en.Wedoany.com Reported - Maritana Minerals (ASX: MRT) has secured key regulatory approvals and is advancing non-process infrastructure works at its Black Swan Processing Hub (BSPH) in Western Australia, with first gold production targeted for the second half of 2027.
The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) approved the Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) in late July, followed by the Department of Water and Environment Regulation approving the new carbon-in-leach circuit works permit earlier this month. Managing Director Grant Haywood said these recent approvals represent key milestones, keeping the regulatory approval process on track. Haywood stated that with approvals in place, the clearing permit application is being assessed by the DMPE, with a target of completion within 30 days. He also noted that the company is de-risking the non-process infrastructure (NPI) required to support BSPH construction and operations.
Early site works are progressing in parallel with the approval process and NPI workstreams. Maritana has engaged Flow Water Services to complete a A$1.3 million wellfield upgrade within its tenement to support early works. Haywood said the wellfield upgrade is a pragmatic near-term early works investment, while power supply studies are focused on securing reliable and cost-effective electricity to address outages experienced by other operators in the region. The power supply assessment is evaluating grid connection using two existing transmission lines, gas, and hybrid renewable solutions to mitigate regional outage risks. Meanwhile, Maritana plans to install short-term leased diesel generators to meet the target start date.
Resource Potentials has been engaged to investigate additional water supply options on the north and south sides of the site. Preliminary assessment of Yarri Road indicates that the 18-kilometre unsealed section to the hub does not require bitumen sealing, reducing the scope and cost of upgrades. The company is currently liaising with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to optimise upgrade plans and minimise road closures during adverse weather conditions.
On accommodation, the first stage of the construction camp was commissioned on 3 August 2026, and a permanent 60-room camp, expandable to 120 rooms, is currently being procured, with operations expected to commence from January 2027. ESN Group is reviewing on-site communications requirements, while Maritana is designing permanent entry and safety facilities to manage site access and traffic. Further MDCPs covering the tailings storage facility have now commenced and are scheduled for submission later in 2026.
Haywood said BSPH is building momentum, with key approvals secured, site establishment and water infrastructure works underway, and road and communications requirements coming in below expectations. Maritana Minerals is an emerging mid-tier gold producer focused on developing the BSPH near Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia.
