Mining contractor MEGA Resources has mobilised workers to Star Minerals’ Tumblegum South Gold Project in Western Australia (WA).

Site preparations are currently in progress as they gear up to start mining.

The initial phase of site activities involves removing topsoil from designated mining regions, setting up soil stockpiles for future rehabilitation and installing site offices along with communication infrastructure.

A blast hole drill rig is set to arrive on-site in early April 2026.

The drilling will produce material necessary for constructing run-of-mine (ROM) pads and access roads, using waste from the pit.

The arrival of MEGA Resources' haulage trucks, expected later in April, represents a significant milestone as the company moves closer to initiating full-scale mining operations.

Star Minerals managing director Ashley Jones said: “Mobilisation to site represents a significant milestone for the Tumblegum South Gold Project.

“We are pleased with the progress of early works on-site, with key infrastructure being established prior to mining commencement.”

Star Minerals is advancing the Tumblegum South Gold Project towards first production by early 2026.

The project is situated 40km south-south-east of Meekatharra and 1km west of Meekatharra-Sandstone Road, roughly 3km east of the historical Star of the East mine and 1km south of the former Gabanintha Gold Mine.

It comprises the granted mining lease (ML) M51/888 and encompasses a mineral resource of 616,000t at 2.28 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, totalling 45,000oz of contained gold.

The project includes an indicated mineral resource of 337,000t at 2.52g/t gold, amounting to 27,000oz of gold.

In November 2025, a right to mine agreement was signed with MEGA Resources and Bain Global Resources for the project.