Ausgold Limited (AUC) is pushing forward with development workstreams at its Katanning project in Western Australia, as the company targets a final investment decision by the end of 2026. The developer has confirmed the execution of early works agreements with its preferred engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, Lycopodium, and its chosen build-own-operate power provider, CrossBoundary Energy. These partnerships are designed to facilitate detailed engineering, project execution planning, and the procurement of long-lead equipment ahead of the planned formal investment milestone.

"We are continuing to execute a disciplined development strategy at Katanning that focuses on advancing those workstreams that will have the greatest impact on reducing project risk and compressing the construction schedule once a final investment decision is made."

"Importantly, the ongoing environmental assessment process continues to reinforce what we have long believed - that Katanning is a highly developable project located predominantly on cleared farmland with a relatively modest environmental footprint."

— John Dorward, Executive Chairman

The company’s on-site activities are also gaining momentum. Construction of the workforce accommodation village is underway, with the project utilizing land secured through a long-term lease arrangement with the Shire of Katanning. The manufacturing of modular building units is now approximately 45% complete off-site. Management expects the delivery of these first modules to begin in early August 2026, with the initial stage of the village scheduled to be fully operational by November 2026 to support the primary construction workforce.

Permitting remains a core focus, and the company is utilizing its inclusion in the WA Priority Permitting Program to coordinate assessments across multiple state agencies. Ausgold recently submitted all supplemental information requested by the Environmental Protection Authority, following a comprehensive program of targeted field surveys. These environmental studies have included specialist fauna assessments, confirming no occurrences of species such as trapdoor spiders within the project footprint.

The company remains committed to its stated timeline, which projects first gold production in mid-2028. This proactive approach to pre-construction planning is intended to shorten the post-FID timeline by ensuring critical logistical and power infrastructure is ready for the transition into full-scale construction. 

Read the full announcement: Development Activities Accelerate at the KGP