Fimiston South Project APPROVED – Extending the life of the Super Pit to 2034
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Northern Star Resources (Northern Star) has received approval to commence an exciting growth project at KCGM Operations – the ‘Fimiston South Pit Expansion’.
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Northern Star has undertaken extensive environmental studies as part of the project, with comprehensive environmental management plans in place to mitigate potential impacts. An independent, dedicated Social Impact Assessment was completed to identify both positive and potentially negative impacts to the community; which identified key themes for KCGM’s Social Impact Management Planning.
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Following an extended public consultation period, Northern Star welcomes Ministerial approval of our Fimiston South Project. This project is an important step in the continued growth of our KCGM Operations and the broader Kalgoorlie-Boulder region. With this key approval in place, we can now focus on safely and responsibly commencing work on Fimiston South to extend KCGM’s operating life. This in turn, will underpin long-term social and economic benefits for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder region.
Fimiston Open Pit
The project will consist of two cutbacks, named to celebrate KCGM Operations’ close connection to the Boulder community and historic links to the Golden Mile. The ‘Great Boulder’ cutback will be the single largest cutback at the Fimiston Open Pit in more than a decade, followed by the ‘Ivanhoe’ cutback. Both cutbacks share the names of leases first pegged by Will Brookman and Sam Pearce in 1893 when mining first commenced in the region.
A map of the Fimiston South project has been included below:
Operations
To support the project, waste rock will either be redeposited back into the Fimiston Open Pit or hauled to existing waste rock dumps.
Tailings Storage Facilities forms part of the project. Expansion of the Fimiston IIE Tailings Storage Facility to include a third cell and a new Fimiston III Tailings Storage Facility.
Both are vital to provide additional supporting infrastructure for the Fimiston South Project.
During the first 12 months of the project, when mining is close to the surface, there may be instances where open pit blasting will temporarily close a small section of the Goldfields Highway. Northern Star will work closely with stakeholders throughout this process.
Early Works
Managing and mitigating environmental impacts from our operations is a key focus for Northern Star. To reduce noise impacts, an established environmental noise bund surrounds KCGM Operations on the western side (City side). This ensures a noise barrier exists between the Fimiston Open Pit and City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
As part of the Fimiston South Project, a portion of the existing noise bund towards the South Boulder industrial area, required relocating westwards to ensure that noise mitigation measures were in place prior to project commencement. Construction works on the noise bund realignment began in 2024 and will continue for approximately 12 months.
Northern Star strives to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders and the communities in which we operate. At KCGM Operations, we consider the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community to be one of our most important stakeholders, and we are fortunate to enjoy a strong relationship developed over 30 years.
As a Company, we strive to engage openly, honestly, and regularly with the communities impacted by our operations and consider their views in our decision-making and future plans. At KCGM Operations, we regularly undertake Social Impact Assessments and use feedback from our stakeholder and community engagement to understand what issues matter most to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
Environment
Northern Star has undertaken a number of environmental studies to understand and mitigate potential project impacts. This includes preparations for a slight modification of the Environmental Noise Bund near the South Boulder Industrial Area, as well as flora and fauna, greenhouse gas emissions, and air quality studies.
Mining operations and environmental impacts will continue to be monitored and managed through Northern Star’s existing Environmental Management Plans.
Super Pit Lookout
As part of the project, the Super Pit Lookout has been relocated. Construction of the new Lookout has begun, with a new access road being constructed off Mt Monger Road in 2025.
Questions or Feedback?
If you have questions about Fimiston South or would like to know more about KCGM Operations, connect with the Northern Star team: