Westgold Resources has unveiled a major gold discovery at its Beta Hunt project in Western Australia. The company’s maiden resource estimate for the Fletcher Zone adds 2.3 million ounces to the operation. This effectively doubles Beta Hunt’s total gold resource, marking a major step in its growth trajectory. A maiden mineral resource estimate of 2.3 million ounces has been announced for the Fletcher Zone. This marks a near doubling of Beta Hunt’s total gold resource since the last report in September 2024. The update signals significant potential for mine life extension and increased production capacity.
Resource map of Beta Hunt highlighting the Fletcher Zone stage one estimate, exploration targets, and surrounding lodes.
Fletcher Zone Delivers Major Resource Upside
The stage one estimate for the Fletcher Zone includes 31 million tonnes grading 2.3 grams per tonne of gold. This covers the first kilometre of a known 2km mineralised strike, suggesting more upside to come. Mineralisation extends up to 500 metres in width and 800 metres vertically within the Fletcher Zone. Westgold managing director Wayne Bramwell said the estimate confirms the untapped gold potential at Beta Hunt. He highlighted the geological continuity and scalable development opportunity within this new zone.
Beta Hunt Positioned as Long-Life Gold Asset
Westgold sees the Fletcher discovery as the foundation of a broader growth strategy for Beta Hunt. The Fletcher Zone forms part of a 7km long, multi-lode system that remains under-explored. Existing operations at Beta Hunt already offer over 10 years of mine life without Fletcher. The addition of Fletcher enhances the long-term profile of Beta Hunt as a gold-producing hub. This strengthens Westgold’s overall production base in Western Australia’s Goldfields region.
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Strategic Fit for WA Mining Expansion Plans
Current production from zones like Western Flanks and A Zone continues to trend upward. Westgold now has greater flexibility to assess how Fletcher will be integrated into output plans. Bramwell indicated that Fletcher could unlock new processing and development efficiencies. The company is focused on maintaining sustainable, scalable gold production across its assets. The Fletcher Zone’s scale aligns with Westgold’s aim to lead responsible growth in WA mining.
Next Steps: Drilling and Ore Reserve Estimation
A resource conversion drill program is already underway to prepare a maiden ore reserve. This reserve is scheduled for release in the 2025–26 financial year, pending drill results. Stage two drilling will focus on the remaining kilometre of strike and test deeper sections. Westgold expects significant growth across the wider Beta Hunt corridor with this ongoing work. The company’s exploration program aims to turn resource potential into economic ore reserves.
Fletcher Milestone Enhances Westgold’s Standing
Doubling the Beta Hunt resource is a milestone that elevates Westgold’s position in the sector. The Fletcher Zone discovery is central to the company’s future strategy and growth narrative. Bramwell said this reinforces Beta Hunt’s role as a cornerstone asset in the company’s portfolio. He added that with more drilling, Fletcher could support multi-decade gold production. Westgold now has a strong pipeline of exploration and development to support shareholder value.
Map showing Westgold’s operations in WA, including Beta Hunt, Two Boys, and the Higginsville Mill.
Strong Outlook for WA Gold Sector
Beta Hunt’s growth story comes at a time of strength in the global and regional gold market. In 2023, the global gold market was valued at USD 276.04 billion.. By 2032, it is projected to reach USD 457.91 billion, driven by investment and industrial demand. Gold’s dual role as a jewellery staple and an industrial metal underpins this long-term outlook. Australia’s stable mining regulations and proven reserves make it a leading gold producer globally.
Gold mining trend from 2022 to 2030
Gold’s Versatility Drives Persistent Demand
Gold’s appeal goes beyond its shine—its conductivity and durability drive key industrial uses. It plays a major role in electronics, from connectors to switches, due to its non-corrosive nature. Dentistry also relies on gold for crowns and fillings because of its bio-compatibility. Most importantly, gold remains a reliable hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. Gold remains a reliable store of value, drawing investors during periods of market volatility and uncertainty.
Beta Hunt: A Project Redefined by Fletcher
The Fletcher Zone’s early success highlights a vast untapped footprint across Beta Hunt. With only half of the known strike drilled, the potential for new discoveries remains high. Westgold’s disciplined exploration strategy focuses on long-term value and mine development. The project is fast becoming one of Western Australia’s most exciting underground gold stories. Fletcher represents a step-change in the scale and longevity of Westgold’s operations.
