Evolution mining’s Mungari expansion

A new chapter in Australian gold mining

Commissioning is now underway at Evolution Mining’s (ASX: EVN) expanded Mungari mill in WA, following the official handover from the project team to operations.  

The milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for the site, with commissioning activities expected to continue throughout the June quarter, setting a precedent for efficient project execution in the industry. 

Mungari is situated about 600km east of Perth and 20km west of Kalgoorlie on the lands of the Marlinyi Ghoorlie people and other knowledge holders and the project has expanded the Mungari process plant capacity from 2mtpa to 4.2mtpa.  

The Mungari mill expansion has been delivered nine months ahead of schedule and at a final estimated cost of $228m — coming in 9% under the original $250m budget. It’s a standout achievement for the project team and a rare success story in the mining sector. 

A legacy forged in gold

Nestled in WA’s Goldfields region, the Mungari gold operation boasts a rich tapestry of discovery, development and transformation. Its journey from early exploration to a cornerstone asset in Evolution Mining’s portfolio underscores the dynamic nature of the mining industry.  

The genesis of Mungari’s mining activities can be traced back to the mid 1990s with the discovery of the White Foil deposit in 1996, followed by the Frog’s Leg deposit in 1999. Initial mining at White Foil commenced in 2002, but was short-lived due to operational challenges, leading to its placement on care and maintenance in 2003. Similarly, Frog’s Leg saw limited open-pit mining between 2003 and 2004 before transitioning to underground operations, with its first gold pour achieved in 2008.  

Recognising the potential of these deposits, in early 2013 Sedgman announced it had secured an engineering, procurement and construction contract to build a new processing plant for La Mancha Resources’ Mungari Gold Project — with La Mancha initiating the construction of the dedicated processing facility.?Completed in 2014, the Mungari processing plant marked a significant milestone, enabling on-site treatment of ore and enhancing operational efficiency.?This development laid the foundation for sustained production and growth in the region. 

Later in 2015, Evolution Mining acquired the Mungari operations from La Mancha, encompassing the White Foil and Frog’s Leg mines along with the processing plant.?This strategic acquisition aligned with Evolution’s vision of building a sustainable, mid-tier gold mining company, and under Evolution’s stewardship, Mungari has undergone significant transformation, including the integration of additional assets such as the Kundana and East Kundana underground operations in 2021 — all of which have bolstered Mungari’s production profile and extended its mine life.  

Strategic vision

At the heart of the Mungari Expansion Project’s success is a story not just of numbers, budgets and timelines, but of people, partnerships and a shared vision brought to life under the guidance of Evolution’s leadership.  

In an ASX announcement earlier this year (April 3, 2025), Evolution managing director and chief executive Lawrie Conway reflected on the achievement during the official handover.  

“Today we celebrate the operational handover of a construction project that has been executed safely, efficiently, ahead of the original schedule and under the original budget,” he said.  

“This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our employees, contracting partners including GR Engineering Services (ASX: GNG), NRW Holdings (ASX: NWH), MLG Oz (ASX: MLG) and local stakeholders, for which I am very thankful. 

“It’s a proud moment for all of us and an important milestone for the Mungari Operation, which will now transition back to a major cash contributor for Evolution.”  

For Mr Conway, the milestone wasn’t just about ticking off deliverables — it was about delivering on Evolution’s values. The expansion, he noted, was a testament to what can be accomplished when a project is driven by genuine collaboration and disciplined execution. 

This kind of delivery — on time, under budget and with safety front of mind — is a rarity in the resources sector, where large-scale infrastructure projects frequently battle delays, cost blowouts and logistical hurdles.  

The Mungari Expansion Project stands in stark contrast, exemplifying what’s possible when strong governance meets strong partnerships and signals the next steps in Evolution’s long-term growth strategy.  

As the project now works through the commissioning phase, Mr Conway’s remarks echo not just accomplishment, but ambition — one rooted in performance, people and the promise of what’s to come. 

Operational & financial impact

Post-expansion, Mungari’s annual gold production is projected to rise by about 50%, from the current 135,000oz to about 200,000oz. The expansion has unlocked the large regional resources base, reducing AISC by 18% to $1,750/oz and extending the mine’s life out to 2038. 

This substantial increase is being attributed to the doubling of the processing plant’s capacity from 2mtpa to 4.2mtpa and the enhanced throughput is expected to be achieved between FY27 and FY32. 

Beyond production volumes and operating costs, the expansion enhances Mungari’s strategic role in Evolution’s portfolio. With the processing plant upgrade now complete and commissioning underway, the asset is positioned to deliver consistent, scalable returns over the long term.  

With the mine’s life extended by another 15 years, the production outlook offers greater certainty not only to investors and company leadership, but also to employees, suppliers and the surrounding Goldfields community.  

The upgraded plant provides Evolution with operational flexibility to process a wider range of ores from both open pit and underground sources and as additional deposits such as Castle Hill, Kundana and East Kundana continue to be developed, the expanded Mungari will serve as a hub for regional ore consolidation.  

This strategy not only improves efficiency but also lowers the unit cost of capital by maximising the use of shared infrastructure. 

Engagement & local opportunities

From the outset, the Mungari Expansion Project was designed not just as an infrastructure upgrade, but as an opportunity to deliver lasting social and economic benefits to WA’s Goldfields region. 

Evolution has prioritised local procurement, Indigenous partnerships and regional job creation — ensuring that the project’s success extends well beyond the mine gate. 

One of the most notable examples of this commitment has been the $15m contract awarded to Steve’s Transportables, a Perth-based Indigenous-owned business.  

The contract focused on the delivery of modular accommodation units for the Mungari’s new Castle Hill Village and provided employment for more than 40 team members — supporting a robust local supply chain. For Steve’s Transportables, the project represented not just a business win, but a platform to grow capability, expand its workforce and demonstrate the value of Indigenous-led contracting in major mining developments. 

Castle Hill Village itself is to play a key role in supporting Evolution’s growing operational footprint at Mungari, offering fit-for-purpose accommodation to workers in a safe, modern and community-focused setting.  

The construction of this facility reflects a broader shift in how mining camps are being reimagined — not just as temporary housing, but as liveable spaces designed with wellbeing, inclusion and longevity in mind. 

For the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and surrounding communities, the economic ripple effect is significant. Local hospitality providers, equipment suppliers, transport operators and service businesses all benefit from the presence of a large, long-life mining operation like Mungari.  

In regional centres where industry investment underpins social services, schools and sporting clubs, this type of economic certainty is critical. 

Evolution has also signalled its broader commitment to regional development through programs that support training, apprenticeships and pathways into mining careers. While not every initiative makes headlines, these long-term investments quietly build workforce capability and ensure that locals, especially young people, have access to meaningful careers close to home. 

Mungari has entered a new era. One defined by longevity, scale and strategic significance.  

The expansion has not only increased processing capacity and improved cost efficiency, but it has also extended the mine’s life to?at least 2038. For a region steeped in more than a century of gold mining history, that kind of forward-looking certainty is no small feat. 

As a result, Mungari is now firmly positioned as a?cornerstone asset in Evolution Mining’s portfolio — a long-life operation with the capacity to deliver consistent returns, year after year. Its future production profile, estimated at an average of?200,000ozpa, transforms the site into a mid-tier powerhouse, contributing meaningfully to Evolution’s overall output and revenue stream. 

And as Evolution looks to the horizon, navigating global markets, ESG expectations and the next chapter in Australian gold, it does so with Mungari as a stable, productive and forward-focused asset.  

One built not just for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s opportunities.