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Highlights
- Vertex Minerals starts underground operations at Reward Gold Mine
- Initial production from Lady Belmore Reef underway
- Mining fronts to ensure continuous feed to processing plant
First Gold Ore Blast Marks New Phase for Vertex Minerals
Vertex Minerals (ASX:VTX) has commenced underground production at the Reward Gold Mine in New South Wales, marking a significant operational milestone. The first blast on the Lady Belmore Reef has delivered gold-bearing ore, which will now complement the existing low-grade stockpile feed to the gravity processing plant.
The development adds momentum to Vertex’s production schedule, positioning the company for a consistent processing workflow. While not part of the ASX 200, the miner continues to make operational progress in the gold sector, which remains a core focus area for investors seeking exposure to resource-backed growth stories.
Underground Advancements and Infrastructure Setup
The Reward underground operation is now supported by a fully installed and powered transformer substation, enabling efficient energy delivery for mining activities. Additionally, cabling to the primary ventilation fan is complete, ensuring optimal underground working conditions.
Vertex’s operational plan involves developing multiple mining fronts to sustain a steady supply of high-grade material to the plant. This approach allows for flexibility in mining methods, ensuring adaptability to varying geological conditions within the ore body.
Mining Strategy and Near-Term Outlook
The mine’s schedule includes extracting ore from a developed airleg stope block, aligning the stope width with the geological interpretation of the deposit. Recognising the need for early high-grade returns, the company has accelerated plans to mine a high-grade long hole stope this month. This will be undertaken using specialised equipment, such as the Epiroc Production Rig, to optimise recovery and efficiency.
With the combination of traditional and modern mining techniques, Vertex aims to maintain continuous feed to the processing plant, enhancing the efficiency of gold recovery operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Reward Gold Mine located?
The Reward Gold Mine is situated in New South Wales, Australia, within a region known for its historical and ongoing gold production. - What type of mining methods are being used?
Vertex Minerals is using a combination of airleg stoping and long hole stoping methods to suit different ore body conditions and maximise efficiency. - How will the new operations impact production?
The underground production is expected to ensure a consistent feed to the processing plant, supporting a smoother and potentially more efficient gold extraction process.
