Brightstar Boosts Gold Resources Over 1Moz Ahead of 2025 Feasibility Study

Resource Upgrades Signal Strengthened Production Pipeline

Brightstar Resources Limited (ASX: BTR) has delivered a substantial update to its Mineral Resource Estimates (MREs) across key deposits in its Laverton and Menzies Gold Projects. Following extensive drilling campaigns throughout 2024, the company reported a marked increase in both gold ounces and grade quality, reinforcing the foundation for near-term mining operations.

The updated MREs reveal that Brightstar’s portfolio now boasts over one million ounces of gold classified as Measured and Indicated, with more than 300,000 ounces situated in producing or near-term deposits such as Second Fortune, Fish, Lord Byron, Lady Shenton, and Link Zone. These upgrades are particularly significant as they represent the first resource estimations for several recently acquired deposits, reflecting Brightstar’s rigorous in-house mining-focused evaluation approach.

Key Deposits Show Meaningful Growth

Among the highlights, the Lord Byron deposit saw a 34% increase in Measured and Indicated ounces, now estimated at 251,000 ounces at 1.5 grams per tonne gold. Lady Shenton’s resource grade improved by 25%, reaching 273,000 ounces at 1.5 grams per tonne. The Second Fortune underground mine also recorded a 23% increase in resource grade, now at 40,000 ounces averaging 13.4 grams per tonne, post mine depletion. Other deposits such as Cork Tree Well, Fish, and Link Zone similarly experienced notable resource expansions.

These enhancements are the result of comprehensive Reverse Circulation and diamond drilling programs designed to reduce geological risk and increase confidence in the deposits ahead of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), expected in the first half of 2025. Brightstar’s Managing Director, Alex Rovira, emphasized that the drilling and resource updates are integral to preparing deposits for dependable and deliverable mining operations.

Strategic Implications and Next Steps

The upgraded MREs are already feeding into critical DFS workstreams, including mine designs, scheduling, budgeting, and economic modelling. This integrated approach aims to streamline the transition from resource definition to production readiness. Brightstar’s ongoing drilling programs in 2025 continue to target further resource growth across its Goldfields and Murchison portfolios, with particular attention on the Yunndaga Deposit at Menzies.

Historically, many of these deposits have seen intermittent mining activity, but Brightstar’s consolidation and methodical resource development position the company to capitalize on the region’s prolific gold endowment. The company also benefits from proximity to established infrastructure and processing facilities, which supports efficient project advancement.

While the DFS will provide a more detailed economic outlook, the current resource upgrades underscore Brightstar’s commitment to building a meaningful ASX-listed gold producer with a diversified asset base across multiple hubs.