"Black Cat Syndicate Limited Accelerates Lakewood Tolling, Enhances Kal East Efficiency & Appoints COO Tim Mason to Drive Gold Production Growth"
Friday, June 20, 2025
at
8:19 am
Black Cat Syndicate Limited announces an accelerated tolling program at its Lakewood facility to smooth operations as Kal East production ramps up. The company also names industry veteran Tim Mason as COO, reinforcing its commitment to efficiency and growth under the More Gold Sooner strategy.
Black Cat Syndicate Limited has announced significant operational developments at its Kal East Gold Operation and Lakewood processing facility. The company detailed plans to accelerate the existing tolling schedule at Lakewood, where the previous owner was set to toll treat up to 50,000 tonnes of ore per quarter until the end of 2026. In a bid to smooth the transition into full production and prepare for increased ore volumes from the ramp-up at Kal East, Black Cat Syndicate Limited has arranged to toll an additional 40,000 tonnes of ore in the June 2025 quarter. This adjustment will reduce the tolling program for June 2026 by the same volume, thereby minimizing processing stoppages that could arise from switching between tolled ore and ore from its own mines.
The operational update also highlighted recent maintenance activities at the Lakewood facility, with planned shutdowns successfully completed in May and June 2025. Inspections during these shutdowns revealed no significant repair needs, apart from a previously noted requirement for the replacement of an existing gravity tower. That particular repair is now scheduled for September 2025. These efforts are designed to reduce interruptions and allow for a smoother buildup of ore as mining operations ramp up, with temporary stockpiling at Myhree open pit ensuring there will be no disruption once full production is achieved.
In other news, the company has appointed Tim Mason as its new Chief Operating Officer. With a strong background in the mineral resources sector that spans underground mining, exploration, and operational leadership, Mason is expected to bolster Black Cat Syndicate Limited’s pursuit of its “More Gold Sooner” strategy. His role will encompass overseeing current operations at Kal East and Paulsens Gold Operations, planning for new mining projects, and evaluating expansion opportunities that support the company’s growth objectives.
Market sentiment around these updates appears to be mixed but leans toward optimism. On the bullish side, the accelerated tolling program and the successful maintenance shutdowns are seen as strategic moves that could lead to more consistent production and improved operational efficiencies. The appointment of a seasoned leader like Tim Mason adds further credibility to the company’s long-term growth plans. On the bearish side, some may view the reliance on schedule adjustments and planned maintenance—particularly the required gravity tower replacement—as potential risks that could disrupt operations if delays or unexpected issues occur. Overall, however, the combination of enhanced operational planning and experienced leadership is likely to resonate positively with investors, particularly those new to the market.