Let's Grow Together
Northern Star's growth projects play a crucial role in extending mine life and creating long-term opportunities at our KCGM Operations. We are doubling processing capacity, expanding both open pit and underground, investing in regional exploration, and advancing renewable energy solutions.
For the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community, this means greater opportunities for residential jobs and businesses, and boosting the local economy. We're strengthening our investment in community initiatives and sponsorships, while maintaining our commitment to responsibly manage our environmental and social impacts.
Northern Star's Growth Projects are a key part of our strategy to extend the life of our KCGM Operations to at least 2034. To build the infrastructure and lay the foundation for long-term growth and sustainable operations, we require short-term, specialised workforces.
As we grow, so too does our commitment to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
Northern Star is committed to working collaboratively with local stakeholders to manage impacts, ensure transparency, and keep the community informed.
Building a sustainable future at KCGM
Our ongoing and future growth projects supporting long-term, sustainable operations, while creating lasting opportunities for both KCGM and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
Information Sheets
Managing our impacts
How We Manage Our Impacts
At Northern Star, we’re committed to responsible mining and minimising the impact of our operations on our community.
Conscious changes today, for our better tomorrow.
Blasting
Blasting vibrations travel outward like ripples in water, naturally reducing in strength with distance. Nearby residents may occasionally feel light ground tremors or hear a low, thunder-like sound.
Our impact management efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to operate safely, respectfully, and sustainably - for our neighbours today and for future generations.
Strict Monitoring
All blasts are carefully monitored to ensure vibration levels stay well below thresholds that could cause structural damage - even in the most sensitive buildings.
Considered Design
We take into account factors like the type and amount of explosives, local geology, and proximity to homes/town when planning each blast.
Our Smart Technology
Our operations are supported by a network of advanced monitoring systems that track vibration levels in real time, ensuring transparency and safety.
Dust and Noise
Northern Star is committed to minimising the environmental impacts of its operations, with a strong focus on dust, noise and vibration management.
At KCGM, our Dust Monitoring and Management Program has been in place since 1993, guided by conditions set by the Minister for Environment and regularly updated. Major sources of dust at our Fimiston Operations include drilling, blasting, vehicle movement, ore and waste rock handling, wind erosion, and crushing activities.
Air Quality Testing
We continually assess 24-hour average PM10 (air quality) levels, with results published daily on our website.
Dust Monitoring
We operate a comprehensive dust monitoring network across Kalgoorlie-Boulder, with seven air quality monitors and two wind monitors tracking conditions in real time.
Noise Monitoring and Reporting
A real-time noise monitor has been installed to capture continuous sound data, helping guide our noise management strategies. Noise monitoring results have been publicly reported every quarter since 1993.
Our Proposed Renewable Energy Projects
Northern Star is making conscious choices toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. As part of our Group commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030, we’re investing in renewable energy solutions at KCGM.
To reduce our reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources, Northern Star is seeking to develop renewable energy generation facilities alongside a new multi-fuel thermal power station at our KCGM Operations.
- 200MW Wind Farm
Over 30 wind turbines - 100MW Solar Farm
150 hectares of single-axis tracking solar panels - 240MW Battery Storage System
Store and balance renewable energy supply - 120MWh Multi-Fuel Thermal Power Station
For reliable backup and transition support
(All located near KCGM Operations, ensuring localised, efficient energy delivery)
Short-term workforce, supporting long-term growth
The Northern Star expansion projects are a key part of our strategy to extend the life of KCGM Operations to at least 2034 - supporting residential jobs, boosting the local economy, and enabling sustainable, lower-emission operations.
As we grow, so too does our commitment to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
We understand there are community concerns about large-scale camps. Northern Star is committed to working collaboratively with local stakeholders to manage impacts, ensure transparency, and keep the community informed.
How we manage our impact
To build the infrastructure that supports long-term residential roles and sustainable operations, we need short-term, specialised construction support. This increases requirements for workforce accommodation to house these personnel.
With Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s residential vacancy rate at just 0.7% and local hotels having limited capacity, we’re investing in designated workforce accommodation to reduce pressure on the housing market - ensuring homes remain available for families and permanent residents.
What this means for Kalgoorlie
- Less pressure on the already stretched housing market
- More opportunities for local suppliers and businesses
- A pathway to permanent residential roles and family relocation support
- A more sustainable economic future for Kalgoorlie
