with an AISC margin of greater than A$4,100 per ounce at today's prices."
Investment Thesis: Why Youanmi Demands Attention
The Rox Resources Youanmi Gold Project represents a compelling investment opportunity across multiple dimensions that position it favourably within the Australian gold sector.
Operational Advantages:
- High-grade resource base: 10.9 Mt at 6.0 g/t Au underground resource providing long-term optionality
- Proven mining jurisdiction: Located in Western Australia with established infrastructure
- Experienced team: Leveraging existing mine infrastructure and historical knowledge
- Low technical risk: Utilising proven mining methods and processing technology
Financial Strengths:
- Exceptional margins: AISC margin exceeding A$3,200/oz at base case pricing
- Strong free cash generation: A$2.25 billion pre-tax over initial mine life
- Robust sensitivity analysis: Positive NPV maintained even at A$4,500/oz gold price
| Sensitivity Analysis | A$4,500/oz | A$5,200/oz | A$6,100/oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-tax NPV8 | A$695M | A$965M | A$1.31B |
| Post-tax IRR | 43% | 55% | 68% |
| Payback Period | 2.3 years | 1.9 years | 1.5 years |
Growth Potential
Resource extensibility: Mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike
Near-mine opportunities: Multiple prospects including Paddy's, Midway, and Commonwealth
Production scalability: Plant designed at 1.0 Mtpa with baseline mine feed of 900 ktpa
The project's technical risk profile remains low given the extensive historical mining data and modern mining methods. Additionally, the location within established mining infrastructure reduces development risk significantly compared to greenfield projects.
Why Investors Should Follow This Company
Rox Resources has positioned itself strategically within the Australian gold sector with a development-ready asset that offers multiple value creation catalysts over the next 18 months.
Near-term Catalysts:
- Final Investment Decision expected Q1 2026
- Debt facility completion providing funding certainty
- Construction commencement demonstrating execution capability
- Resource extension drilling potentially expanding mine life
Competitive Positioning:
- Development timeline advantage: First gold by mid-2027 positions Rox ahead of many peers
- High-grade focus: Average head grade of 4.9 g/t Au substantially above industry averages
- Margin resilience: Low AISC provides significant buffer against gold price volatility
- Capital efficiency: Pre-production capex of A$383M delivering A$1.43B NPV represents exceptional returns
ESG Credentials
Environmental responsibility: 36% renewable energy integration in hybrid power station
Carbon intensity: 0.71 t CO2e/oz produced compares favourably to industry benchmarks
Community engagement: Active consultation with traditional owners and local stakeholders
The transition from developer to producer represents a significant re-rating catalyst, particularly given the project's outstanding financial metrics and strategic positioning within Western Australia's established mining infrastructure. Furthermore, with debt funding progressing and major equipment orders imminent, Rox Resources is advancing rapidly toward becoming the region's next significant gold producer.
Final Assessment: Rox Resources has delivered a world-class feasibility study that validates the Rox Resources Youanmi Gold Project as one of Australia's premier undeveloped gold assets. With exceptional economics, proven technology, and clear development pathway, the company offers investors exposure to a high-grade, high-margin gold operation with first production just 30 months away. Consequently, the combination of strong fundamentals, experienced management, and multiple growth vectors makes this a compelling opportunity in the Australian gold sector.
Will Rox Resources Become Western Australia's Next Gold Producer?
With the Youanmi Gold Project now boasting a definitive feasibility study revealing $1.4 billion NPV and first gold production targeted for mid-2027, Rox Resources presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to a high-grade, high-margin gold operation. The company's clear pathway to production, exceptional economics with 69% pre-tax IRR, and strategic positioning within Western Australia's established mining infrastructure warrant serious consideration. To explore Rox Resources' full project portfolio, development timeline, and investment proposition in detail, visit roxresources.com.au and discover why this could be one of Australia's most significant gold development opportunities.
