Ora Banda Approves Major Davyhurst Expansion as It Targets Next Growth Phase

18 May 2026 | Western Australia - Ora Banda Mining has announced a major growth push at its Davyhurst Gold Project, approving key projects aimed at supporting its new “DRIVE to 300” aspiration.

The company has approved construction of a new standalone 3.0Mtpa processing plant at Davyhurst, with the project expected to lift combined nameplate milling capacity to 4.2Mtpa when added to the existing 1.2Mtpa Davyhurst mill.

The new plant forms part of Ora Banda’s broader plan to build a larger, lower-cost and more flexible gold business in Western Australia. The company has estimated total capital expenditure for the expansion at A$375 million, including an expected A$233 million EPC contract with GR Engineering Services, which has been appointed preferred contractor.

GR Engineering’s scope covers design, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning of the new 3.0Mtpa process plant. The project is located approximately 120km north-west of Kalgoorlie.

Ora Banda said works are planned to commence early in FY27, with commissioning scheduled for the March quarter of FY28.

The company has also approved development of Waihi Underground as its third underground mine, with a capital cost of A$90 million. A portal is planned for Q2 FY27, with development to focus on fast-tracking access to the high-grade Golden Pole lode. Steady-state production is scheduled for Q1 FY28.

Ora Banda Managing Director Luke Creagh said the DRIVE to 300 plan was the company’s next phase of growth, building on earlier DRIVE to 100 and DRIVE to 150 achievements. He said the potential doubling of production was currently expected to be capable of being internally funded and could position Ora Banda as a long-term sustainable gold business.

Why it matters: The Davyhurst expansion is a significant development for the Western Australian gold sector. A new 3.0Mtpa plant, combined with additional underground and open pit growth options, would give Ora Banda greater processing capacity, reduce reliance on third-party milling and provide more flexibility across its mine plan.

The announcement comes alongside a major resource and reserve update for the Davyhurst Gold Project. Ora Banda reported a total Mineral Resource estimate of 54.8Mt at 2.0g/t gold for 3.57Moz, an increase of 1.46Moz from 1 July 2025. The company’s total Ore Reserve estimate also increased 136% to 7.8Mt at 2.2g/t gold for 555koz.

The updated reserve includes a maiden Waihi Underground Ore Reserve of 825kt at 3.8g/t gold for 101koz, including the Golden Pole lode, and a maiden Round Dam Ore Reserve of 3.7Mt at 1.9g/t gold for 223koz from five open pits across 3.6km of strike.

Ora Banda said the key projects are targeted to deliver benefits including increased scale, lower unit costs, removal of third-party milling costs, operating efficiencies and reduced single-asset risk through dual mill optionality.

For contractors, suppliers and mining professionals, the expansion points to continued activity across the Davyhurst region, including processing plant construction, underground development, open pit growth and ongoing exploration.

Ora Banda has noted that DRIVE to 300 is an aspirational target and not a production forecast or production target at this stage.

Source: Ora Banda Mining ASX announcements, “DRIVE to 300 aspiration and Key Project Approvals” and “Waihi and Round Dam Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement”, 18 May 2026; GR Engineering Services ASX release, 18 May 2026.