Northern Star Downgrades FY26 Gold Output Guidance After December Quarter Slump
Mining News | 2026-01-05 11:12:41
Lower sales across all three production centres are expected to pressure costs.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) reported softer operational performance in the December 2025 quarter, prompting a downgrade to its FY26 gold production guidance. The company said a series of isolated but overlapping disruptions late in the quarter weighed on output and sales across its operations.
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December quarter gold sales totalled approximately 348,000 ounces, taking first-half FY26 sales to around 729,000 ounces. As a result, Northern Star revised its full-year production guidance to 1.6–1.7 million ounces, down from the earlier range of 1.7–1.85 million ounces. Previously disclosed issues at Jundee and South Kalgoorlie accounted for up to a 20,000-ounce impact, with additional unplanned maintenance and operational challenges further constraining production.
Lower sales across all three production centres are expected to pressure costs. Updated cost figures and revised annual cost guidance will be released with the December quarter results on January 22, 2026.
At the Kalgoorlie Production Centre, December sales were about 203,000 ounces, with KCGM output affected by a primary crusher failure. Yandal sales fell to roughly 91,000 ounces due to weaker performance at Jundee and Thunderbox. At Pogo, gold sales of around 53,000 ounces were impacted by lower mined grades linked to underground dilution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Northern Star revise its FY26 production guidance?
A series of overlapping operational disruptions late in the December 2025 quarter reduced gold output and sales.
- What is the updated FY26 gold production guidance?
The company now expects production of 1.6–1.7 million ounces, down from 1.7–1.85 million ounces.
- Which operations were most affected?
Jundee, South Kalgoorlie, KCGM at Kalgoorlie, Yandal, and Pogo all reported production challenges.
