Riversgold files final mine plan for Kalgoorlie gold project

Riversgold has submitted a mine development and closure proposal to the Western Australian Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration for the Northern Zone open pit at its Kalgoorlie gold project. The filing represents the final major regulatory approval required before mining operations can commence at the site, which is situated 25km east of Kalgoorlie. The proposal consolidates the mining plan and the mine closure strategy into a single document for assessment by the regulator.

The submission was prepared in collaboration with MEGA Resources and Resources WA. It outlines the scope of the open pit, the infrastructure footprint, waste rock landform, haul road access, and water management arrangements. The document also includes baseline environmental and heritage studies. Riversgold noted that this step follows the grant of Mining Lease M25/389 for a 21-year term in July 2026. It also follows the lodgement of a native vegetation clearing permit application with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in August 2026. All objections to haul road miscellaneous licences L25/75 and L25/77 have been settled, with formal approval still pending.

Funding for the planned mine will be provided entirely by MEGA Resources under an existing 50/50 right to mine and cooperation agreement. Riversgold will not be required to contribute upfront development funding. This agreement, which involves Riversgold and several partners, has been extended by 12 months to 30 September 2027 to allow additional time for necessary government approvals and the start of mining. Further drilling is planned to define the extent of gold mineralisation at the site. The Northern Zone deposit remains open in all directions, and the geology to date has allowed for the use of air core and reverse circulation drilling methods. Riversgold chairman David Lenigas said the submission is a major step forward, adding that with the mining lease granted and other permits lodged, the project can now move towards final governmental permitting. He stated that together with MEGA Resources, the company is well placed to move the gold project towards breaking ground.