Processing Issues Cut Brightstar’s November Gold Production by Over 25%
Brightstar Resources has adjusted its November gold production at Laverton Mine down to 4,652 ounces due to processing inefficiencies but remains confident in restoring recovery rates above 90%.
- November gold production revised from 6,300oz to 4,652oz
- Processing recovery dropped to 75% due to sub-optimal leaching conditions
- Higher pyrrhotite content in ore impacted dissolved oxygen levels
- Mining operations continue to meet or exceed production targets
- Final Investment Decision for Goldfields assets targeted early 2026
Production Revision and Processing Challenges
Brightstar Resources Ltd (ASX, BTR) has announced a significant revision to its November 2025 gold production figures from the Laverton Mine. Initial unreconciled estimates suggested a robust output of 6,300 ounces of gold; however, final reconciliation has adjusted this figure downward to 4,652 ounces. The reduction stems from a lower-than-expected processing recovery rate of 75%, compared to the previously reported 83%.
The company attributes the shortfall to sub-optimal leaching conditions during the processing campaign. Specifically, an increased proportion of pyrrhotite-bearing ore from the Fish mine blended into the parcel led to reduced dissolved oxygen levels in the leaching circuit, adversely affecting gold recovery.
Operational Context and Confidence in Recovery Improvement
Despite this setback, Brightstar’s management, in consultation with independent metallurgical advisors, remains confident that recovery rates will rebound to historical levels exceeding 90%. Previous campaigns, including the August 2025 processing run, achieved recoveries above 91%, demonstrating the potential for conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL) processing to deliver strong results.
Mining operations at the Fish and Second Fortune mines continue to perform well, with recent production exceeding budgeted tonnes, grades, and ounces, while maintaining cost efficiencies. The Fish mine alone delivered approximately 3,450 ounces over seven weeks spanning November and December.
Strategic Outlook and Development Plans
Brightstar is advancing its Goldfields assets towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in the first quarter of 2026. The company is finalizing technical work streams for its updated Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS 2.0), which includes revised mine plans and scenarios for increased mill throughput. The June 2025 DFS outlined an average annual production of 70,000 ounces over five years with all-in sustaining costs below A$2,991 per ounce, targets Brightstar aims to improve upon.
Additionally, Brightstar maintains a strong position as an unhedged gold producer with two owner-operated underground mines and a significant exploration portfolio, including the 2.4 million ounce Sandstone Gold Project. The company’s strategic growth plan leverages these assets to build a leading mid-tier gold mining operation.
Resource Base and Compliance
The announcement also reconfirms Brightstar’s substantial mineral resource base across its Laverton, Menzies, and Sandstone hubs, totaling over 81,000 tonnes at an average grade of 1.5 grams per tonne gold. The company confirms no material changes to previous resource estimates and continues to comply with JORC reporting standards, supported by competent person statements.
Brightstar’s Managing Director, Alex Rovira, acknowledged the November campaign’s challenges but emphasized the company’s confidence in overcoming these issues and delivering on its production and financial targets.
Bottom Line?
Brightstar’s near-term production hiccup underscores the importance of processing optimization as it pushes toward a pivotal investment decision in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Brightstar implement process modifications to restore recovery rates above 90%?
- What impact will the revised November production have on the company’s full-year output and financial forecasts?
- How will ongoing metallurgical challenges influence investor confidence ahead of the Goldfields Final Investment Decision?
