By Paula Fabe.

Maritana Minerals (ASX:MRT) has commenced early works at its Black Swan Processing Hub (BSPH) in Western Australia, targeting first gold production in H2 2027.

The company has engaged GR Engineering Services (ASX:GNG) to deliver the 20-week early works program. Early works cover earthworks, demolition, detailed engineering, and long-lead equipment procurement.

This phase follows completion of the 2.5-million-tonne-per-annum front-end engineering and design (FEED) study in June 2026.

Maritana says the program aims to de-risk costs and scheduling ahead of full construction targeted for Q3 2026.

Managing Director Grant Haywood says the commencement of early works is a ‘major step forward’ for the BSPH.

“[The hub] will see site-based activities begin shortly as we transition from design to delivery,” Haywood says.

“GR Engineering Services will lead this phase, while detailed engineering and the ordering of long-lead equipment is progressed in parallel.

“These steps de-risk costs and timing, which keep us on track for our objectives of advancing toward full construction in Q3 CY2026 and producing first gold from the Black Swan Processing Hub in H2 CY2027.”

Maritana has also engaged Zeal Engineering as owner’s engineer (OE) to oversee delivery of the program.

Processing plant conversion

The scope covers converting the existing processing plant and building new areas at the BSPH.

Works include refurbishing the crushing and grinding circuit and converting the single-stage semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill circuit to a semi-autogenous ball mill crusher configuration.

Long-lead equipment procurement is currently progressing to maintain project schedules. Maritana has already ordered mill motors and thickeners.

Additionally, GRES has completed non-destructive testing of the SAG mill shell and head welds, identifying a small number of defects that will be resolved during the early works phase.

Full steam ahead towards full construction

Maritana says it has committed approximately $25 million for early works. These funds will go towards securing critical long-lead equipment and advancing detailed engineering ahead of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phase.

The program is expected to take about 20 weeks, targeting completion by early Q4 2026 as the company finalises contract arrangements with GRES.

Meanwhile, Maritana notes the EPC contract is being finalised, positioning the company for a seamless transition from early works into full construction ahead of a final investment decision.

The company also intends to award carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit contracts during early works.

Maritana Minerals is an emerging mid-tier gold producer focused on developing the BSPH near Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia.

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