Minerals 260 Awards $59M Contract for Bullabulling Village Construction
Minerals 260 has secured a $59.1 million fixed-price contract with ATCO to build a 400-person accommodation village at its Bullabulling Gold Project, marking a key step towards construction readiness.
- Fixed-price $59.1M contract awarded to ATCO
- Village supports 400 personnel with expansion to 600
- Site works to start post-approval in May
- Bullabulling project advancing from PFS to DFS
- Experienced owner's team appointed for delivery
Major Village Contract Signals Construction Momentum
Minerals 260 Limited (ASX:MI6) has taken a significant stride in developing its 4.5 million ounce Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia by awarding a $59.1 million fixed-price contract to ATCO Structures & Logistics for the design and construction of a 400-person accommodation village. This facility will serve both the construction and operational phases, with central amenities designed to scale up to 600 occupants, providing flexibility for future workforce growth.
The contract award follows a competitive tender process, with ATCO having already completed detailed design work sufficient to commence execution. Site activities are poised to begin imminently, contingent on the expected grant of necessary approvals anticipated in May, aiming for the village to be operational by the first quarter of 2027.
Project Development Tracks Toward Definitive Feasibility
The village contract marks a tangible advance as Bullabulling moves from its Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) phase toward Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and eventual construction. Minerals 260 has assembled an experienced owner’s team with key roles filled across approvals, environment, commercial, engineering, and construction management, underscoring the company’s commitment to streamlined project delivery.
Operational readiness is critical given the scale of the Bullabulling resource, which holds an estimated 130 million tonnes at 1.0 grams per tonne gold, equating to 4.5 million ounces, spread across several deposits including Phoenix, Bacchus, and Kraken. This resource base underpins the project’s development timeline targeting first production by late 2028, as outlined in recent funding and drilling updates that have bolstered the project’s momentum $220 million Franco-Nevada funding package and High-grade gold intercepts.
ATCO’s Role in Remote Workforce Accommodation
ATCO is a specialist in modular construction for remote mining operations, delivering turnkey solutions that include design, manufacture, installation, and utilities for workforce villages. Their involvement is expected to facilitate a smooth transition into the construction phase by providing high-quality accommodation designed to attract and retain skilled personnel over the life of the mine.
Minerals 260’s Chief Development Officer, Russell Brooks, highlighted the strategic importance of commencing early works on the village, noting it as a milestone that enables rapid workforce mobilisation once a Final Investment Decision is made, targeted for early 2027.
Bottom Line?
The village contract award is a critical milestone, but the project’s progression hinges on timely approvals and the Final Investment Decision expected next year.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the anticipated May approvals proceed without delay to enable site works?
- How will the village’s capacity expansion be phased relative to project construction milestones?
- What impact will the new owner’s team have on managing project risks and timelines?
