How Will Black Cat’s New Tenements Transform Lakewood’s Gold Output?
Black Cat Syndicate has acquired 90km of strategic tenements near its Lakewood facility, aiming to extend tailings storage capacity and support a planned processing expansion to 1.5 million tonnes per annum.
- Acquisition of 90km of tenements adjacent to Lakewood
- Tailings storage capacity extended from 7 to over 20 years
- Supports Lakewood processing expansion from 1.2mtpa to 1.5mtpa
- Engineering study results expected in March 2026
- Acquisition cost of $200,000 payable on completion
Strategic Land Acquisition Near Lakewood
Black Cat Syndicate Limited (ASX – BC8) has announced a significant acquisition of 90 kilometres of tenements adjacent to its Lakewood gold processing facility, part of the Kal East Gold Operation near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. This move is designed to secure long-term tailings storage capacity, a critical component for sustaining and expanding processing operations.
The newly acquired ground is expected to extend the current tailings storage facility (TSF) capacity from seven years to well beyond twenty years. This extension is vital as Black Cat plans to increase throughput at Lakewood from approximately 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 1.5 mtpa, enabling higher gold production volumes.
Supporting Growth and Operational Expansion
Since taking control of Lakewood earlier this year, Black Cat has implemented several operational improvements, including commissioning a new TSF and installing a gravity circuit. The acquisition of these tenements complements an ongoing engineering expansion study aimed at increasing processing capacity, with results anticipated in the March 2026 quarter.
Beyond tailings storage, the tenements may also provide new water sources, which are essential for expanded production activities. This aligns with Black Cat’s “More Gold Sooner” strategy, emphasizing accelerated growth and operational efficiency.
Transaction Details and Next Steps
The acquisition, subject to completion conditions including assignment of third-party agreements and regulatory approvals, involves a payment of $200,000 to Black Mountain Gold Pty Limited, a subsidiary of Horizon Minerals Limited. Completion is expected within seven business days following satisfaction or waiver of these conditions.
Managing Director Gareth Solly highlighted the strategic nature of the acquisition, noting its role in securing long-term operational capacity and supporting the planned expansion. Investors will be watching closely for the upcoming engineering study results, which will provide further clarity on the scale and timing of the Lakewood expansion.
Bottom Line?
Black Cat’s land acquisition lays the groundwork for a significant production boost, with March 2026 set to reveal the full potential of Lakewood’s expansion.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the engineering expansion study reveal about the feasibility and cost of increasing throughput to 1.5mtpa?
- How soon can Black Cat expect to realise increased gold production following the expansion?
- What regulatory hurdles remain before the tenement acquisition is fully completed and operational?
