Zenith tightens grip on WA gold play with savvy land grab
Sydney Morning Herald
by James PearsonFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Zenith Minerals has strengthened its position in Western Australia’s gold sector by acquiring a key mining lease adjacent to its 675,000-ounce Dulcie gold project. The purchase of mining lease M77/599 for $1.5 million, including a $50,000 deposit and a two percent net smelter return royalty, strategically positions the company to consolidate its landholdings and streamline operations. This move simplifies tenure complexities and aligns with Zenith’s long-term development goals, providing six additional kilometers of gold-bearing strike within a gently dipping shear zone. The acquisition is particularly timely as it enables staged open-pit mining and potential toll-treatment options, offering flexibility in processing.
The newly acquired lease sits directly adjacent to Zenith’s existing Dulcie Far North deposit (300,000 ounces) and its recently categorized Dulcie and Dulcie North deposits (collectively hosting 375,000 inferred ounces). This central placement within the broader gold system is expected to enhance project continuity and scale, with mineralisation resembling a stacked lode system. Such geology is well-suited for open-pit mining, especially as many lodes are near surface and remain undrilled along strike and dip.
The acquisition also positions Zenith to leverage proximity to established processing hubs, including the Marvel Loch plant, reducing capital expenditure requirements. With gold prices at record highs and investor appetite growing for low-capital projects, Zenith’s methodical consolidation strategy places it in a strong position to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the gold sector. The deal underscores the company’s disciplined approach to resource development, aligning with market trends favoring swift and cost-effective production pathways.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026