Sandstone Project Faces Critical Permitting Milestones Ahead of 2027 Development

Brightstar’s Strategic Consolidation

Brightstar Resources Limited (ASX, BTR) has marked a significant milestone in its journey to become a mid-tier gold producer with its latest update on the Sandstone Gold Project. The company recently completed a strategic acquisition of Aurumin Ltd, consolidating over 4.0 million ounces of Mineral Resources across its Goldfields and Sandstone hubs. This consolidation represents a tenfold increase in Brightstar’s mineral portfolio since 2023, achieved at an average cost well below peer averages, positioning the company for substantial value creation.

Advancing the Sandstone Pre-Feasibility Study

Brightstar is progressing a two-year strategic plan focused on unlocking the potential of the Sandstone district, which hosts a substantial Mineral Resource base of 2.4 million ounces at 1.5 grams per tonne gold. The company is on track to deliver a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) by early September 2026, which will include the release of a maiden Ore Reserve. This study aims to assess production opportunities across the Sandstone Hub, leveraging the shallow nature of the mineralisation, with 1.6 million ounces located within 150 metres of the surface, making open pit mining the preferred extraction method.

Drilling and Resource Growth Focus

Brightstar has mobilised three drilling rigs to Sandstone for a comprehensive 100-kilometre drilling program throughout 2026. Initially focused on infill drilling to upgrade resource classifications, the program will shift towards extensional and greenfield drilling to expand the resource base. With 96 kilometres drilled to date and assays pending for approximately 20,000 metres, the company is well-positioned to enhance the quality and size of its Mineral Resources, which underpin the upcoming PFS and Ore Reserve estimates.

Optimising Processing Infrastructure

In parallel with resource development, Brightstar has identified a 4 to 5 million tonnes per annum processing plant as optimal for the Sandstone project’s scale. This capacity aligns with the estimated 1.6 million ounces of gold within the top 150 metres of the resource and supports an initial mine life of six to eight years. The company is also advancing studies on the Two Mile Hill Underground deposit, which could provide higher-grade underground ore to complement open pit operations, further enhancing project economics.

Looking Ahead

Following the PFS and maiden Ore Reserve release, Brightstar plans to complete a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) in the second half of 2027. Subject to approvals and permitting, the company aims to make a Final Investment Decision and commence project development by the end of 2027, targeting first gold production in the second half of 2028. This timeline positions Sandstone to complement Brightstar’s existing Goldfields operations, contributing to an aspirational group production profile exceeding 200,000 ounces per annum by 2029.