Vertex Minerals (ASX:VTX) has secured approval to operate and conduct underground blasting around the clock at its Reward Gold Mine in New South Wales.
Bathurst Regional Council approved a modification to the mine’s development consent, covering 24-hour underground operations and blasting. The modification also clarifies operating hours across the broader site.
Vertex says the approval removes an operational constraint as it advances underground development and works towards commercial production.
The company has begun processing gold through its gravity plant and producing from existing stockpiles. In June, Vertex reported ‘record’ gold sales from Reward.
Executive Director of Operations Jim Simpson says the consent modification represents a step in the transition towards full-scale operations.
“Securing this approval marks an essential operational milestone as the company moves directly toward commercial production,” Simpson says.
Vertex inherited around $25 million of underground development at Reward, which sits below the historic Hawkins Hill mine. Hawkins Hill produced 435,000 ounces at an average grade of 309 grams per tonne gold (Au), according to the company.
Reward hosts a mineral resource estimate of 419,000 tonnes @ 16.72g/t Au for 225,200 ounces.
This comprises 141,000 tonnes @ 15.54g/t Au for 70,500 indicated ounces and 278,000 tonnes @ 17.28g/t Au for 154,700 inferred ounces.
Meanwhile, the broader Hill End and Hargraves Gold Project hosts 4.2 million tonnes @ 8.7g/t Au for 482,000 ounces across the Reward, Hargraves, and Red Hill deposits.
Vertex Minerals owns 100% of the Hill End and Hargraves Gold Project in NSW. The company is developing Reward as an underground operation supported by gravity-based processing.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Vertex Minerals
