Gold producer and explorer St Barbara (ASX:SBM) is evaluating an alternative design approach for the Cochrane Hill project in Canada, which is expected to process ore through the planned 15-Mile process plant, according to a filing with the Australian Securities Exchange.

The proposed design changes involve a satellite operation with sorted ore transported by road to the 15-Mile facility for carbon-in-leach processing, the use of ore-sorting technology to reduce haulage and processed tonnages, and optimization of open pit design, the Tuesday filing said.

The redesign is expected to be completed in the fiscal fourth quarter ending June 30, 2025, according to the filing.

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