Brightstar Resources has commenced its first gold processing parcel at Genesis’ Laverton Mill in Australia.
The processing began with ore sourced from Brightstar’s high-grade Second Fortune underground mine in Victoria and existing stockpiles at Lord Byron.
This initial parcel comprises approximately 60,000 tonnes (t) at a blended mine call grade of two grams per tonne of gold.
Brightstar has also entered into an ore purchase agreement (OPA) with Genesis, allowing the company to deliver, sell and process up to 500,000t at Genesis’ Laverton Mill.
This agreement spans the 2025 calendar year and the first quarter of 2026.
The company anticipates consistent ore delivery to Mt Morgans, ensuring regular processing parcels and a steady cash flow.
This consistent cash flow is expected to support Brightstar’s exploration and development plans across its Menzies, Laverton and Sandstone Hubs.
Brightstar managing director Alex Rovira said: “The commencement of production and cash flow in CY25 [calendar year 2025] is a major milestone for Brightstar as we continue to ramp up gold production and mining operations. Second Fortune production will soon be complemented by Brightstar’s second underground mine, Fish, once in production from April 2025.
“The Fish development, which is currently on schedule and budget, represents Brightstar emerging as a multi-mine producer at a time of record AUD [Australian dollar] gold prices. Along with our production and development activities at the Second Fortune and Fish mines, the company continues to advance our definitive feasibility study for the restart of operations at our Menzies and Laverton assets, due for delivery early in the June quarter.
“In parallel, our geology team is focused on multi-rig extensional and infill drilling programmes at the Sandstone Gold Project and Cork Tree Well (Laverton Hub), striving to rapidly grow and improve the existing mineral resources and advance the portfolio through the development pathway towards production opportunities.”
Concurrently, mining and haulage activities continue at Second Fortune and the existing stockpiles at Lord Byron, preparing for a second processing parcel at the Laverton Mill.
Additionally, mine site establishment workstreams and development activities are ongoing at the Fish underground mine.
The company plans to develop the underground portal in April, with first ore expected later in the June 2025 quarter.
Brightstar Resources recently closed the purchase of Gateway Mining’s gold rights in the Montague East gold project in Western Australia for A$14m ($9.6m).
