Brightstar Resources says construction of its 1.5 million-tonne-a-year Laverton processing plant remains on schedule and within budget, keeping the Western Australian gold developer on track for first production in June 2027.
The 13 October construction update shows the Goldfields Project moving out of its early civil phase. Brightstar has completed the final major concrete pour in the primary-crusher area, started structural-steel erection at the surge bin and begun platework and welding for the carbon-in-leach tanks.
Earthworks and concrete works have also started at the LNG power station, while civil activity is progressing across the gold-recovery, elution and reagents areas. Borefield drilling and header-pipe welding are continuing.
Work packages are shifting into installation
The change in activity is commercially important for suppliers. Civil and concrete delivery remains active, but the programme is broadening into structural steel, tanks, mechanical equipment, piping, power infrastructure and commissioning preparation.
Brightstar expects October work to include structural-steel erection at the grinding, classification and primary-crusher areas, further carbon-in-leach tank installation, initial borefield pump testing and the start of non-process-infrastructure civil works.
Site establishment has also begun at the Lord Byron open pit. The company is preparing offices and non-process infrastructure ahead of mining mobilisation targeted for early in the March 2027 quarter.
The plant anchors a larger growth plan
The Perth-based ASX-listed company owns the Goldfields Project and describes the new plant as the first stage of a broader plan spanning its Laverton, Menzies and Sandstone assets. Its January 2026 feasibility work outlined production of more than 75,000 ounces a year for six years, although future production and financial outcomes remain forecasts rather than delivered results.
Brightstar reported a group mineral resource of 5.2 million ounces across Goldfields and Sandstone. The immediate execution test is narrower: complete the Laverton plant, mobilise mining at Lord Byron and bring the processing circuit through commissioning without losing schedule or budget control.
For regional contractors, the current transition opens packages across fabrication, mechanical installation, electrical work, camp and site services, transport and maintenance readiness. It also increases interface risk, because more trades and equipment suppliers must now work to a common construction sequence.
The next measurable milestones are completion of the remaining concrete, erection of the main structural packages and mine mobilisation in early 2027. Brightstar’s June target will depend on those work fronts converging into safe commissioning and reliable ore feed.
Sources: Brightstar Resources, Goldfields Project construction update, 13 October 2026; Brightstar Resources investor centre. Featured image: illustrative Australian resources landscape, Michael SKOPAL / Unsplash; not the Goldfields Project.
