Brightstar Resources Targeting 50% Production Surge at Laverton Hub
Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has reported significant production growth at its Second Fortune and Fish Mines on the back of equipment and manpower upgrades within the company’s Laverton Hub area in Western Australia.
The company is forecasting quarterly production growth of more than 50% from its WA projects in the September period.
Brightstar achieved a 58% improvement in grade run-through at Genesis Minerals’ (ASX: GMD) Laverton Mill in August, processing 52,000 tonnes at 2.68 grams per tonne with a 91.3% recovery level to produce 4,067 ounces.
Continued Growth Targeted
Brightstar is targeting continued growth at Second Fortune, after achieving strong improvement in production and development at the project in the last three months.
The company added a new rebuilt CAT 1300 loader and other refurbished fleet and equipment to the site in late August, with a second loader due in the next fortnight.
Brightstar is now looking to add to its growth profile with surface and underground exploration activities ramping up targeting extensions to the known ore bodies along strike and at depth.
The company is awaiting assay results from recent surface drilling at Second Fortune that targeted a recently discovered vein to the north of the site’s main mine sequence, as well as other near-mine opportunities.
Second Ore Source
Activities are advancing ahead of schedule at the Fish mine, with a significant underground diamond drill-out and ore production from stoping underway.
The Fish operation adds a second high-grade underground ore source from Brightstar’s Laverton Hub, with the two mines feeding ore into the company’s purchase agreement with Genesis.
Brightstar has successfully completed surface and underground infrastructure works at Fish, with additional headings available as a result of intersecting the first ore production level.
The company will be targeting monthly group production of 2,400 to 2,800oz, with an annualised run rate of up to 34,000oz at a group all-in sustaining cost range of between $3,800/oz and $4,000/oz.