Sunshine Metals reported that refurbishment work at the Mt Moss processing facility in northern Queensland is progressing to plan, keeping the project on track for commissioning and first gold production in mid-2027.

The operation was acquired by Sunshine Metals on 30 April 2026 for $18 million, consisting of an $8 million upfront cash payment and $10 million in deferred payments. The Mt Moss asset includes mining leases covering seven square kilometres and exploration permits spanning 753 square kilometres, alongside a processing plant featuring two ball mills with a capacity of approximately 300 kilotonnes per annum and an established tailings storage facility.

Site activities completed to date include the safe decommissioning of all magnetite-associated processing equipment, mill equipment upgrades involving the relocation of feed hoppers and foundation assessments, pump reconditioning, and the evaluation of mobile plant, fuel storage tanks, and electrical switchgear. Additionally, the team has rehabilitated site roads, cleared earthworks, and re-established the 30-room accommodation camp and office complex.

Concurrently, engineering and environmental works are advancing, with final reviews of detailed engineering design underway and long lead-time items—including the elution circuit and gold room—already ordered. Waste rock characterisation drilling and water sampling from the open pit and site bores have also been completed to support future gold processing operations.

Construction across the site is expected to begin in October and November 2026, following the finalisation of design work and remaining contracts.

"Mt Moss has been a hive of activity since acquisition. Detech Engineering and the Sunshine team have now completed design works and commenced on procurement of long lead-time items. Furthermore, the teams have overseen the safe decommissioning of unrelated plant and assessment of usable infrastructure."

"Sunshine remains on track and on budget to be commissioning the Mt Moss Processing Facility in mid-2027."

— Dr Damien Keys, Managing Director

Site works have focused on emptying the ball mills, stripping liners and drives, and reconditioning water and tailings pumps to prepare the infrastructure for the upcoming construction phase.

Read the full announcement: Refurbishment on Track - Mt Moss