Brightstar Resources (ASX:BTR) has disclosed that construction of its 1.5Mtpa Laverton processing plant remains on schedule and on budget, with overall EPC earned value reaching 50% completion and first gold still targeted for June 2027, while the company has also completed the acquisition of the Boomers Mining Accommodation Camp in Laverton, comprising 223 rooms.

Key Points

  • Overall EPC earned value has reached 50% completion, with the 90% engineering milestone achieved in October
  • Brightstar has completed the acquisition of the Boomers Mining Accommodation Camp in Laverton, adding 223 rooms of accommodation
  • Major SAG mill equipment package components have arrived on site, with primary crusher concrete works completed
  • Open pit grade control drilling is underway at Lord Byron, with drill and blast contractor Aquirian Limited (ASX: AQN) mobilised to site and first blast targeted for the December quarter

Laverton Processing Plant Construction Progress in October

Key construction milestones were achieved at the Laverton processing plant during October. Structural steel erection commenced at the grinding and classification area, and CIL tank platework and strake welding advanced, with two leach tanks fabricated to full height and tanks three and four well progressed. Civil works were completed in the gold recovery and elution areas, with concrete works progressing at the power station and across reagents, water services and non-process infrastructure areas. The borefield main header pipework was completed, enabling production bore flow rate testing, with two production bores flow tested and water transfer to the plant site commenced.

Boomers Mining Accommodation Camp Acquisition

Brightstar disclosed the completed acquisition of the Boomers Mining Accommodation Camp located in the town of Laverton. The camp comprises 223 rooms and includes flexibility to add further capacity. According to the filing, the accommodation will support capital works including peak plant construction and plant shutdowns, as well as ongoing operations across mining, processing and other site-based teams. Managing Director Alex Rovira described the acquisition as a deliberate investment in Laverton and in the long-term future of operations, providing a permanent Laverton base as Brightstar transitions from developer to producer.

November Construction Focus and Lord Byron Open Pit Activities

Planned activities for November include completing the majority of remaining concrete works across reagents, electrical, water services and non-process infrastructure areas, completing backfill around the primary crusher, continuing CIL tank platework and strake installation, and commencing structural steel erection at the primary crusher. The company also plans to complete borefield development, fit-out and pump testing. At the Lord Byron open pit, site establishment works are continuing, with open pit mining commencement targeted for early in the March 2027 quarter. The first blast at Lord Byron remains targeted for the December quarter, described as ahead of schedule.