WA Government greenlights Karlawinda expansion

Capricorn Metals (ASX: CMM) has received regulatory approval for the development of the Karlawinda expansion project in the Pilbara region of WA.

The approval allows Capricorn to undertake all expanded mining activities at the Bibra, Southern Corridor and Berwick open pits, construction and development of a new tailing storage facility, construction works of the expanded processing plant and other infrastructure development.

The expansion project was developed in late 2024, and construction is expected to be completed by Q4 FY26.

The project will include the installation of a new parallel three-stage crushing and ball mill circuit to increase the total processing capacity from 4mtpa to 6.5mtpa.

During Q4 FY25, the company advanced development activities at the project, including extension of the mining contract with MACA for a further five years and construction of the 164-room camp expansion nearing completion.

Capricorn Metals executive chairman Mark Clark says the company is excited to have received approval.

“We have been working hard over the past 12 months to be as prepared as possible for commencement of the project and that should allow an expedited start to construction,” he said.

The process plant design scope also progressed during Q4 to around 60% completion and the company committed $4.2m to the procurement of construction equipment, conveyors and pump packages.