Brightstar receives mining approval for Lord Byron project in Western Australia

Core Viewpoint - Brightstar Resources has received full mining approvals for the Lord Byron project, enabling the company to accelerate gold production growth in the Laverton Hub [4]. Group 1: Project Approvals and Timeline - The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) has approved the Lord Byron project, completing the environmental approval process after the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit was granted in July 2025 [1]. - Development of the Lord Byron open pit is planned to begin in the second half of calendar year 2026, with the construction of a new one million tonnes per annum carbon in leach processing plant in Laverton starting in the first quarter of 2026 [2]. - Mining operations at Lord Byron are expected to commence in the second half of calendar year 2026, allowing for stockpiling of mill feed prior to commissioning [3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance and Infrastructure - The Lord Byron open pit is strategically located less than 10km from the operational Fish underground mine, which facilitates streamlined and low capital expenditure development due to existing surface infrastructure [4]. - The rapid development of the Lord Byron open pit is aligned with the proposed mill construction, set to begin in the first half of calendar year 2026 [5]. Group 3: Exploration and Resource Potential - Recent exploration at Lord Byron has indicated significant potential for increasing the current mineral resource, with drill hole LBRC25001 returning a notable result of 32m at 7.16g/t Au, located directly below the proposed south open pit [5]. - The Lord Byron project has a history of mining activity, previously operated by Crescent Gold and Focus Minerals before being acquired by Lord Byron Mining in 2019 [6]. - Brightstar continues its exploration efforts with ongoing drilling at Sandstone, supporting a pre-feasibility study as part of a 100,000m exploration program [7].