Forrestania Resources has contracted Como Engineers to deliver a fully automated modular gold processing plant for its Lake Johnston facility, marking a key step towards production. The $5.57 million plant will be pre-assembled and hot tested to streamline commissioning.
- Contract awarded to Como Engineers for modular 5 Tonne Pressure Zadra Elution Plant
- Plant includes Gold Room equipment and Carbon Regeneration, fully integrated on skids
- Delivery scheduled within 30 weeks with full off-site hot testing and pre-commissioning
- Investment supports Forrestania’s transition from explorer to gold producer
- Modular design reduces on-site construction and enhances operational flexibility
Strategic Investment in Modular Gold Processing
Forrestania Resources (ASX: FRS) has taken a decisive step towards establishing its Lake Johnston site as a gold processing hub by engaging Como Engineers to supply a state-of-the-art modular Pressure Zadra Elution Plant. Valued at $5.57 million, this fully automated 5 tonne per hour plant includes integrated Gold Room equipment and a Carbon Regeneration system, all pre-assembled on transportable skids.
The modular approach is designed to minimise on-site construction complexities. By assembling and hot testing the plant at Como Engineers’ Maddington facility prior to delivery, Forrestania aims to accelerate commissioning timelines and reduce operational risks. This method reflects a growing trend in the mining sector towards modular, skid-based infrastructure that can be rapidly deployed and efficiently maintained.
Enhancing Processing Capabilities at Lake Johnston
Ownership of the Lake Johnston processing facility provides Forrestania with a strategic advantage in a prolific gold province. The addition of this modular elution and gold recovery circuit completes the core infrastructure needed to process ore on site, enabling the company to capture full value from its mining operations. The plant’s design allows flexibility to process ore from multiple sources within trucking distance, broadening Forrestania’s operational options.
Chairman David Geraghty highlighted the significance of the milestone, noting the local expertise of Como Engineers, recently named Western Australian Exporter of the Year for 2025. He emphasised the benefits of the modular design in reducing installation time and boosting confidence in plant performance ahead of first gold production.
Financial and Operational Outlook
The contract’s staged payment structure aligns capital expenditure with clear engineering milestones, including equipment procurement, skid fabrication, factory acceptance, and final hot-run testing. This disciplined execution strategy supports Forrestania’s broader transition from exploration to production, as parallel workstreams advance resource development, mine planning, and operational readiness.
While the announcement does not specify production timelines, the delivery window of 30 weeks sets a clear target for the next phase of development. Forrestania’s focus on modular infrastructure and local partnerships positions it well to navigate the complexities of commissioning and ramp-up in a competitive gold mining landscape.
Bottom Line?
Forrestania’s modular plant investment signals a confident stride towards gold production, with commissioning progress to watch closely.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Forrestania announce first gold production from the Lake Johnston facility?
- How will the modular plant impact operating costs and processing efficiency long term?
- What additional resource developments will feed into the new processing hub?