• Letters of Award executed with SSH Mining for pre-mining works including clearing, grubbing and site establishment
• SSH Mining appointed as Mine Operator for the Gold Duke Project
• Contract awarded for construction of Bower Bird Water Bore to support mining activities

Western Gold Resources Limited (ASX: WGR) has announced the execution of key pre-mining contracts to support the mobilisation and site establishment at its 100%-owned Gold Duke Project in Western Australia. The company has executed Letters of Award with SSH Mining Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of SSH Group Ltd (ASX: SSH), to commence site establishment works, including clearing, grubbing, open pits, laydown areas and haul road delineation. SSH Mining has also been appointed, in conjunction with LGIRS, as the Mine Operator for the Gold Duke Project, supporting WGR's strategy to progress the project efficiently toward production. Additionally, WGR has executed a contract with Pennington Scott Pty Ltd and Delta Consultancy & Drilling Services Pty Ltd to undertake the construction of the Bower Bird Water Bore, delivering a dedicated water supply to support ongoing mining activities at the Gold Duke Project. These early works are consistent with the company's previously announced intention to appoint SSH Mining as the Mine Operator for the Gold Duke Project and represent another important step in transitioning the project from development into operational readiness, following the Board's Decision to Mine announced in December 2025.

The company is currently assessing the potential to increase the life of mine at Gold Duke. Next steps include clearing, grubbing and haul road construction activities, completion of the Bower Bird Bore drilling and commissioning, progress of site establishment and operational readiness, finalisation of the mining services agreement, and commencement of mining and advancement toward first gold production targeted for Q1 2026.