Westgold Resources has announced a plan to expand its Cue processing hub in Western Australia’s Murchison region, which will increase processing capacity by over 25%. The Cue Expansion Plan (CXP), which will increase production from 1.4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 1.7Mtpa by the fiscal year 2027/28 (FY28), is intended to increase processing flexibility as underground mine output from Westgold’s Big Bell and Great Fingall operations grows, while also creating additional capacity for future ore sources.
Westgold stated that the renovation will focus on upgrading the existing processing circuit rather than creating new infrastructure.
Upgrades highlighted throughout the study include boosting mill motor power from 2.9 to 4.2 megawatts by installing a replacement liquid-cooled motor and variable speed drive, as well as associated system and pumping enhancements.
The improved circuit is intended to increase milling capacity from around 170 to 200 tons per hour, with commissioning scheduled for late FY27.
Westgold managing director and CEO Wayne Bramwell stated that the development underscores the company’s commitment on optimizing its processing centers as output expands across the Murchison operations.
Westgold’s managing director, Wayne Bramwell. Image: Michael O’Brien. “Bigger mines need bigger mills,” Bramwell stated in a statement.
“Westgold’s underground mine outputs are growing across all the Murchison operations and building ore stockpiles from FY27 onwards.”
The business stated that new ore supply opportunities might arise from the current Fender underground mine, smaller open pits near Cue, existing ore purchase agreements, and the potential future development of brownfields sites at Big Bell South and Cuddingwarra.
Westgold has begun brownfields resource definition drilling and open pit optimisation studies at Big Bell South and Cuddingwarra, all of which are located within 50 kilometers of the Cue Hub.
The CXP has an estimated capital cost of $22 million, with commissioning scheduled for FY27. The scoping study determined a 10-month payback period and an estimated life-of-mine gold production of 1.1-1.3 million ounces.
Westgold said the development aligns with its overall objective of increasing processing hub efficiency, cutting operational costs, and improving cash generation across its operations.
