Black Cat Syndicate will ramp-up its tolling schedule at the Lakewood processing facility in Western Australia, increasing operational efficiencies across the wider Kal East gold project.
When Black Cat announced its intention to acquire Lakewood from Westgold Resources in February, it was agreed that Westgold can toll treat up to 50,000 tonnes (t) per quarter until the end of 2026.
This scheduled will now be fast-tracked, with an additional 40,000t of ore to be tolled during the June 2025 quarter, reducing the June 2026 tolling program by the same amount.
Black Cat said this will reduce processing stoppages in 2026 through changeovers between tolled ore and mined ore from Kal East, as well as facilitate an ore buildup as Kal East ramps up towards full production, reducing interruptions.
“The extended tolling at Lakewood in June 2025 provides a smoother transition into full production, reducing interruptions in the future, while allowing additional time for our Kal East mines to ramp up,” Black Cat managing director Gareth Solly said.
To best equip Black Cat in growing Kal East and the Paulsens gold operation – also in WA – the company has appointed Tim Mason as chief operating officer (COO).
Mason holds experience in technical execution, planning and operational leadership, working across corporate and operational roles in underground mining, exploration and studies.
As Black Cat’s first COO, Mason will oversee the company’s existing operations, plan for new mines and evaluate expansion opportunities.
This scope is designed to position Black Cat to build up and retain a minimum of approximately $20 million, or around 4000 gold ounces, of production in dedicated gold bullion storage – also known as the company’s ‘More Gold Sooner’ strategy.
“Tim’s operational expertise will enhance our More Gold Sooner strategy, driving production and growth across the business,” Solly said.
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