Maritana beefs up Black Swan’s nameplate capacity

Maritana Minerals (ASX:MRT) has increased the Black Swan Processing Hub’s nameplate capacity to 2.5 million tonnes per annum.

Located within the Western Australian Goldfields, the hub previously had a processing throughput of 2.2 million tonnes per annum, based on a Scoping Study released in February 2026.

According to Maritana, the increased nameplate throughput could enhance production capacity, which supports the project’s aim of producing 100,000 ounces gold per annum.

GR Engineering Services (ASX:GNG), which was contracted by Maritana in April last year, has submitted the front-end engineering design (FEED) report for review, which completes the project’s FEED phase.

As part of the FEED review process, Maritana is assessing the capital cost implications of the throughput increase. It will also review capital cost items to identify potential cost reductions.

CEO Grant Haywood says the company is pleased with the “substantial progress made at the Black Swan Processing Hub”.

“The completion of the FEED study, together with the increase in nameplate throughput above 2.2 million tonnes per annum, materially improves the project’s production capacity,” Haywood says.

Meanwhile, the company has completed a comprehensive light detection and ranging survey at the project site. The resulting data has been used to create an accurate as-built digital representation of existing brownfield infrastructure.

Maritana says data “significantly de-risks detailed engineering design” and also reduces the potential for clashes between new and existing infrastructure.

The company has also completed the design of an enlarged run-of-mine pad, which can accommodate ore delivery from quad side-tipping road trains. It can also increase stockpiling capacity to support ore blending, as well as optimise mill feeds.

With site activity ramping up and key approvals advancing, Haywood says the team looks forward to “delivering the Black Swan Processing Hub as a cornerstone asset for Maritana Minerals.”

“These activities, combined with our other de-risking initiatives across infrastructure, accommodation and power, position us well for construction commencement in mid-2026 and first production from multiple ore sources in H2 2027,” the CEO says.

Next steps

The company has appointed Mine Build Global for mine development operations, as well as commenced contract tendering for open pit, underground, and haulage services.

Maritana is currently focused on finalising the EPC and reimbursable contract arrangements with GR Engineering Services, which will include the completion of the capital cost review and ongoing optimisation work.

The company is also working on lodged regulatory approvals and completing the removal of the semi-autogenous grinding mill, confirming the refurbishment or replacement pathway.

Accommodation construction works are being advanced, along with site earthworks and ongoing site preparation.

Maritana is likewise finalising its water strategy project with Western Groundwater and Flow Water Services.

Ore commissioning is targeted for H1 FY28 as the company gears up to begin full construction of its mill.

Maritana Minerals is focused on becoming the next gold producer via its portfolio of assets in Australia.

The company was formerly known as Horizon Minerals before undergoing a name change to Maritana as of 13 April 2026, as reported by Mining.com.au.

Read the full article here.