en.Wedoany.com Reported - Western Gold Resources (ASX:WGR) has launched an expanded scoping study for the Gold Duke project in Western Australia, with work progressing in parallel with consultations with traditional owners. The company plans to release the study results in the September quarter.

The study will update the September 2025 scoping study, based on the December 2025 mineral resource estimate, a revised geological model, current mining and processing costs, and updated gold price assumptions.

The study will also assess the potential to extend mine life around the Emu, Eagle, Gold King South, Golden Monarch, Joyners Find, and Comedy King areas, and review other opportunities identified in historical exploration and the company's geological database.

Western Gold stated that the study will examine options to extend the expected mine life, increase recoverable tonnage and contained gold ounces, enhance production scheduling flexibility, and optimize future extraction sequencing.

Managing Director Cullum Winn said the heritage consultation period provides an opportunity to further optimize the Gold Duke project before mining commences. He said: "This study will drive development planning for the expanded first phase of operations and future mine life extension, enabling the project to achieve higher long-term value."

Western Gold also confirmed that consultations continue with the Tarlka Matuwa Piarku Aboriginal Corporation, the registered native title body corporate in the Wiluna native title determination.

All cultural heritage surveys required under the project's Cultural Heritage Management Plan have now been completed, with current consultations focused on finalizing heritage management measures.

The company stated that key preparations for mining are largely in place. An extended binding toll milling agreement, as well as a letter of award appointing SSH Mining Australia for pre-mining works and mining operations, remain in effect.

Approvals from the Western Australian government's Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for the mining proposal and mine plan also remain valid.

The wholly owned Gold Duke project is located 35 kilometers southwest of Wiluna, spanning the approximately 25-kilometer-long Joyners Find greenstone belt. Existing mining approvals cover the Eagle, Emu, Golden Monarch, and Gold King deposits.