Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) has initiated the first phase of a mill expansion project at its 100%-owned Tuvatu gold mine in Fiji. This initial stage, focused on a Filtered Tailings Expansion Project, is designed to resolve a primary processing bottleneck at the site. By doubling the existing filtration capacity, the company aims to increase its nominal plant throughput from 300 tonnes per day (TPD) to 400 TPD.

The upgrade involves installing two additional filter presses alongside a new filter feed tank, two feed pumps, and supporting structural modifications. No further mining or processing equipment is required to facilitate this capacity increase, according to the company. The project carries an estimated capital expenditure of C$1.9 million and is expected to contribute an additional 2,100 ounces of gold production per year.

Management anticipates the expanded capacity will generate approximately C$11.8 million in additional annual revenue, based on current gold pricing. Given these projections, the company expects the capital investment to reach payback within three months of the upgraded circuit becoming operational. Construction activities are currently underway, with a targeted completion date by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

"We're very excited to start Phase 1 of our mill expansion project. The filter press expansion is a key component of the expansion to 700 TPD and it will have an immediate impact on our production capacity once complete. The economics of the project are very strong with only a 3-month payback period. It's very rare to have a capital project with such a significant impact to also have such a short payback period, so we're very excited to start this project and look forward to its completion in early 2027."

— Ian Berzins, President and CEO

This initiative represents the first step in a broader, multi-phased strategy to scale the operation. While the immediate focus is reaching the 400 TPD milestone, the company maintains a longer-term objective of expanding the total nominal mill capacity at Tuvatu to 700 TPD. The newly installed filter presses will be identical to the equipment currently in use, a design choice intended to simplify maintenance by ensuring commonality of components and standard operating procedures across the processing facility.

In a separate corporate development, the company has appointed Shayla Forster to the role of Corporate Secretary. Ms. Forster brings experience in providing governance, compliance, and disclosure consulting services to publicly listed issuers.

Read the full announcement: Lion One Announces Start of Phase 1 Plant Expansion from 300 TPD to 400 TPD with Filter Press Upgrade