St Barbara (ASX: SBM) has provided a comprehensive update on its operational performance and the status of its core development assets, marking a significant period of progress across its international portfolio. The company produced 14,658 ounces of gold from its Simberi operation during the June quarter, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous three-month period. Attributable production for the quarter reached 7,329 ounces, a performance that surpassed the company's previously stated guidance. The operation also contributed A$29 million in cash flow to the business, supported by sales totaling 13,399 ounces at an average realized price of A$6,314 per ounce.

Development activities are moving forward at both the Canadian and international sites. In Nova Scotia, the company officially approved the final investment decision to proceed with the restart of the Touquoy operation. Preparations are well underway, with a mining contractor already mobilized to the site and the refurbishment of the processing plant progressing according to plan. Management is currently targeting the official reopening of the facility for November 2026. This restart is intended to process remaining medium and low-grade ore stockpiles before the equipment is eventually relocated to support the development of the larger 15-Mile Processing Hub project.

The 15-Mile Processing Hub is currently navigating the regulatory environment, having recently submitted its initial project description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. The company is now working through the regulatory process to determine the applicable permitting pathway. To support this next phase, St Barbara recently announced a 24% expansion in the mineral resource estimate for the project, which now stands at 2.5 million ounces of contained gold. Investors can expect further clarity on the economics of this project soon, as an updated pre-feasibility study is scheduled for release at the end of the September 2026 quarter, with a full feasibility study targeted for completion by mid-2027.

Concurrent with these Canadian milestones, construction remains a primary focus at the New Simberi gold project in Papua New Guinea. The company is advancing a US$333 million expansion, with earthworks for the primary infrastructure pads nearing completion. A critical component of this upgrade, a new 5.8-megawatt ball mill, is currently in transit from China and is expected to arrive at the site in early October. Procurement and engineering design for the broader grinding circuit are both 50% complete. Looking further ahead, the commissioning of the project’s new flotation plant is scheduled for the June quarter of 2028, representing a major step in the expansion timeline.

Financially, the company maintains a robust position to fund its various growth initiatives. As of June 30, 2026, St Barbara held a cash balance of A$475 million, with an additional A$21 million in attributable cash and gold bullion held across the Simberi operations. Combined with listed investments, the company reports total liquidity of over A$500 million, which it states is sufficient to meet upcoming capital requirements for the Touquoy restart, the ongoing Simberi expansion, and the development of the 15-Mile Processing Hub.

Read the full announcement: Quarterly Report Q4 FY26