Forrestania Resources says Edna May could process first ore and begin gold production in mid-December 2026, bringing forward the company’s near-term production pathway. The target remains conditional on final equipment arriving and being installed on time.
- First ore processing targeted for mid-December 2026
- Edna May mill liners due on site in late November
- First tailings storage cell nearing completion
- Lake Johnston hot commissioning is underway
- Mining equipment mobilising to Tycho and Johnson Range
Edna May restart moves into the final stretch
Forrestania Resources (ASX:FRS) is targeting first ore processing and gold production at its Edna May facility in mid-December, a timetable that would put the Western Australian operation on track to restart before the end of 2026. The company said the schedule depends on the expected receipt and installation of final equipment components.
The most immediate constraint is the mill liner shipment, which is now underway and scheduled to reach site in the final week of November. At the same time, the first cell of Edna May’s Tailings Storage Facility is progressing towards completion in late November, while critical-path maintenance and refurbishment continue across the plant.
Mining equipment reaches Tycho and Johnson Range
Production preparation is extending beyond the processing plant. Equipment from the mining contractor is being mobilised to the Tycho and Johnson Range mines, and the company has reported first ore delivery at the Edna May run-of-mine pad alongside dozer operations and broader site preparation.
That infrastructure-led strategy is becoming more visible across Forrestania’s portfolio. The company recently outlined the Tampia gold resource, a potential additional ore source positioned near Edna May, although today’s update does not provide production volumes, operating costs or a reserve-backed mine plan for the facility.
Lake Johnston remains set for early 2027
Lake Johnston is following a separate, slightly later track. Refurbishment and procurement work continues ahead of commissioning and production commencement in early 2027, with hot commissioning of the gold elution circuit already underway. Motor control equipment, conveyors, concrete works, screen tower refurbishment and a new process water tank are among the works progressing at the site.
Executive chairman David Geraghty said the accelerated Edna May pathway had become increasingly compelling while Lake Johnston continued towards its own production start. The two-hub plan therefore remains dependent on execution across different stages: Edna May must complete final installation and restart work, while Lake Johnston still has commissioning and refurbishment milestones ahead.
Bottom Line?
The December target is a meaningful timing shift, but the next proof point is physical completion: mill liners installed, tailings capacity ready and first ore demonstrably through the plant.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the final equipment components arrive and be installed in time for mid-December processing?
- When will Forrestania provide production rates, operating costs or other economics for the Edna May restart?
- Can Lake Johnston move from hot commissioning to production in early 2027 without competing for management or capital resources?