Capricorn Metals has broken ground on its Karlawinda expansion project in Western Australia, setting the stage for a 25 per cent lift in gold production at its flagship operation.
The project, approved in July following sign-off of the mining proposal and mine closure plan by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS), is targeting first gold in the March quarter of the 2026–27 financial year (FY27).
Once complete, Karlawinda’s processing capacity will climb to 6.5 million tonnes per year, supporting annual output of around 150,000 ounces.
Construction momentum is already building across site, with the company completing a 164-room village expansion, while finishing the clearance of the new plant site to begin bulk earthworks.
A new stores facility is in use, while a concrete batch plant has been commissioned to supply building slabs and plant foundations.
On the mining front, excavation of the Bibra pit boxcut has commenced alongside fresh activity in the Berwick pit. Clearing is also underway for the second tailings storage facility, an essential element of the expanded operation.
Engineering and procurement are advancing in parallel, with process plant design now three-quarters complete. Early equipment orders have been placed, including a new ball mill already purchased and due on-site in late FY26 ahead of commissioning.
“We are really excited to hit the ground with early development works on the Karlawinda expansion project,” Capricorn executive chairman Mark Clark said. “We have worked hard to be prepared for an expedited start to construction works.
“We look forward to delivering a project that will lift gold production at the low-cost, high-margin Karlawinda operation by 25 per cent to around 150,000 ounces per annum and should deliver significant value for Capricorn shareholders once it is operational in the first quarter of FY27.”
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
