Horizon Minerals Prepares Boorara Ore for Black Swan Gold Hub Commissioning
Horizon Minerals is strategically positioning itself for a low-risk launch of its planned Black Swan gold processing hub in Western Australia's Goldfields. The company has amassed a significant stockpile of mined ore at its Boorara project, which will serve as the primary feed to initiate operations at the refurbished facility in mid-2027.
Ore Stockpile and Contract Adjustments
Following the completion of mining at Boorara in December last year, Horizon Minerals has mutually terminated its ore purchase agreement with the Paddington Gold Mine, effective from 11 February. This decision leaves the company with approximately 460,000 tonnes of material stacked at Boorara, containing an estimated 14,200 ounces of gold. Instead of transporting this ore offsite for processing, Horizon intends to retain it locally to fuel the initial phase of the Black Swan hub's commissioning.
Grant Haywood, managing director and chief executive officer of Horizon Minerals, emphasized the strategic value of this approach. "With the mutual resolution of the haulage contract for the remaining Boorara ore, Horizon Minerals will utilise the 14.2koz Au stockpile as the initial ore source for the commissioning of the Black Swan Processing Hub in mid-2027," he stated. This move is designed to ensure a consistent supply during the critical early stages of production, thereby mitigating startup risks and facilitating a smoother transition to steady operations.
Operational Readiness and Development Plans
To align with this strategy, Horizon has commenced pre-production planning and operational readiness activities at Boorara, aiming to restart the next mining phase in early 2027. This timeline is carefully coordinated to coincide with the commissioning window for the Black Swan processing hub. Additionally, the company has proactively ordered long-lead items to accelerate the conversion of the hub from nickel to gold processing, underscoring its commitment to adhering to the scheduled timeline and avoiding potential delays in equipment procurement.
Haywood further highlighted that Boorara remains a cornerstone of Horizon's broader plan to establish itself as the next standalone mid-tier gold producer in WA's Goldfields. By leveraging the existing ore stockpile, securing development plans, and advancing equipment orders, the company aims to position the mid-2027 start-up of the Black Swan hub as a significant catalyst for growth and investor interest.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The utilization of the Boorara ore stockpile not only de-risks the initial production phase but also enhances operational efficiency by minimizing transportation costs and logistical complexities. As Horizon Minerals continues to stack up these practical elements, the successful launch of the Black Swan gold processing hub could mark a pivotal milestone in the company's trajectory, reinforcing its presence in the competitive WA gold mining sector.
