Riversgold (ASX:RGL) has lodged the Mine Development and Closure Proposal for its Northern Zone Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, putting the project into the final stretch of approvals before mining can begin.
The MDCP is the last major governmental approval required for the proposed open pit operation.
The Mining Lease was granted in July, the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit was lodged in August, and objections to the haul road licences have now been resolved.
That leaves Northern Zone waiting on final approvals before site establishment and mobilisation can begin.
Fully funded to first dirt
The important part for Riversgold shareholders is the development structure.
Under the 50/50 Right to Mine and Co-operation Agreement, MEGA Resources is funding the mine development, meaning Riversgold does not need to provide upfront development capital.
The agreement has now been extended to 30 September 2027 to allow enough time for the remaining permits to land and mining to commence.
A starter pit near Kalgoorlie
The MDCP covers a starter pit across the weathered and transition zones at Northern Zone, ~25km east of Kalgoorlie.
Ore is planned to be hauled to third-party processing facilities in the Goldfields, avoiding the need for Riversgold to build its own plant from scratch.
Northern Zone itself remains open in all directions, with gold mineralisation hosted in a blind porphyry intrusion and drilling extending to over 500m vertical depth.
The near-surface mineralised footprint has reached widths approaching 600m, giving the starter pit room to sit inside a much larger exploration system.
Figure 1: Northern Zone Project Map showing proximity to the Kalgoorlie “Super Pit”.
What comes next
The next steps are straightforward.
DMPE assesses the MDCP, the clearing permit and haul road licences are granted, then MEGA moves in.
Riversgold has done the exploration work, secured the lease and filed the mine plan.
Now it’s just waiting for the final green lights.
