Valiant Gold is fast-tracking the restart of its Comet Gold Mine in Western Australia, securing major infrastructure contracts and advancing technical studies to target production resumption by Q2 FY27.
- Power station and ventilation equipment contracts awarded
- Scalable accommodation camp set for Q2 FY27 delivery
- Underground drilling tender underway for grade control
- Comet Restart Study progressing with completion targeted Q2 FY27
- Dewatering and underground rehabilitation advancing
Infrastructure Contracts Drive Restart Momentum
Valiant Gold Limited (ASX:VAL) is accelerating the restart of its 100%-owned Comet Gold Mine after a successful underground re-entry in July revealed favourable conditions. The company has awarded key contracts for power supply, ventilation, and accommodation, aiming to deliver and commission these critical infrastructure components by Q2 FY27. This front-loading of major workstreams is designed to compress the timeline to restart readiness, with activities progressing alongside the ongoing Comet Restart Study.
Technical Workstreams and Drilling Tender Underway
Alongside infrastructure procurement, Valiant has commenced a tender process for underground diamond drilling focused on priority grade control and resource definition. The drilling program, targeting a Q2 FY27 start, is integral to refining mine planning and converting Mineral Resources to reserves. This technical push complements the detailed mine planning and pricing underpinning the Comet Restart Study, which is also due for completion in the same quarter.
Site Establishment and Safety Enhancements Progressing
Site readiness is advancing with dewatering infrastructure installation, underground refuge chambers ordered, and communications systems commissioned. A scalable 30-room accommodation camp has been contracted for installation in Q2 FY27, designed to expand as workforce needs grow. Additionally, pit ramp and site access rehabilitation are underway, with targeted underground rehabilitation informed by recent inspections.
Comet Gold Mine Resource Base Supports Restart
The Comet Gold Mine hosts a Mineral Resource Estimate of 3.77 million tonnes at 2.51 grams per tonne for 304,000 ounces of gold, providing a solid foundation for the restart. The mine’s proximity to Westgold Resources’ Tuckabianna Mill offers a nearby processing solution. The recent underground re-entry confirmed generally dry workings and serviceable infrastructure, reducing anticipated rehabilitation needs and supporting a potentially shorter restart schedule.
Broader Development Pipeline Remains Active
While Comet remains the immediate focus, Valiant is also advancing other projects in its Murchison portfolio. South Emu–Triton, with recent strong drilling results, and Boomerang, where resource definition drilling is underway, represent future development opportunities. No development decisions have been made on these projects, which remain subject to further technical review and approvals.
Bottom Line?
Valiant’s decisive infrastructure contracts and technical groundwork position Comet for a potential mid-2027 production restart, but execution risks and study outcomes remain key near-term watchpoints.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Comet Restart Study confirm a definitive mining schedule and budget?
- How will the underground drilling results impact resource conversion and mine planning?
- What are the contingencies if infrastructure delivery or commissioning timelines slip?