Western Exploration Advances Doby George Permitting
Western hits permitting milestones at Doby George, with power study and assays next catalysts.
Western Exploration Inc. (WEX) announced the completion of Phase I of the hydrogeologic investigation and all baseline study field work at its Doby George gold project, also known as the Aura project in Nevada. These studies support the Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) submitted to the US Forest Service (USFS) in August 2026, with baseline reports currently being finalized for submission.
Parallel activities include pending assay results from the 2026 drill program, geochemical and metallurgical test work, and a power feasibility study nearing completion in mid-December 2026. Phase II of the hydrogeologic investigation is planned for 2027. This update follows the August MPO submission and September Gravel Creek metallurgical results, confirming steady execution of the company's 2026 work program.
Western Exploration Inc. (WEX) has completed Phase I hydrology and baseline field work, marking routine progress on the Doby George permitting timeline. The completion aligns with management's stated schedule and does not introduce new upside or downside surprises.
Pending power study results, expected in mid-December, and drill assays remain the near-term catalysts for the project. The update indicates no material change to the project's economic profile or permitting risk.
Western Exploration Inc. (WEX) is advancing its 100%-owned Aura Project in Elko County, Nevada, which comprises three deposits: Doby George, Gravel Creek, and Wood Gulch. The flagship Doby George deposit is a near-surface oxide target for a 7,500 tonne/day open-pit, heap-leach operation. A 2025 preliminary economic assessment (PEA) outlines a base-case after-tax net present value (NPV) of $70.7 million at a 5% discount rate and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.4% at $2,150/oz Au, with an upside NPV of $211.2 million at $3,000/oz Au.
Gravel Creek is a high-grade epithermal gold-silver system with a current resource exceeding 800,000 oz Au and 14 million oz Ag. Recent test work shows 73.3% Au recovery, indicating non-refractory mineralization and potential for on-site processing. The company is in the exploration and permitting stage with no revenue, relying on equity financing to fund engineering, drilling, and environmental studies.