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Kingston’s $14M Flotation Upgrade Restores Full Processing at Mineral Hill

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Kingston Resources has restarted gold concentrate production at its Mineral Hill mine, marking a significant step in its transformation into a multi-product operation. The company aims to begin copper concentrate sales by mid-2026 as it transitions to underground mining.

  • Gold concentrate production resumed after nearly a decade
  • Low-cost $14 million refurbishment of flotation circuit completed
  • Full processing capability restored for gold doré and base metals concentrates
  • Open pit mining to continue until mid-2026 before shift to underground mining
  • Copper concentrate production targeted for mid-2026
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Restarting a Key Processing Capability

Kingston Resources has announced a major milestone with the recommencement of gold concentrate production at its Mineral Hill mine in New South Wales. This marks the first time in nearly ten years that the site has produced gold concentrate, following a successful low-cost refurbishment and commissioning of the flotation circuit. The $14 million project, completed by Kingston’s own team, has restored the plant’s crushing, grinding, and flotation capabilities, enabling the processing of gold doré alongside multiple base metal concentrates including copper, lead, and zinc.

Strategic Shift Towards Multi-Product Operations

Previously, Mineral Hill’s precious metal output came exclusively from gold and silver doré. The flotation circuit’s revival now positions Mineral Hill as one of only two operating plants in the Cobar region capable of producing both doré and metal concentrates. This expanded processing flexibility is a critical step in Kingston’s broader strategy to evolve Mineral Hill into a fully integrated, multi-product mining operation, enhancing its long-term value and cash flow potential.

Mining and Production Outlook

Open pit mining at the Pearse North and Pearse South deposits will continue through to mid-2026, focusing on sulphide ore that feeds the flotation circuit. Gold concentrate produced on site will be transported by truck to the Narromine railhead and shipped from Newcastle. Following the completion of open pit operations, Kingston plans to transition to underground mining, with copper concentrate production expected to commence by mid-2026. This timeline sets the stage for what the company describes as a potential breakout year in fiscal 2026.

Resource Base and Exploration Potential

Mineral Hill boasts a substantial mineral resource base, with current mining plans utilizing only about 27% of the 8.2 million tonnes of identified resources. The company holds all necessary permits and infrastructure, providing a solid foundation for ongoing operations and exploration. Kingston is actively exploring opportunities to extend the mine’s life through organic growth and regional deposits that could be processed at Mineral Hill’s plant, underscoring the site’s significant upside potential.

Leadership Perspective

Managing Director Andrew Corbett highlighted the disciplined approach Kingston has taken to capital allocation and project execution, emphasizing the importance of the flotation circuit’s recommissioning as a risk reduction measure ahead of underground mining. He described the milestone as pivotal in unlocking long-term value and reiterated the company’s confidence in meeting its production targets, particularly the anticipated copper concentrate output in mid-2026.

Bottom Line?

Kingston’s successful plant refurbishment and production ramp-up set the stage for a transformative phase at Mineral Hill, with copper concentrate sales poised to redefine its market position by 2026.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will operational ramp-up impact Kingston’s financial performance in the near term?
  • What exploration results might extend Mineral Hill’s mine life beyond current plans?
  • What risks could delay the transition from open pit to underground mining and copper concentrate production?