Federal Court Judge Justice Stellios has determined that the Section 10 Declaration imposing restrictions on Regis Resources’ McPhillamys Gold Project is legally invalid. The declaration, made by former Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek in August 2024 under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984, had blocked development across a portion of the project site. This judgment removes a significant legal barrier that has constrained the company’s development pathway for more than two years.
The ruling is a vindication of Regis’ position since the declaration was imposed. However, the outcome is not a complete settlement of the matter. Current Environment Minister Murray Watt is required to redetermine the application for a Section 10 Declaration, taking into account Justice Stellios’ findings. Regis has committed to actively participating in this redetermination process and expressed hope that it will be completed in a timely manner. There remains uncertainty about whether the redetermination process could be protracted or result in an outcome unfavorable to the company.
The McPhillamys Gold Project represents a substantial asset for Regis, with an ore reserve of 56 million tonnes at 1.1 grams per tonne of gold, equating to 1.89 million ounces. The project is located near Blayney in Central Western New South Wales and is described by the company as one of Australia’s largest undeveloped gold projects. Managing Director Jim Beyer stated that approval of this project has the potential to deliver lasting economic and social benefits to the region and broader stakeholder community.
To manage the ongoing uncertainty, Regis has developed an alternative approach detailed in its Pre-Feasibility Study released in June 2026. This alternative utilizes an Integrated Waste Landform design that combines filtered processed ore and waste rock into a single facility. Critically, this alternative approach entirely avoids the area affected by the Section 10 Declaration, providing the company with a development pathway that does not depend on the outcome of the redetermination process. The company is continuing to progress this alternative development approach as a hedge against a prolonged or unfavorable redetermination outcome.
The timing and outcome of the Department’s redetermination process will be material to the project’s development schedule and economics. The availability of the alternative approach reduces execution risk but may also affect project returns through modified mine design and operating costs. The Federal Court’s invalidation represents a genuine win for the company in a dispute that had created substantial uncertainty since August 2024. This announcement is price sensitive and has been flagged as material by the ASX.
Our exclusive top 5 stock picks
Five high conviction stocks that didn't make the public list. Backed by institutional research. Subscribe for free access.
Thanks for subscribing, please check your email to confirm your subscription to instantly access your report.
View the full ASX announcement (PDF)
About Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL)
Regis Resources Limited is an Australian gold producer and explorer that engages in the exploration, evaluation, and development of gold projects. The company operates the Duketon Gold Project in the northeastern Goldfields of Western Australia and the Tropicana Gold Project east-northeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
If you would like to discuss this announcement, request a callback or call us on 1300 889 603.