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Highlights
Native Mineral Resources gears up for first gold pour at the Blackjack project
Dry and wet commissioning activities underway at processing facilities
Site preparations and drilling operations continue across the Queensland site
Native Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX:NMR), a gold and base metals explorer listed on the ASX 300, is advancing toward its first gold pour at the Blackjack Gold Project in Queensland. The milestone, expected next week, marks a significant step for the company as it transitions from refurbishment to operational status.
The company has outlined that the initial gold pour will use residual and legacy material recovered during the commissioning phase. Newly mined ore is scheduled to be introduced into the processing circuit from July next year.
Commissioning Enters Final Stages Across Processing Areas
Dry commissioning activities have commenced across all key processing areas. These tasks are expected to be completed soon, with wet commissioning advancing through various circuits. The company anticipates the wet phase to reach completion by mid-July.
This dual-phase commissioning program is designed to ensure equipment functionality and throughput efficiency ahead of full-scale production. The company views this period as foundational in preparing for continuous operations at the Blackjack facility.
Drill and Blast Activities Progress Alongside Mine Development
In tandem with processing readiness, drill and blast work has commenced on-site, supported by the finalisation of the starter pit mine design and scheduling. Additional blast design efforts are underway, aimed at sustaining near-term operational momentum.
Site activities also include clearing oversized material and vegetation along the northern section of the haul road. This preparation supports broader infrastructure development, particularly the tailings storage facility, which will be covered in the upcoming Environmental Authority amendment submission.
Regulatory and Environmental Frameworks Under Review
Native Mineral Resources has confirmed that a submission for the Environmental Authority amendment is scheduled for July next year. The submission will include design specifications for the tailings storage facility and contribute to the company's compliance and site longevity planning.
Leach pad materials are being relocated as part of this process to accommodate construction needs. These developments are seen as critical to ensuring alignment between environmental management and production scaling objectives.
Advancing Toward Sustained Gold Production
The company regards the upcoming gold pour as a milestone event, marking the transition from project refurbishment into production. According to the leadership team, the Blackjack Gold Project is now entering a pivotal operational phase, with the groundwork laid for consistent output over the months ahead.
