Vast Resources (AIM:VAST) has increased gold production by 5% to 2,701 ounces in Q3 2026, compared to 2,508 ounces the previous quarter, at the Aprelevka Joint Venture Project in Tajikistan.
The average gold grade of ore mined also increased 12%, averaging 1.102 grams per tonne gold, in comparison to 0.981g/t gold.
The Kansai Tailings mine also increased by 44% quarter-on-quarter, from 96,120 tonnes to 137,964 tonnes.
At the same time, ore mined and throughput increased by 14% and 21%, respectively.
Despite gold production increasing, silver production had decreased 3% from 24,242 ounces to 23,603 ounces for the quarter.
CEO Andrew Prelea says the project delivered improved operational performance in Q3, with higher throughput, stronger ore grades, and increased gold production, despite the impact of processing lower grade tailings during the period.
“Looking ahead, the improvements made to the processing plant provide a good platform for Q4,” Prelea says.
“While at Soviet Tailings, we are approaching an important stage, with the pilot flotation plant nearing commissioning and drilling for the maiden mineral resource estimate now complete.”
The Aprelevka joint venture (JV), in which Vast holds a 49% stake, operates across four gold mining areas along the Tien Shan Belt. Ore from the areas, together with material reprocessed from the Kansai Tailings, is processed through the project’s processing plant to produce gold and silver.
Aprelevka contains a non-JORC estimated resource of 235,006 to 331,191 ounces of gold and around 65.05–88.94 million ounces of silver.
Gold produced from the project is sold to the National Bank of Tajikistan at prevailing spot prices, with sales taking place three times per month.
Soviet tailings progress
Construction of the soviet tailings pilot floatation plant continued during Q3, with electrical works, installation of cell motors, refurbishment of all 28 flotation cells, thickeners, and plumbing now complete.
The main works remaining ahead of the planned commissioning in Q4 2026 are completing the tailings pipework, emptying the existing tailings pit, and delivering and installing the remaining equipment.
Fabrication of the outstanding equipment has been completed and is being loaded for transport to site in the third week of November.
Vast Resources is a miner focused on its portfolio of producing and development assets in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Main image: Vast Resources
