Vertex Minerals (ASX:VTX) says its Reward Gold Mine is on the cusp of “high-grade” underground production, with a new 11,000 volts power system nearing commissioning and a revised mine plan set to deliver ore grades of up to 17.8 grams per tonne gold in initial stopes.
The company has completed major site infrastructure, including primary ventilation, mine access stripping, plant upgrades, and expects to feed ore through its newly commissioned gravity gold plant in the coming weeks.
Vertex is also advancing development of both airleg and long hole stopes, aiming to ramp up output and recoveries as part of its restart strategy at the historic Hill End goldfield.
Vertex intends to increase the concentrate grade by more than 20% gold with gemini table improvements, making the product suitable for direct smelting on site.
The process water pump will also be upgraded ahead of production.
Director Declan Franzmann says the company is pleased to see its redeveloped mine and processing facility come together.
“The most pleasing aspect is our success in employing an incredible team of people to run the operation and all credit to management for developing great ‘esprit de corps’ and a single sense of purpose as we push to full production,” Franzmann says.
Meanwhile, the company is awaiting the arrival of an Aramine L350D at the mine, which is expected by the 26th August. The loader will be fitted with an RCT remote control system.
The company has completed a schedule for mining operations to incorporate a long hold stope with airleg stope mining next month.
A 2023 resource estimate predicts the underground mine to have a resource of 225,000 ounces at 16.7 grams per tonne.
Vertex Minerals is an Australian explorer focused on the development of its gold deposits across the New South Wales and Western Australian goldfields.
The company will also be attending the Noosa Mining Investor Conference, held between 23-25 July, at the Peppers Noosa Resort. Mining.com.au is an official media partner of this year’s conference.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Vertex Minerals
