West Red Lake Gold Advances Rowan Project with New Drilling Initiative

West Red Lake Gold Strengthens Rowan Project with Drilling

West Red Lake Gold (WRLG) has started a 5,000-metre drilling programme at its Rowan project in Ontario’s Red Lake district. This initiative aims to upgrade inferred gold resources to indicated status. Consequently, the company strengthens confidence in its resource model. Moreover, the programme supports WRLG’s July 2025 preliminary economic assessment (PEA), which projects annual gold production of 35,230 ounces over five years.

The drilling currently focuses on veins 001 and 004, the main production zones outlined in the PEA. In addition, WRLG targets veins 006b and 013 to explore potential extensions. These may extend mine life and increase project value. According to WRLG, 63% of the tonnage and 72% of contained ounces are already classified as indicated. Therefore, the project shows strong potential for rapid resource conversion.

WRLG President and CEO Shane Williams said the drilling restart marks an important step forward. He added that the Rowan project could help the company achieve combined production of up to 100,000 ounces annually from Red Lake. Furthermore, the drilling will provide critical core samples for metallurgical and geotechnical studies, supporting the planned combined pre-feasibility study (PFS).

Combined Study to Enhance Red Lake Development

The PFS will evaluate integration of the Rowan and Madsen projects using shared infrastructure. As a result, WRLG can identify operational efficiencies and economic synergies across its Red Lake portfolio. Additional geotechnical, metallurgical, and engineering work will guide design and permitting for the next development phase.

The Rowan project’s permitting aligns with Ontario’s new “One Project, One Process” framework. This approach reduces review times by 50% for designated mining projects. Therefore, WRLG expects to secure advanced exploration permits by 2027. These permits will allow bulk sampling and underground development.

Williams also noted that strong gold prices support robust project economics ahead of the PFS, scheduled for Q3 2026. He emphasized that the study will provide a clear valuation benchmark for WRLG’s Red Lake assets. Moreover, it will guide upcoming permit applications.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

West Red Lake Gold’s drilling at Rowan highlights a focused strategy to expand high-grade resources in Red Lake. The integration with the Madsen project could deliver significant scale and operational efficiency. Additionally, Ontario’s streamlined permitting framework and strong gold prices enhance project viability. As a result, WRLG is positioned to become a key mid-tier gold producer in North America by 2026. Continued drilling success at Rowan will be critical to unlock long-term value across WRLG’s Red Lake portfolio.