Brightstar Resources is transforming its legacy Beta mill into a modern 1.5 million per tonne (Mtpa) processing hub at Laverton, fast-tracking its Goldfields hub development while de-risking the project.
The upgrade clears old tanks, steelwork and outdated equipment, setting the stage for a larger, more efficient processing plant capable of handling 1.5 million tonnes per annum – well above the previous operation – while fast-tracking site readiness and de-risking the project.
Earthworks and early site preparation are now underway, with the Fish/Lord Byron mine camp expanded from 52 to 160 rooms to accommodate construction crews and the future Lord Byron open pit workforce.
“Early execution planning, competitive tendering and site readiness activities position the project to move efficiently into construction following final investment decision, with a strong emphasis on cost definition and schedule control,” Brightstar Resources managing director Alex Rovira said.
“We are pleased with the progress being made on site and look forward to updating our shareholders and other stakeholders as we unlock the scale and value of our wholly owned 4 million ounce (Moz) mineral resource base.”
The updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) 2.0, building on the 2025 DFS, is nearing completion. Initial Laverton production is projected at 70,000 ounce per annum, excluding 30,000 ounces from current Fish and Second Fortune operations.
Mineral resources at Lord Byron and Lady Shenton total 13.5Mt at 1.4 grams per tonne g/t gold, representing 600,000 ounces of gold to underpin near-term production.
Brightstar has also completed a competitive front end engineering design (FEED) process, with EPC tenders under evaluation and preferred contractor selection expected this month.
Debt financing discussions for up to $150 million are well advanced, supporting the company’s medium-term target of 200,000 ounces per annum across the Goldfields and Sandstone projects.
By leveraging existing infrastructure and parallel workstreams, Brightstar is positioning Laverton to become a fast-tracked, de-risked gold powerhouse for Western Australia.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.