Fortnum Expansion Study: Unlocking a Decade of Gold Production

Westgold Resources Limited has recently completed a scoping study at its Fortnum gold operation in Western Australia, revealing a potential 10-year project life. The study identified a fully integrated mine plan, including the Starlight, Nathan's, and Yarlarweelor open pits, and an expansion to the existing Starlight underground operation. Additionally, the study evaluated a potential mill expansion to 1.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) from the current 0.9Mtpa. Westgold managing director and chief executive officer Wayne Bramwell commented on the findings, stating that the Fortnum expansion study is the first to be completed as part of the company's review of its expanded portfolio of assets to determine where the best opportunities exist to enhance profitability.

The Starlight mineral resource estimate has been given a significant boost, now sitting at 12.9 million tonnes (Mt) in a 91% increase. This expansion was driven by a two-year drilling program focused on extending the mineralised system at Starlight. The expanded resource comprises two components: an underground mineral resource of 8.7Mt at 3.0g/t for 840koz and a newly estimated open pit mineral resource of 4.2Mt at 2.2g/t Au for 290koz. This expansion offers potential for integrating both open pit and underground mining to increase Fortnum production, demonstrating organic growth opportunities within Westgold's portfolio.



The increased mineral resource estimate of 12.9Mt @ 2.7g/t Au for 1.13Moz at Fortnum's Starlight deposit significantly enhances the project's potential for production growth and extended mine life. This 91% increase in mineral resources, driven by a two-year drilling program, allows for the integration of both open pit and underground mining, expanding Fortnum's production capabilities. The scoping study for the Fortnum Expansion Project (FXP) identified a potential 10-year, fully integrated mine plan, including the Starlight, Nathan's, and Yarlarweelor open pits, and an expansion of the existing Starlight underground operation. The study also evaluated a potential mill expansion to 1.5Mtpa, further boosting production capacity.



With the Starlight mineral resource estimate now sitting at 12.9Mt, Westgold can confidently pursue the FXP, aiming to deliver a long-life, fully integrated open pit and underground project of increased scale, supported by an expanded processing plant. The Fortnum Expansion Project (FXP) Scoping Study is progressing, with results expected to be reported in Q2, FY25. Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell commented on the significance of this milestone, stating that the 91% increase in the Mineral Resource Estimate at Starlight marks two significant milestones for Westgold and the Fortnum Project. The technical team has drilled continuously for two years to extend mine life and has now defined mineral resources that offer the potential to integrate both open pit and underground mining to expand Fortnum production. Importantly, this result demonstrates the organic growth opportunities that exist within Westgold's portfolio.