Overview

The primary objective of the KCGM Growth Project is to expand the processing capacity of Northern Star's Fimiston Processing Plant (Kalgoorlie, WA) from the current 13 Mtpa to approximately 27 Mtpa through suitable upgrades, enhancements and modifications of existing facilities and infrastructure to meet the increased target capacity.

Early works construction for the Project commenced in July 2023 and, at this stage, comprises minor bulk earthworks, site clearance works and Enabling Works which include buried services, infrastructure (SMPEI), deconstruction and firewater/scheme water works. These early works also involve the upgrading of the Fimiston site's existing telecommunications and power supply networks.

A Major Equipment Package (Primary Crusher, SAG Mill, Ball Mill, Flotation Cells, Thickener etc.) has also been awarded to FLSmidth Pty Ltd. Associated equipment and services (Mill Reliner, Third Party expediting and inspection and freight and logistics)packages are in the process of being awarded or tendered.

The main Processing Plant construction works contract for the Project (Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract) has been awarded to Primero Group Limited and will include engineering, design, supply, construction, commissioning and testing of the expanded Fimiston Processing Plant. The EPC construction works are expected to commence in January 2024 and feature the following:

- Wet Plant: All work, services, equipment and infrastructure necessary to process, leach and recover gold from the total flotation tailings and total concentrate produced by the expanded Plant at the Fimiston site. This includes concentrate handling, flotation tail leaching, associated reagents, consumables, services (air and water systems) and utilities;
- Earthworks: Bulk earthworks and detailed earthworks, roads, pads, bollards, signage, buried services and drainage;
- All other works or services necessary to deliver the Processing Plant expansion works.

The KCGM Growth Project will also involve a Brownfields scope of work, such as tie-ins to the current Fimiston Processing Plant and the modification and refurbishment of existing plant and equipment. A later phase of the Project will involve the construction of a new Tailings Storage Facility to cater for the expanded production capacity of the upgraded Processing Plant.

Procurement of goods and services associated with the KCGM Growth Project has commenced (by way of seeking Expressions of Interest and the issuing of various Tender packages) and is expected to be ongoing on this basis for the duration of the Project. These packages are expected to include, for example, borefield upgrade, waste water plant upgrade, security fencing and access, demolition and the supply of associated goods (pumps, spares etc.).

Inclusion as a Northern Star approved supplier or a contracting party involves, among other things, agreement to Northern Star's Purchase Order Standard Terms and Conditions or the execution of a formal Goods and Services Agreement, adherence to Northern Star's company policies and procedures and the holding of all relevant insurances.