Native Mineral Resources (ASX:NMR) expects to conduct the first gold pour at the Blackjack Gold Project in Queensland next week, using remnant material recovered during commissioning activities.
Managing Director Blake Cannavo says the upcoming first gold pour marks a milestone for the company, symbolising Blackjack’s transition from refurbishment into production.
“Although the initial pour is derived from residual and legacy material recovered during the refurbishment phase, we remain on track to introduce newly mined material into the plant in July 2025,” Cannavo says.
“We are now entering an exciting phase for Native Mineral Resources as we move toward consistent and sustained gold production at Blackjack.”
Dry commissioning has begun across all processing areas, with target completion expected next week. Meanwhile, wet commissioning is progressing across circuits and is scheduled for completion by mid-July 2025.
Native Mineral, which has a market capitalisation of $169.9 million, has begun drill and blast activities, with the starter pit mine design and scheduling completed.
Final reviews are underway ahead of the planned Environmental Authority amendment submission in July 2025, which will also include the tailings storage facility life design.
Further drilling and blast design is ongoing to support additional blasting campaigns scheduled over the coming weeks.
Site preparations are also continuing with the removal of oversize material and vegetation along the northern side of the haul road and the relocation of leach pad fill to enable tailings dam construction.
Native Mineral Resources is an Australian gold and base metals mining company focused on its portfolio of projects in Queensland.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Native Mineral Resources
