Rupert Resources has chosen Ausenco Engineering to spearhead the feasibility study for the Ikkari gold project in Northern Finland.
The engineering company was selected for its expertise in designing and executing gold processing plants similar in scale to Ikkari, with a particular focus on operating in cold climates.
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The feasibility study is due to be completed by the end of the first half of 2027 (H1 2027).
The project layout, which closely aligns with the pre-feasibility study (PFS), has been finalised. It includes all mining, processing and waste infrastructure within the project boundary, supporting a consistent development pathway.
Recent optimisation studies have improved processing methods and waste management strategies, reduced environmental impact and strengthened the permitting strategy.
An updated environmental impact assessment (EIA) is due to be submitted in the fourth quarter of 2026.
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By GlobalDataSignificant progress has been made, including metallurgical test work that indicates gold recoveries above 95% with lower cyanide consumption.
The design for managing mine waste has been streamlined to include the use of stacked filtered tailings and managed waste rock facilities.
Meanwhile, water management is a significant area of focus, with ongoing design studies for discharging treated water into the Kitinen River and plans to divert a small portion of the Saittajoki River.
Discussions are ongoing with the state-owned utility, Fingrid Oyj, regarding grid connection, with route planning expected to be concluded by March 2026 following Despro Oy’s appointment as design consultant last month.
A total of 3,580m was drilled as part of geotechnical investigations related to open-pit and underground mine design in 2025.
Long-term cost optimisation strategies are under consideration, including owner-operated versus contract mining models and grade sequencing to boost early cash flow from open-pit mining.
Rupert Resources CEO Graham Crew said: “We are pleased to announce that the Ikkari project has formally entered the feasibility phase. The appointment of Ausenco represents an important milestone in advancing the project towards development.
“Over the past year, the team has completed significant optimisation work across processing, waste and water management.
“The updated design remains closely aligned with the PFS, while further reducing both technical and environmental risk.”
