Star Minerals Ltd (ASX:SMS) has received the final approval needed to begin mining at its Tumblegum South Gold Project in Western Australia, with the WA Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration granting a Native Vegetation Clearing Permit.
The permit completes the approvals pathway for mining activities at Tumblegum South, subject to operational decisions by MEGA Resources under the previously announced Right to Mine Agreement.
Managing director Ashley Jones said the approval meant all key elements were now in place to move the project forward.
“The award of the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit means that all key approvals are in place for mining activities at the Tumblegum South Gold Project. With a milling solution in place with Catalyst Metals and our Right to Mine Agreement established with MEGA Resources, all the pieces of the puzzle are in place to enable us to take advantage of ongoing strong gold prices and deliver value for our shareholders.”
The clearing permit decision was publicly advertised for comment on March 6, 2026 and is due to become active from March 29, 2026.
Mining preparations gather pace ahead of permit start date
Preparations for mining are already underway, with grade control drilling completed and MEGA Resources ready to mobilise for site preparation works.
Star has also appointed mining engineer Chris Lee as mine superintendent and Star Minerals representative for the project.
Material from Tumblegum South is set to be processed under a toll treatment agreement with Catalyst Metals at the Plutonic Gold Mill.
The approval marks a key step for Star, leaving the company with regulatory, mining and processing arrangements in place as it advances the project toward production.