Northern Star Flags KCGM at Low End of 550-650koz Guidance

Northern Star (ASX:NST) issued the update because commissioning of the expanded KCGM processing plant has not gone to plan, leaving KCGM production tracking towards the lower end of its FY27 guidance range.

KCGM produced 15.3koz of gold in October from 766kt milled, below plan. Plant availability and throughput were affected by commissioning issues, including intermittent problems with the mill motor control systems, now addressed, and minor rectification work on selected equipment, which is ongoing. A planned 3.5-day maintenance shutdown was completed on 30 October. KCGM production is tracking towards the lower end of the 550-650koz guidance range, with the outcome depending primarily on the timing and pace of ramp-up over the remainder of FY27. The company says plant performance in November, month to date, shows greater stability, and that mining is performing to plan with ROM stockpiles building. FY27 Group production guidance is unchanged at 1,500–1,650koz gold sold, weighted to the second half. Separately, the Hemi Gold Project has received its primary Federal approval under the EPBC Act and State approval under Part IV of the EP Act.

Hemi still requires secondary approvals under the Mining Act 1978, the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 and Part V of the EP Act, and its schedule remains subject to outstanding land access and regulatory processes. No November production figure is given.