Rupert Resources has taken a decisive step forward in the development of its Ikkari gold project in Northern Finland, appointing Ausenco Engineering to lead the feasibility study. This move underscores a strategic shift in the project’s trajectory, with Ausenco’s proven expertise in designing and executing gold processing plants in cold climates set to play a pivotal role. The study, expected to conclude by the end of the first half of 2027, will build upon the project layout finalised in alignment with the pre-feasibility study (PFS), encompassing all mining, processing, and waste infrastructure within the project boundary.
The Ikkari project has seen significant optimisation in recent months, with improvements in processing methods and waste management strategies reducing environmental impact and bolstering the permitting strategy. An updated environmental impact assessment (EIA) is slated for submission in the fourth quarter of 2026, reflecting these advancements. Metallurgical test work has yielded promising results, indicating gold recoveries exceeding 95% with lower cyanide consumption. The design for managing mine waste has been refined to include stacked filtered tailings and managed waste rock facilities, while water management remains a critical focus. Ongoing design studies aim to discharge treated water into the Kitinen River, with plans to divert a small portion of the Saittajoki River also under consideration.
Infrastructure development is progressing, with discussions ongoing with state-owned utility Fingrid Oyj regarding grid connection. Route planning is expected to conclude by March 2026, following the appointment of Despro Oy as design consultant. Geotechnical investigations have advanced, with 3,580m drilled in 2025 to support both open-pit and underground mine design. Long-term cost optimisation strategies are under consideration, including the evaluation of owner-operated versus contract mining models and grade sequencing to enhance early cash flow from open-pit mining.
Rupert Resources CEO Graham Crew expressed optimism about the project’s progress. “We are pleased to announce that the Ikkari project has formally entered the feasibility phase. The appointment of Ausenco represents an important milestone in advancing the project towards development,” he said. “Over the past year, the team has completed significant optimisation work across processing, waste, and water management. The updated design remains closely aligned with the PFS, while further reducing both technical and environmental risk.”
This development could shape the future of mining projects in cold climates, particularly in terms of environmental management and optimisation strategies. The focus on reducing cyanide consumption and improving gold recovery rates sets a new benchmark for sustainable mining practices. Additionally, the emphasis on water management and waste reduction highlights the growing importance of environmental stewardship in the sector. As the Ikkari project advances, it will likely influence how other mining companies approach feasibility studies and project development in environmentally sensitive regions.