Classic Minerals Limited is forging ahead with its expansion strategy by moving to the next phase of developing a 250,000 tonnes per annum Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) gold processing plant at its Forrestania facility in Western Australia. The company has completed a detailed Design Study, prepared by Como Engineers Pty Ltd, which outlines a modular, scalable plant design that can eventually be expanded to 500,000 tonnes per annum and potentially up to 1,000,000 tonnes per annum. Technical indicators from the study show a nameplate capacity of 250,000 tonnes per annum, an estimated recovery rate of about 93% using a combination of gravity and CIL methods, and operating cost estimates in the range of $40–$50 per tonne (excluding mining costs), albeit with a design accuracy level of ±35%. IPS Global Pty Ltd has been identified as the preferred EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management) contractor for the project. Their role will include installations ranging from primary ball mills and classification screens to an Intensive Leach Reactor (ILR) and a comprehensive CIL circuit. This development builds on previous successful projects at Classic Minerals Limited and is underpinned by progress in permitting activities, including the submission of a Dangerous Goods Licence application. The plant’s design also emphasizes integration with existing site services and a certified Tailings Storage Facility, all of which support the company’s goal to transition smoothly into production. The feed for the processing plant is expected to come initially from the company’s Ladies Gold Project, which comprises significant mineral resources with nearly 300,000 ounces of gold estimated across both indicated and inferred categories. While no production targets have been set yet, further mine-level studies are planned to determine the economic viability and sequencing of production. Exploration activities across several regional prospects have been temporarily deferred due to seasonal weather limitations and restricted access, but preparatory work is underway to resume drilling as soon as conditions improve. Additionally, legal proceedings continue regarding the full transfer of title for the Hyden tenements, a factor that the company anticipates will unlock additional operational certainty and ease future investment considerations. Investors can look at the news with a mix of optimism and caution. On the bullish side, the appointment of an experienced EPCM contractor, validated technical studies, and a scalable infrastructure point to a well-planned pathway towards near-term production and reduced costs. The company's low operating cost estimates and strategic approach to serving both its own high-grade ore and third-party deposits offer potential for future growth in a competitive market. On the bearish side, the temporary deferrals in drilling due to seasonal weather, ongoing legal disputes over title transfers, and the inherent uncertainties linked to early-stage design studies may create short-term execution risks. These factors, combined with the sensitivity of gold prices and the heavy reliance on continued successful permitting, warrant careful observation from new traders and cautious investors alike.