Forrestania awards $5m upgrade contract to get its three-stage crusher circuit refurbed

Forrestania Resources (ASX:FRS) has this week awarded a further contract in a program to fast-track the upgrade of the Lake Johnson project in Western Australia, signing up Polaris Engineers for $5 million to refurbish the three-stage crushing circuit at the Lake Johnston processing facility.

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The CY26 works to be carried out by Polaris covers the refurbishment of all major equipment, piping, cabling and instrumentation.

“We’re moving quickly at Lake Johnston, and with the existing plant layout, the crushing circuit is the obvious package to commence on-site works,” Forrestania’s chairman, David Geraghty, said today.

“Engaging Polaris Engineering Services with experience in this field to deliver a complete, ready-to-operate crushing circuit and delivery timeline of approximately 25 weeks, this aligns with our broader development planning and underpins our transition from gold developer to gold producer.

“We control the processing facility, we are investing in the key recovery infrastructure, and we are executing with discipline and pace.”

Mr Geraghty said it was elected to complete the crushing circuit first, as it allows the Australian mining company to take advantage of the existing accommodation and other facilities already built on site.

“The existing and proposed site layout allows for discrete packages to be awarded in a timely and methodical manner, and in line with current statutory approvals for the site,” Mr Geraghty explained.

Earlier this month, Forrestania contracted Como Engineers for the supply of a fully automated modular five-tonne pressure Zadra elution complete with gold room equipment, reagents and carbon regeneration plant.

That $5.57 million contract covers all major equipment, piping, cabling, instrumentation, and valves, which are fully integrated within the skid structures and will remain installed on the skids for transport.

“By integrating all major equipment, piping, cabling, instrumentation and valves within the skid structures prior to transport, on-site construction activities are minimised,” Mr Geraghty said.

“Como was selected for their proven expertise in modular gold processing plant design and construction across Western Australia, as recognised by their 2025 Western Australian Exporter of the Year award.”

FRS will open selling at 55.5c today. Mkt cap $538.7M.

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