Commencement Of Permitting Process For Sunday Creek Exploration Tunnel

VANCOUVER - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. has commenced the permitting process for an underground exploration tunnel at its Sunday Creek project near Clonbinane, Victoria. It is anticipated the Company will submit a formal application to the Victorian Resources regulator in Q3 2025.

The permitting process commencement represents a significant milestone as the Company continues to advance the Sunday Creek Project. The proposed exploration tunnel is planned to be approximately 150 meters deep and 600 meters long, enabling underground drilling in 2026. Underground drilling will allow the Company to introduce more drill rigs that operate day and night without increasing impacts to the community. The site will be located on SXGC-owned land accessed via a private road. Environmental surveys are currently underway to ensure minimal impacts on the local environment and community. Drop-in information sessions scheduled across Mitchell Shire for community engagement.

Michael Hudson, President & CEO, said, "The commencement of permitting for an exploration tunnel (or decline) represents a significant step forward for Southern Cross Gold that will enhance our exploration capabilities while reducing impacts on the local community. Underground drilling will allow us to operate more drill rigs and help us understand the Sunday Creek deposit more efficiently than our surface drilling program alone. We are committed to working with the local community throughout this process and look forward to sharing more details about this project in the coming months."

The planned tunnel will enable drilling to occur from underground, reducing noise and light emissions associated with surface drilling. The infrastructure has been designed to minimize visual impact, with buildings and structures positioned behind hills and natural vegetation to shield them from view.

Once permitted, construction is expected to begin in 2026 and will take approximately 6-12 months to complete. Infrastructure including sheds, workshops, offices and dams will be constructed during daylight hours. Once completed, underground drilling will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.