Riversgold Advances Kalgoorlie Northern Zone Gold Project with Key Environmental and Geotechnical Approvals

Geotechnical Stability Validates Northern Zone Open Pit and Waste Dump Designs

Riversgold’s geotechnical assessments confirm the structural integrity of the Northern Zone Gold Project’s proposed open pit mining layout and associated waste dump infrastructure. Waste dump stability evaluations at a global scale demonstrate high safety factors and very low failure probabilities, confirming the robustness of waste management facilities. Pit slope designs, validated at bench and inter-ramp levels, have safety factors exceeding 1.33, ensuring a strong safety margin for mining operations.

These positive geotechnical results are pivotal for permitting, providing independent technical assurance that the Northern Zone can be safely developed and operated. Achieving these safety thresholds removes a key technical obstacle to approving the Mine Development and Closure Proposal, which Riversgold plans to submit to the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration. Edward Mead, Technical Director, highlighted that the absence of material issues in these final reports marks a significant milestone for project progression.

Groundwater Studies Indicate Low Operational Risk for Northern Zone

Hydrogeological investigations at Northern Zone reveal groundwater conditions conducive to mining. The water table lies roughly 37 metres below surface, with low permeability observed throughout the site. These characteristics suggest groundwater inflows pose minimal operational or geotechnical risk.

Flood modelling efforts indicate only minor culvert installations may be necessary along access routes to manage surface water. The combination of deep groundwater, low permeability, and manageable surface water requirements implies water management will not demand extensive or costly engineering, supporting project economics. These findings reinforce the technical feasibility of mining operations and aid regulatory approval of the Mine Development and Closure Proposal.

Acid Mine Drainage Assessment Shows Minimal Long-Term Environmental Risk

Soil and waste characterisation studies conclude the Northern Zone’s materials are mainly non-acid forming (NAF) with substantial acid-neutralising capacity, due to low sulphur content and elevated pH levels. This indicates a low potential for acid mine drainage (AMD), reducing environmental liabilities and operational challenges.

Additionally, geological drillhole log reviews found no evidence of fibrous minerals that could pose occupational health risks. This lowers environmental and technical complexities, supporting comprehensive environmental management and closure plans for regulatory submission.

Native Vegetation Clearing Permit Nears Submission

Riversgold is finalising its Native Vegetation Clearing Permit (NVCP) application for Northern Zone, with submission to Western Australian authorities expected soon. This permit authorises clearing native vegetation across the mining footprint and infrastructure zones. ResourcesWA consultants have assisted in integrating environmental and technical study results into the application.

The NVCP submission timing is critical, as it is typically required before or alongside the Mine Development and Closure Proposal approval. Completing the NVCP application concurrently with MDCP development aims to streamline regulatory approvals. This milestone removes key administrative and environmental barriers to mining commencement.

Mine Development and Closure Proposal Progressing Toward Regulatory Submission

The Mine Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) for Northern Zone is approximately 60% complete and on track for submission to the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE). The MDCP outlines proposed mining operations, environmental management, and closure plans. The substantial progress reflects thorough technical and administrative preparation.

Advancement of the MDCP alongside completed geotechnical, hydrological, and environmental studies ensures the proposal is supported by detailed technical evidence addressing regulatory concerns. Approval of the MDCP by DMPE will be a critical step enabling subsequent operating permits. Riversgold expects to meet its timeline for advancing permitting toward final approvals.

Strategic Location Within Established Kalgoorlie Gold Mining Region

Situated 25 km east of Kalgoorlie, the Northern Zone Gold Project benefits from proximity to a major mining hub with established infrastructure and operations. This location provides access to mining services, transport, skilled labour, and regulatory familiarity. The project lies near the Kalgoorlie "Super Pit", one of Australia’s largest open pit gold mines, underscoring the region’s proven gold resources and large-scale mining activity.

The project’s placement within this mining jurisdiction offers operational advantages and a supportive environment, though Riversgold must complete all site-specific environmental, geotechnical, and regulatory assessments.

Technical Director Highlights Project Milestones and Shareholder Updates

Edward Mead, Riversgold’s Technical Director, emphasized the importance of the final technical reports confirming no material issues in soils, geotechnical, and water studies. He noted this achievement as a major step toward submitting the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit and Mine Development and Closure Proposal, which are essential for operating permits to start mining.

Mead also expressed optimism about nearing ground-breaking at Northern Zone and committed to keeping shareholders informed on progress. This underscores the company’s focus on transparency and momentum as it advances through critical permitting phases.

Regulatory Approval Process and Timeline for Operating Permits

Riversgold’s path to mining at Northern Zone depends on securing multiple regulatory approvals, chiefly the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit and Mine Development and Closure Proposal. The company plans to submit the NVCP application imminently, with the MDCP 60% complete, indicating steady progress along a defined timeline.

Upon approval of these permits by Western Australian authorities, Riversgold will obtain the necessary operating permits to commence mining. However, timing depends on regulatory review processes, which may require additional information or application modifications. Investors should monitor announcements on NVCP and MDCP submissions and subsequent regulatory decisions.

Environmental and Technical Foundations Support Long-Term Project Success

The completed environmental and technical studies provide vital baselines for ongoing environmental management and operational planning. Geotechnical data informs waste dump and pit slope stability for mining and disposal practices. Hydrogeological characterisation guides water management during mining and closure. Acid mine drainage risk assessment aids in evaluating long-term environmental liabilities and closure costs.

These baselines are crucial for regulatory approvals and underpin comprehensive risk management and mine planning. The findings of high safety factors, minimal groundwater risk, and low acid mine drainage potential reduce uncertainties and liabilities. This supports regulatory approvals and enhances the company’s ability to finance and develop the project within planned timelines and budgets.