ASX-listed Forrestania Resources has tasked MEGA Resources with openpit mining at the Johnson Range project, in Western Australia.

The contract encompasses the full scope of openpit mining activities, including drill and blast, mining, ore and waste haulage, road and mining infrastructure development, and associated operational support services for the life of the project.

The mining campaign is scheduled to extend over a two-year period and the award has a base contract value of $145-million.

The award follows a competitive tender process and reflects MEGA’s demonstrated operational capability, technical expertise and ability to deliver a fully integrated mining solution, Forrestania states. 

The company believes MEGA's experienced management team, mining fleet capability and proven operational performance will provide a strong foundation for the successful execution of the Johnson Range project.

The Johnson Range project represents an important component of Forrestania's growth strategy, and the appointment of a mining contractor marks a major development milestone as the company transitions from project planning into execution.

"The contract structure provides a comprehensive framework for the delivery of mining services across all stages of the operation and is aligned with the company's objectives of maintaining operational flexibility, cost discipline and high standards of safety and environmental performance," Forrestania confirms.

MEGA's mobilisation activities are expected to start following final project-readiness activities.

Meanwhile, Forrestania and its contractors Polaris Engineering Services and Como Engineers are in the process of sourcing core infrastructure and operational infrastructure to support refurbishment progress at the Lake Johnston project, with commissioning planned for later this year.

Forrestania is integrating its Johnson Range mine and Lake Johnston processing facility into a central hub-and-spoke gold production strategy in Western Australia.

The company expects to conclude key consumable agreements, including grinding media, carbon supply and reagents, in coming weeks following engagement with various commercial suppliers.

"Forrestania’s focus is readily moving toward completing refurbishment activities whilst building operational-readiness capacity. Suppliers are partnering with us at Lake Johnston, and we are continuing to build a robust organisation fit with people, infrastructure and systems required to transition Lake Johnston into operations.

"As we turn toward an important phase of execution where plant refurbishment and operational readiness are progressing concurrently, we’re very pleased by the support shown through multiple suppliers we have engaged with to date, and we look forward to the continuation of this journey and providing further updates as we approach first production," says chairperson David Geraghty.