Auld Creek Fast Track Qualified
31/07/2026 08:30 NZST, GENERALP
RUA GOLD’s Auld Creek Project Qualifies for New Zealand’s 6-Month Fast-Track Approvals Process
Rua Gold Inc. (TSX: RUA | NZX: RGI | OTC: NZAUF | FSE: X9R) ("RUA GOLD" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Auld Creek Project, located in the Reefton Goldfield, New Zealand, has been has been approved for referreal to the process established under the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024. This represents another positive step in the Company’s transition from explorer to mine developer.
Highlights:
• In December 2024, the New Zealand Government enacted legislation establishing a one-stop-shop Fast-Track Approvals regime to accelerate projects with significant regional or national benefits.
• RUA GOLD established a dedicated project team in late 2025 to advance permitting activities and support the Fast-Track application and key mining studies.
• The Fast-Track process provides a streamlined pathway through which RUA GOLD can seek all key approvals, including mining permits, resource consents, water-use permissions, and wildlife approvals.
• The Company acknowledges the continued strong support of Ngāti Waewae, the Reefton and wider West Coast communities, and government stakeholders.
• The Company remains on track to submit its substantive Fast-Track application in Q4 2026. If the application is successful, the Auld Creek Project would be fully permitted by mid-2027, allowing early works to commence.
• RUA GOLD completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) in early 2026 and expects to complete a Preliminary Feasibility Study (“PFS”) in Q4 2026.
Simon Delander, VP Risk, Stakeholder, Regulatory Affairs, commented: “We are very encouraged that the Auld Creek Project has been accepted into New Zealand’s Fast-Track Approvals process. This is an important milestone that reduces permitting risk and provides greater certainty as we advance the Project toward development.
Supported by a team of independent advisors, we have been progressing a broad range of environmental, economic, social impact, mining and processing studies in preparation for submitting our substantive fast-track application later this year.
We have also undertaken extensive engagement with communities, stakeholders and regulators, completing more than 800 engagements. This engagement is helping stakeholders understand the Project and informing how its potential impacts will be managed”
FAST TRACK APPLICATION PROCESS
The Company is actively preparing a substantive Fast-Track application for the Auld Creek Project under the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024. The application includes a comprehensive suite of technical reports and assessment of environmental effects, supported by social impact assessments, and economic studies.
These studies incorporate extensive consultation with local stakeholders and input from leading environmental, social, and technical experts across multiple disciplines, including water quality, ecology, landscape and visual effects, air quality, traffic, socio-economic impacts, geochemistry, erosion and sediment control infrastructure, and mine closure planning.
In parallel, RUA GOLD has completed a PEA in early 2026, with a PFS now underway and targeted for completion in Q4 2026. The Auld Creek PFS is being undertaken by global mining consultancies Mining One and Pitch Black.
The Auld Creek Project is proposed as an underground mining operation with an initial mine life of eight years. The Project is expected to employ approximately 200 people and contribute an estimated NZ$240 million to the regional economy. The longer term plan is to establish a regional processing hub capable of supporting future mining developments in the Reefton Goldfield.
THE FAST TRACK APPROVALS BILL
New Zealand’s Fast-Track legisation allows for streamlined permitting for the Auld Creek Project and the acceleration of development timelines. The legislation establishes a "one-stop shop" process through which approvals otherwise required under multiple statutes—including the Resource Management Act, Conservation Act, Wildlife Act and Crown Minerals Act—can be considered together. More information can be found at www.fasttrack.govt.nz/.