Rupert Resources Ltd (TSX: RUP, OTCQX: RUPRF, FSE:R05) is excited to announce the appointment of Ausenco Engineering to spearhead the feasibility study for the Ikkari Project, a premier multi-million ounce gold development in Northern Finland.
CEO Graham Crew stated, "The Ikkari Project has officially moved into the feasibility phase, with Ausenco's appointment marking a pivotal step toward our development goals. Over the past year, we've made substantial optimizations in processing, waste, and water management. These enhancements simplify project design and strengthen our permitting strategy, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submission now anticipated for Q4 2026."
Ausenco, recognized for its expertise in designing comparable gold processing plants, will focus on the feasibility study's engineering elements, ensuring compliance with Finnish regulations through collaboration with local and international consultants.
With the basis of design and scope for the feasibility study finalized, Ausenco's leadership allows for the assignment of specific work packages to expert consultants. The completion of the feasibility study is projected for the end of H1 2027.
Project Optimisation and Environmental Considerations
The ongoing optimisation studies have highlighted several opportunities to simplify the Ikkari Project while minimizing environmental impact. Extensive metallurgical tests reveal gold recoveries exceeding 95%, with prospects for reduced cyanide consumption through recycling.
Mining waste management strategies have also evolved, featuring separate facilities for filtered tailings and waste rock, enhancing operational flexibility and supporting environmentally friendly closure plans. These designs align with best practices in environmental legislation.
Water management is a critical area of focus, with design modifications for contact water treatment expected to yield capital and operational cost benefits. Plans for treated water discharge into the Kitinen River are underway, along with studies on the diversion of a portion of the Saittajoki River.
The project aims to operate in the lowest quartile for carbon emissions in gold production, with further evaluations of emissions reduction strategies and mining execution options ongoing.
Geotechnical drilling and groundwater assessments conducted in 2025 have laid the groundwork for future design work, while discussions with Fingrid Oyj regarding grid connection are progressing, with planning expected to finalize by March 2026.
With the EIA submission targeted for late 2026, the recent optimizations will enhance the project's overall environmental profile and technical foundation.
Strengthened Project Team
The Ikkari Project has also seen key personnel appointments: Russell White as Project Director and Shane Miller as Study Manager, both bringing extensive experience in project delivery and development.
Rupert Resources is committed to advancing the Ikkari Project, which boasts a resource of over 4 million ounces of gold, within a safe, stable jurisdiction. The company is dedicated to sustainable development and aims to identify an additional 3 million ounces of gold through exploration in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt.
For more details, visit Inside Ticker. The future of the Ikkari Project looks promising, with a solid team and a clear strategy in place to drive success.