From junior explorer to dual-project developer: Brightstar’s push to build two new WA gold operations 

Building two project hubs at once 

Brightstar’s strategy differs from many gold developers in one important way. Rather than focusing on a single asset, the company is advancing two distinct project hubs simultaneously across Western Australia’s Goldfields and Sandstone regions. 

The Goldfields Project forms the company’s near-term growth platform, centred around the construction of a new 1.5 million tonne per annum processing plant near Laverton. At the same time, Brightstar is advancing Sandstone as a larger-scale, longer-term development opportunity. 

Together, the two projects underpin the company’s broader ambition to become a +200,000-ounce-per-year producer and a top 10 Australian gold producer by 2030. 

That growth has been supported by rapid expansion across the business. Brightstar has grown from a sub-$10 million market capitalisation explorer into a company valued at more than $400 million, with a tenfold increase in Mineral Resources. 

Backing regional Western Australia 

Brightstar’s operations are centred in Laverton, Menzies and Sandstone, all towns with long histories in the Australian gold industry. 

As the company advances its projects, it is expected to play a significant role in future economic activity across Menzies and Sandstone, with Brightstar as the primary proponent of major new mining operations. 

Alongside development work, the company maintains ongoing engagement with Native Title holders, local Shires, pastoralists and regional stakeholders. Brightstar also supports community initiatives, including the annual Laverton Cup and the Menzies Community School. 

For the company, advancing mining projects and supporting regional communities go hand in hand. 

Moving to delivery 

The next phase for Brightstar is centred on execution. 

Construction of the new Laverton processing plant has commenced as the company works toward first gold production in the June quarter of 2027. Open pit mining at the Lord Byron Mine is expected to begin in late 2026. 

At Sandstone, Brightstar is progressing a Pre-Feasibility Study alongside aggressive drilling programs aimed at growing the scale of the existing 2.4 million ounce resource base. 

The company is also continuing to focus on safety, environmental management, stakeholder engagement and Native Title agreements as activity across both project hubs increases. 

Part of a collaborative industry 

For Brightstar, one of the more encouraging aspects of working in the gold sector has been the willingness of people across the industry to share knowledge and support emerging companies. 

That support has come from across the broader Western Australian gold sector, with established producers and industry leaders providing guidance as Brightstar continues to grow. 

As a member of the Gold Industry Group, the company sees value in contributing practical insights from across exploration, development, mining and infrastructure, while also remaining connected to the broader industry network. 

The Gold Industry Group welcomes Brightstar Resources and looks forward to following the company’s next stage of growth across Western Australia. 

To learn more about Brightstar Resources, visit brightstarresources.com.au