Oracle Power Advances Regulatory Approvals for Mining at Northern Zone Gold Project Near Kalgoorlie

Overview of Oracle Power's Kalgoorlie Gold Project and Northern Zone Site

Oracle Power PLC manages the Kalgoorlie Gold Project in Western Australia, a region known for its substantial gold output and established mining infrastructure. The Northern Zone Gold Project, under mining licence M25/389, is strategically situated 25 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie, a leading Australian gold mining hub. Its proximity to the renowned "Super Pit" and the Golden Mile/Fimiston mining areas places the project within a geologically prospective district supported by existing transport and processing infrastructure.

As an international project developer, Oracle Power is focused on advancing this asset through the regulatory approval process. The company has been systematically preparing all necessary permits and approvals required for mining. The Northern Zone project is a key priority, with management actively progressing multiple environmental and technical assessments mandated by Australian regulators, underscoring their commitment to fully comply with statutory requirements before mining begins.

Native Vegetation Clearing Permit and Site Clearance Applications Targeted for July 2026

Oracle Power announced plans to submit applications for the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit (NVCP) and site clearance permit in July 2026. These permits are critical regulatory prerequisites in Western Australia, governing the clearance of native vegetation on mining sites. The company reported significant advancement on major inputs for the NVCP, with final reports nearing completion. These submissions mark crucial milestones on the path to mining commencement.

The NVCP application demands comprehensive environmental assessments to comply with Western Australian environmental protection laws. Oracle Power is finalising two key supporting documents: the Fauna Report and an integrated flora/vegetation report, both in the final stages of preparation. The CEO highlighted that the team has been working "in parallel" following the recent granting of mining licence M25/389, reflecting a coordinated effort to advance all required documentation concurrently.

Progress on Mine Development and Closure Proposal

The Mine Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) is another essential regulatory document outlining mining development plans and site rehabilitation post-mining. Oracle Power is advancing the MDCP through various specialist workstreams. The Heritage Report is in an advanced stage, with work area clearance surveys completed and final report drafting underway, ensuring protection of culturally significant sites under Australian heritage laws.

The Hydrogeology Report is approaching completion but awaits a flood model to define the topographic boundary for topsoil placement. This model is vital for managing groundwater and water-related risks during and after mining. Additionally, laboratory test results for the Geotech, Geology, and Soil workstream have been received and are under analysis, contributing essential data for the MDCP. Together, these technical studies form the foundation for responsible mining development and closure planning.

Mining Licence M25/389 Granted, Enabling Regulatory Progress

The recent granting of mining licence M25/389 by the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety authorizes Oracle Power to explore and mine in the Northern Zone. This licence is the legal basis for mining activities on the site. The CEO noted that the team has been working "in parallel to the recent granting of M25/389 to progress all the inputs required" for subsequent permit applications, indicating that the licence approval has accelerated documentation efforts.

In Western Australia, mining licence grants precede environmental and development approvals. Oracle Power’s strategy to advance all supporting reports simultaneously after the licence grant reflects efficient project management. The company views the licence as validation of the project and is focused on converting it into operational permits. The timing of NVCP and MDCP submissions aligns logically with the licence status, maintaining momentum toward mining commencement.

Completion of Fauna and Flora Environmental Assessments

Environmental assessments are fundamental to mining regulation in Western Australia. Oracle Power has conducted comprehensive fauna and flora surveys to support its permit applications. The Fauna Report is in its final preparation phase, indicating that fieldwork and analysis are substantially complete. Similarly, the Flora Report is being finalized as an integrated flora/vegetation document. These reports provide baseline biodiversity data and inform mitigation strategies to protect the environment.

Oracle Power has engaged qualified environmental consultants to meet Western Australian regulatory standards. The reports will address species presence, conservation status, potential mining impacts, and management measures. Typically required by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and other regulators, these documents are expected to be included with the NVCP submission this month, marking a significant regulatory step.

Hydrogeological and Geotechnical Studies Underpin Mining Plans

Hydrogeological studies are critical for managing water interactions during mining at the Northern Zone. The Hydrogeology Report is nearing completion but depends on a flood model to establish boundaries for topsoil placement, crucial for surface water management and site rehabilitation. Flood modelling is especially important in Western Australia due to seasonal heavy rainfall.

Geotechnical, geological, and soil analyses have progressed to receiving laboratory test results, which are currently being analyzed. These tests assess rock and soil stability and inform infrastructure design, pit slopes, and waste management. Together, these studies provide essential data for the MDCP and ensure safe mining operations.

CEO Insights on Project Timeline and Shareholder Updates

Naheed Memon, CEO of Oracle Power, emphasized that "a significant number of the major inputs for the submission of the NVCP have now been completed, with final deliverables (reports) nearing completion for submission." He indicated that the MDCP submission will follow as remaining inputs are finalized, reflecting a sequenced approach prioritizing NVCP and site clearance permits.

Memon remarked, "we continue to get much closer to turning dirt at Northern Zone," signaling progress toward mining commencement. He also committed to keeping shareholders informed on project milestones, expressing confidence in the regulatory pathway and anticipating smooth approval processes. This outlook suggests the project is transitioning from development to advanced regulatory stages.

Regulatory Pathway and Timeline to Mining Operations

Oracle Power outlined a clear regulatory path to mining operations, with NVCP and site clearance permit applications scheduled for July 2026. These applications will undergo evaluation by Western Australian authorities, including the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). Review periods vary but typically span weeks to months depending on application complexity.

The company plans to submit the MDCP following NVCP approval. The sequence—mining licence grant (completed), NVCP and site clearance submission (July 2026), MDCP submission, and subsequent approvals—aligns with Western Australian mining regulations. While the announcement confirms progress and report completion, it does not specify approval timelines or contingencies for regulatory feedback. Investors should monitor updates on submissions and approval status.

Strategic Location and Market Context of the Kalgoorlie Gold Project

Located 25 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie, the Northern Zone Gold Project benefits from one of Australia’s most productive gold mining regions. Kalgoorlie hosts the Super Pit, operated by AngloGold Ashanti, and features established mining infrastructure, skilled labor, and transport networks linking to processing and export facilities. The Golden Mile and Fimiston areas are historically significant gold mining zones within the district. This location offers Oracle Power potential advantages in leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise, potentially reducing development costs compared to remote sites.

The Kalgoorlie goldfield has a century-long history of gold production, with ongoing mining operations. A map included in the announcement shows the Northern Zone’s proximity to the Super Pit and Golden Mile/Fimiston, highlighting its position within a geologically rich district. This setting may enhance the project’s development prospects. However, regulatory approvals and operational efficiency will be critical to its viability. Market observers may view the project’s location favorably given the region’s established gold mining reputation.

Commitment to Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Oracle Power’s detailed environmental and regulatory preparations demonstrate a strong focus on meeting Western Australian environmental and heritage protection standards. The company has commissioned comprehensive Fauna, Flora, Heritage, Hydrogeology, and Geotechnical studies, reflecting thorough due diligence. This approach aligns with best practices to minimize regulatory delays and ensure compliance.

The advanced status of these reports and their scheduled submission indicate significant investment in environmental and technical groundwork. This disciplined project management reduces regulatory risk, although approvals remain pending. The announcement does not speculate on approval likelihood or potential environmental issues during review.