SSH named preferred contractor for Cavalier’s Crawford stage one

Strategic Partnership Solidifies Crawford Gold Project's Path to Production

Perth, Western Australia – In a significant development for the Australian gold sector, Cavalier Resources has announced the selection of SSH Group as its preferred mining services contractor for Stage One of the Crawford Gold Project. This pivotal decision, made public on August 26, 2026, signals a crucial acceleration in the project's journey from advanced exploration to active mining operations. The two companies have formally initiated their collaboration by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI), outlining SSH Group's expected role in the initial phase of the gold mine's development.

The selection of a preferred contractor is a fundamental step in de-risking a mining project and moving it closer to its production targets. For Cavalier Resources, this partnership with an experienced Australian mining services provider like SSH Group is a clear indication that the company is transitioning its focus firmly towards execution and the commencement of mining activities. The Crawford Gold Project is positioned to become a new contributor to Western Australia's illustrious gold production landscape, building upon the region's established reputation as a global gold powerhouse.

The Crawford Gold Project: A New Horizon in Western Australia

The Crawford Gold Project is strategically situated approximately 20 kilometers east of Leonora, a well-known mining town in Western Australia's Goldfields region. This area is renowned for its rich gold deposits and robust mining infrastructure, making it an attractive location for new ventures. The initial phase, designated as Stage One, will concentrate on extracting resources from the oxide pit. This specific mining area was comprehensively defined in Cavalier Resources' most recent pre-feasibility study (PFS), which was released in April 2026.

A pre-feasibility study is a detailed technical and economic assessment that evaluates the viability of a mineral project. It provides a robust basis for investment decisions by outlining resource estimates, proposed mining methods, processing routes, infrastructure requirements, and financial projections. By focusing on the oxide pit in Stage One, Cavalier is likely targeting shallower, typically lower-cost ore that is easier to process, providing an advantageous entry point into production and generating early cash flow. This phased approach is a common strategy in mining to manage initial capital expenditure and progressively develop the project's full potential.

SSH Group: A Proven Partner in Australian Mining Services

SSH Group is an established and respected provider of a broad spectrum of services to the Australian resources sector. Its capabilities are extensive, encompassing:

• Contract mining operations
• Civil works infrastructure development
• Equipment hire solutions
• Workforce supply and management

This comprehensive suite of services positions SSH Group as a capable and integrated partner for projects at various stages of development. Daniel Cowley-Cooper, Managing Director of SSH Group, expressed the company's enthusiasm for the new engagement, stating, "We are pleased to have been selected by Cavalier as the preferred mining contractor for Stage 1 of the Crawford Gold Project." He further emphasized the strategic alignment, noting, "Crawford is a good fit for SSH Mining and our capability to support emerging Western Australian projects as they move through development and into operations." This sentiment highlights SSH's role in fostering the growth of the local mining industry by providing essential services to developing projects.

Operational Blueprint for Stage One

The signed Letter of Intent formalizes the initial understanding between Cavalier Resources and SSH Group. While not yet a binding definitive contract, it sets the stage for the detailed negotiations that will lead to a full mining services agreement. The current expectation is that the contract for active mining operations during Stage One will run for approximately 12 months. This timeframe is crucial for planning and resource allocation, allowing both companies to synchronize their efforts effectively.

The path from an LoI to a definitive contract involves several critical steps, as outlined by Cavalier Resources. These include:

• Finalization of commercial terms and pricing structures.
• Signing a binding Heads of Agreement, which further solidifies key commercial terms.
• Execution of a comprehensive mining services agreement, detailing all operational, financial, and legal aspects.

Furthermore, the completion of the agreement is contingent upon several standard conditions precedent. These often include the satisfactory completion of mutual due diligence, agreement on final pricing and benchmarking against industry standards, and crucially, securing the necessary funding for Stage One operations. Such conditions are standard practice in the mining industry, designed to protect both parties and ensure the project's long-term viability and financial integrity before significant capital commitments are made.

Advancing Project Development and Regulatory Milestones

Beyond the contracting process, Cavalier Resources is actively pushing forward on multiple fronts to prepare the Crawford Gold Project for production. Project development activities are progressing steadily, with significant work underway on site preparation and establishing critical access routes. The company is also navigating the complex landscape of regulatory processes, a vital component of any responsible mining operation.

Several major workstreams are reportedly nearing completion, indicating good progress on foundational elements. These include obtaining key approvals for the Mining Development and Closure Proposal, which is essential for defining the operational parameters and environmental management strategies for the mine. Approvals for necessary road intersections are also critical for logistical efficiency and safe transport of personnel, equipment, and materials. In a forward-looking move, Cavalier has also commenced planning for carbon services, aligning with growing industry focus on environmental stewardship and emissions management. Additionally, progress is being made on refining arrangements with the Perth Mint, a significant step in the value chain, ensuring that the gold produced at Crawford can be efficiently processed and marketed.

Securing the Financial Foundation

The successful development and operation of a mining project hinges on robust financial backing. Cavalier Resources continues to engage in discussions with Javelin Global Commodities regarding project funding for Stage One. Securing adequate financing is one of the pivotal conditions that must be met before definitive agreements with SSH Group can be finalized and active mining can commence. The complexity of project financing often involves extensive due diligence, detailed financial modeling, and the satisfaction of various lender requirements.

In a recent update, the period for fulfilling these conditions has been extended by up to 30 days. This extension is a common occurrence in significant financial negotiations, allowing for further documentation, detailed due diligence, and the addressing of additional requirements from potential financiers. It underscores the rigorous process involved in securing capital for mining ventures and reflects the careful consideration both parties are applying to ensure the financial health and long-term success of the Crawford Gold Project.

Leadership Perspectives and Strategic Alignment

Daniel Tuffin, Technical Director and Interim CEO of Cavalier Resources, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership. "Selecting SSH as our preferred mining contractor is another important step towards getting the Crawford Stage 1 pit into production," Tuffin stated. His comments reflect a clear strategic imperative for Cavalier: moving decisively towards operational readiness. He further emphasized the company's current focus, noting, "Site preparation is under way and our focus is firmly on execution; putting the people, equipment and contracts in place to commence mining." This statement signals a pragmatic, action-oriented approach to project development.

Tuffin also expressed confidence in SSH Group's capabilities, affirming, "SSH has the capability and experience we need for Stage 1 and has worked closely with our team to develop a practical approach for mining at the Crawford operation." The collaboration on developing a "practical approach" underscores the importance of a strong working relationship between the project owner and the contractor, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with the project's specific geological and logistical challenges.

Broader Industry Implications and Future Outlook

This development at the Crawford Gold Project holds significant implications for both Cavalier Resources and the broader Australian gold mining sector. For Cavalier, it represents a critical transition from an exploration and development company to a gold producer, a milestone that can significantly enhance its market valuation and attract further investment. For SSH Group, securing such a foundational contract reinforces its position as a leading mining services provider in Western Australia, demonstrating its ability to support new projects from development through to full-scale operations.

The advancement of projects like Crawford contributes to the sustained strength and diversification of Western Australia's gold industry, which is a major global supplier. As the industry increasingly navigates complex regulatory environments and heightened investor expectations for sustainability, the meticulous planning demonstrated by Cavalier and SSH sets a positive precedent. The immediate future will see both companies working diligently to finalize commercial arrangements, secure the necessary Stage One funding, and ultimately, commence the active mining operations that will bring the Crawford Gold Project to fruition. Beyond Stage One, the successful implementation of this initial phase will lay the groundwork for potential future expansions, leveraging the full economic potential of the Crawford deposit and further solidifying Cavalier Resources' presence in the competitive gold market.