Auric secures Burbanks processing package at steep discount
Auric Mining has acquired second-hand crushing and processing infrastructure for $1.2 million, securing key equipment for its planned Burbanks restart at a substantial discount to estimated replacement cost. The package is scheduled to move from New South Wales in late 2026, with installation preparation targeted for early 2027.
- $1.2 million acquisition supports the 600ktpa Burbanks CIL design
- Replacement cost estimated at $15 million to $20 million
- Package includes crushing, milling, conveyors and spare crushers
- Relocation is scheduled to begin in Q4 2026
- Equipment is expected on site in Q1 2027
$1.2 Million Purchase Secures Critical Burbanks Equipment
Auric Mining Limited (ASX:AWJ) has bought a substantial package of second-hand processing infrastructure for $1.2 million, giving its planned Burbanks restart access to core crushing and materials-handling equipment without waiting for an entirely new plant build.
The company estimates equivalent replacement equipment would cost $15 million to $20 million. That comparison includes the infrastructure’s relocation to Burbanks, although Auric has not disclosed the detailed payment terms or final all-in relocation bill. The company says the expected saving is already largely reflected in the capital estimate for its July 2026 Burbanks-Munda Integrated Scoping Study.
Crushing Circuit and Spare Equipment Included
The package supports the initial 600,000-tonne-per-year Burbanks carbon-in-leach plant design, with a platform for a potential future expansion to 1.2 million tonnes per year. It includes a complete three-stage crushing circuit, fine ore bin and conveyors, material-handling equipment and shedding, plus the milling structure and associated infrastructure.
Auric is also acquiring spare parts, consumables, two complete spare cone crushers and a spare jaw crusher. Those additions are intended to provide greater equipment redundancy while reducing future procurement requirements, though their practical value will depend on the condition of the equipment after relocation and recommissioning.
Relocation Starts in Q4 2026
The infrastructure is located at a closed mine site in New South Wales. Auric has engaged Interquip to begin dismantling and relocating it in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the equipment expected to reach Burbanks ready for reconstruction in the first quarter of 2027.
That schedule is earlier than the company’s targeted Q1 2028 re-establishment of the processing plant, leaving a period for installation and other project work. The next meaningful test will be whether the equipment can be moved, installed and integrated without eroding the capital and timing benefits claimed in the announcement.
Bottom Line?
Auric has reduced the upfront equipment burden for Burbanks, but the value of the deal now turns on relocation, installation and recommissioning execution.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the final relocation and installation costs remain materially below the estimated replacement cost?
- Can the acquired equipment be integrated on the stated Q1 2027 site-readiness schedule?
- Will the spare crushers and parts materially improve Burbanks operating reliability once the plant is recommissioned?
