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Brightstar Resources has reached a key construction milestone at its Goldfields Project in Western Australia, with its new Laverton processing plant remaining on schedule for first gold in June 2027.
The company reported that engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) earned value had reached 50 per cent completion, while engineering work passed the 90 per cent milestone during October.
According to Brightstar, construction of the 1.5-million-tonne-per-annum processing plant remains within its approved budget, with major equipment deliveries and infrastructure works progressing.
Brightstar managing director Alex Rovira said the latest milestones were bringing the project closer to production.
“October marked another month of disciplined execution at the Goldfields Project. With EPC earned value now at the halfway mark and the 90 per cent engineering milestone behind us, the project continues to move decisively towards first gold in June 2027,” he said.
October activities included the arrival of key semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill components, completion of primary crusher concrete works and the commencement of structural steel installation in the grinding and classification area.
Two carbon-in-leach tanks have also been fabricated to full height, while borefield testing and water transfer to the plant site have commenced.
The company has also completed the acquisition of the 223-room Boomers Mining accommodation camp in Laverton to support construction activities and provide accommodation for its future operational workforce.
Brightstar said the facility would accommodate workers during peak construction periods and future plant shutdowns, while providing a permanent base for mining, processing and other site-based teams.
Meanwhile, preparations are progressing at the Lord Byron open pit, where grade control drilling commenced in October.
Drill-and-blast contractor Aquirian has mobilised to site, with Brightstar targeting its first blast in the December quarter, ahead of schedule. Open-pit mining is expected to commence early in the March quarter of 2027.
The company’s January feasibility study outlined a production target exceeding 75,000 ounces of gold annually over six years, providing a longer-term outlook for the Goldfields Project as construction advances.
Rovira said the acquisition of the Boomers camp would support the company’s transition into production.
“Our acquisition of the Boomers Mining Accommodation Camp is a deliberate investment in Laverton and in the long-term future of our operations,” he said.
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