Auric Mining Sets Toll Milling in Motion at Lakewood, First Gold Revenue Imminent
Auric Mining is poised to kick off its first toll milling campaign at Black Cat’s Lakewood Mill in late October, aiming to generate initial gold revenue by November from its Munda Starter Pit.
- 60,000 tonnes of high-grade ore scheduled for processing starting 24 October 2025
- Toll milling agreement covers up to 125,000 tonnes at Lakewood Mill
- First cash flow expected by late November 2025
- Mining of Munda Starter Pit underway, completion anticipated by November
- Plans underway for Munda Main Pit development starting in 2026
Auric Mining Advances Toward Production Milestone
Auric Mining Limited (ASX, AWJ) has announced a significant operational step with the commencement of a toll milling campaign at Black Cat Syndicate’s Lakewood Mill, scheduled to begin around 24 October 2025. This campaign will process 60,000 tonnes of high-grade ore extracted from Auric’s Munda Starter Pit, marking the company’s transition from development to revenue generation.
The Munda Starter Pit mining operation, which began earlier in 2025, is expected to wrap up by October or November. The toll milling arrangement, formalised through an agreement with Black Cat in July, allows Auric to process up to 125,000 tonnes of ore at Lakewood Mill. This approach offers a cost-effective solution to monetise ore without the immediate need for Auric to invest in its own processing infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships and Operational Readiness
To facilitate the campaign, Auric has engaged JT Metallurgical Services Pty Ltd to oversee milling operations and contracted TLL Haulage Solutions Pty Ltd for ore transportation. With 40,000 tonnes already stockpiled on the Munda ROM pad as of mid-September, the company is well-positioned to begin haulage and milling activities on schedule.
Managing Director Mark English emphasised the importance of this milestone, noting that the toll milling agreement not only unlocks near-term cash flow expected by late November but also lays the groundwork for Auric’s broader ambitions. The company plans to initiate detailed planning and scoping for the larger Munda Main Pit in the second quarter of 2026, aiming to expand production and establish itself as a sustainable mid-tier gold producer.
Looking Ahead, Growth and Value Creation
This initial toll milling campaign represents a pivotal moment for Auric, demonstrating its ability to convert exploration success into tangible financial returns. The arrangement with Black Cat Syndicate also reflects a collaborative approach within the Western Australian gold mining sector, leveraging existing infrastructure to accelerate production timelines.
While the announcement stops short of disclosing detailed financial terms or cost structures, the clear timeline and operational readiness signal confidence in Auric’s execution capabilities. Investors will be watching closely for the first cash flows in November and subsequent updates on the Munda Main Pit development, which could significantly enhance Auric’s production profile and market standing.
Bottom Line?
Auric’s upcoming toll milling campaign is a crucial step toward unlocking value, with the market keenly awaiting its first gold revenues and future expansion plans.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the expected margins and cost implications of the toll milling agreement?
- How will the results from the Starter Pit influence the scale and timing of the Munda Main Pit development?
- What operational risks could impact the scheduled milling and haulage timelines?