Emmerson and Tennant Mining have announced that the White Devil gold project, with an estimated resource of 611,400oz, has been classified as a “major mine”, according to their joint venture (JV) agreements.

Subject to the completion of formal documentation, the project will transition into a contributing major mine JV (MMJV), with Emmerson electing to retain a 40% contributing interest.

The ongoing exploration and development activities at the White Devil gold project in Australia's Northern Territory are set to continue, with an updated mineral resource estimate expected in October and a feasibility study anticipated before the end of 2025.

Emmerson Resources managing director Mike Dunbar said: “To have agreement between both joint venture partners that the White Devil gold deposit is a major mine is a substantial development.

“For the partners to identify the opportunity, complete two resource updates, undertake a scoping study and complete over 10,000m of drilling, all within nine months, is a testament to not only the prospectivity of the field but also a reminder of what can be achieved when JV partners are aligned for a common goal.”

Additionally, the Golden Forty Gold Deposit, with an estimated resource of 133,900oz, has been incorporated into the Small Mines JV.

Tennant Mining will assume full control over the deposit's development, while Emmerson will receive an uncapped 6% gross production royalty on any gold produced.

Initial development studies for the Golden Forty Gold Deposit suggest the potential for an underground mine, with ore processing to occur at the nearby Nobles carbon in leach (CIL) processing facility.

Detailed development studies including geotechnical drilling and detailed mine planning are currently in progress.

Subject to final mine design, scheduling and permitting, the deposit is expected to be developed in the coming years, providing Emmerson with low-risk royalty returns.

The White Devil deposit is situated approximately 35km north-west of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, around 48km from the Nobles CIL facility.

The Golden Forty project, located approximately 14km east of Tennant Creek, also encompasses a historical underground mine.