Brightstar advances Goldfields towards first gold

Brightstar Resources says construction of its Goldfields Project in Western Australia remains on schedule and within budget, with first gold targeted for June 2027. During July, the company completed bulk earthworks for infrastructure at the Laverton processing plant, which is designed for throughput of 1.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).

The company reports earthworks for the raw and process water ponds, non-process infrastructure, and run-of-mine extension are nearing completion, while structural steel and platework installation has begun in the primary crushing area. Concrete foundations for the primary crusher, semi-autogenous grinding mill, carbon-in-leach tanks, and thickener have also advanced.

Brightstar executed power purchase and liquefied natural gas supply agreements during July. Engineering work on the associated power station and gas infrastructure continues, with major long-lead equipment secured. The first two production bores have also been drilled and cased as part of the project’s borefield development.

Managing Director Alex Rovira says work during August will focus on the remaining earthworks, concrete pours, and plant infrastructure. “Looking ahead to August, the focus is on completing the remaining bulk earthworks and major concrete pours, mobilising the CIL [carbon-in-leach] tank installation team, and commencing the next phase of steel fabrication and borefield infrastructure,” Rovira says.

Brightstar says the Goldfields Project is expected to produce an average of about 75,000 ounces of gold per annum over an initial six-year mine life. The company is also evaluating mine-life extensions and a potential increase in plant throughput to 2.5Mtpa. Meanwhile, mining at the Second Fortune underground operation is scheduled to conclude in August, with ore stockpiles continuing to increase. Site preparation at the Lord Byron open pit is progressing ahead of targeted mobilisation during the December quarter.

A January 2026 Feasibility Study outlined about $1 billion in life-of-mine cash flow, a $606 million net present value, and a 74% internal rate of return.