Gold mine expansion projects

In July 2026, Maritana Minerals began a 20‑week early‑works program at its Black Swan Processing Hub near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The work focuses on earthworks, demolition, detailed engineering and procurement to convert the plant to a 2.5‑million‑tonne‑per‑annum carbon‑in‑leach gold operation, including upgrades to the crushing and grinding circuit and new water‑treatment and tailings infrastructure. Approximately $25 million has been set aside to de‑risk the project ahead of full construction slated for late 2026, with first gold production expected in the second half of 2027.

A later update in August 2026 reported that Artemis Gold’s Phase 1A expansion at its Blackwater Mine in central British Columbia was 57 percent complete and on schedule for commissioning in Q4 2026. The upgrade will raise processing capacity by 33 percent. Concurrently, the company started major works on the EP2 growth project, completing the first concrete pour for ball‑mill foundations ahead of schedule. EP2 aims to increase throughput by 250 percent to 21 Mtpa by the end of 2028, pushing annual gold output above 500,000 ounces. The EP2 budget is C$1.44 billion, supported by renewable hydropower and gold‑price hedging.