- has announced a significant milestone for its flagship White Gold Project in Yukon, Canada, with the release of a preliminary economic…
White Gold Corp. has announced a significant milestone for its flagship White Gold Project in Yukon, Canada, with the release of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) valuing the site at approximately C$1.911 billion. The PEA, filed on August 11, 2026, projects a 9.4-year open-pit mining operation with an average annual production of 188,000 ounces of gold, positioning the project as one of the most economically promising undeveloped gold assets in the region.
Breaking Down the PEA Highlights
The PEA outlines that the White Gold Project will yield an after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 38%, with a payback period of just 1.7 years, assuming a gold price of US$3,600 per ounce. These figures suggest a robust economic potential, which is further underscored by the project’s substantial mineral resource base. According to the company’s filings, the resource base comprises 35.1 million tonnes of indicated resources at 1.53 grams per tonne (g/t), equating to 1.73 million ounces of gold, and 32.3 million tonnes of inferred resources at 1.22 g/t, totaling 1.26 million ounces.
The PEA, labeled as “maiden” by White Gold, is based on a conventional open-pit mill concept. It is important to note that this assessment remains preliminary and does not yet establish economic viability or mineral reserves. As such, while the study provides a positive outlook, further detailed engineering studies and permitting processes will be necessary before any construction or extraction activities commence.
Historical Context and Resource Growth
White Gold’s latest PEA builds on a series of resource updates over recent years. In 2025, the company reported an increase in both indicated and inferred gold resources at the White Gold Project. The indicated resources were revised to 1,732,300 ounces from the previous year’s 1,203,000 ounces, while inferred resources grew to 1,265,900 ounces from 1,116,600 ounces in 2024. This upward trend in resource estimation reflects both the project’s potential and White Gold’s commitment to advancing exploration and development activities in the region.
The White Gold Project is situated in the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, and it has long been recognized for its prospective geology. The company’s focus on this project underscores its strategic importance within White Gold’s portfolio, especially as it continues to explore and expand its resource base in Yukon, a region known for its rich mineral deposits.
Implications for the Mining Sector
The PEA’s results place White Gold’s project among the top-tier gold development projects in Yukon in terms of economic potential. The favorable IRR and swift payback period highlight the project’s attractiveness to investors and underscore the growing interest in Yukon’s mining potential. As global gold prices remain volatile, projects with robust economics like White Gold’s become increasingly significant in attracting investment and spurring regional development.
Moreover, the promising results may encourage further exploration and investment in the area, potentially leading to a revitalization of mining activities in Yukon. As the industry continues to navigate challenges such as regulatory approvals and environmental considerations, projects with clear economic benefits and strong community engagement will likely lead the charge in the coming years.
Looking ahead, White Gold’s next steps will involve advancing detailed feasibility studies and securing necessary permits, which will be critical for moving the project closer to production. The outcomes of these efforts will not only impact the company’s future but also set a benchmark for other mining endeavors in the region.
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