Manuka Resources (ASX:MKR) is looking to begin producing silver and gold from its wholly owned Wonawinta production facility in the Cobar Basin of New South Wales in 2026, appointing Rod Griffith as Executive General Manager of Operations.
Griffith will be responsible for overseeing the Mt Boppy Gold Project, also in the Cobar Basin and Wonawinta during the plant upgrade and restart of silver production. Wonawinta is expected to be producing in Q2 2026.
He has over 30 years of experience in mine development, management, and engineering in the resources industry, holding senior positions in Australia and Indonesia.
Griffith has been directly involved in the opening and operating stages of open cut mines, and had previously been contracted to work with Manuka, making him familiar with the company’s assets.
He previously acted as COO of KBL Mining, and spent more than 20 years with Straits Resources in a number of roles, including the position of general manager projects. He most recently held the position of general manager operations at Alkane Resources’ (ASX:ALK) Tomingley Gold Mine.
Griffith holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Surveying from the University of Newcastle, as well as a postgraduate diploma in mining engineering from the University of Ballarat.
Manuka has a 10 year mine plan to produce 13.2 million ounces of silver at an average cost of $35 per ounce of silver. The company remains unhedged on gold and silver prices in order to increase the profitability of the operation using current prices.
Trading Economics marks the price of silver at US$81.25 per ounce as of 7 January 2026, indicating a 170.05% increase in this year over year. Meanwhile, gold is priced at US$4,495 ($6,672) per ounce with a 69.65% increase in this year over year.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Manuka Resources
