High-Tech Metals Targets Up to 195,000 Tonnes of Gold Stockpiles at Mt Fisher
High-Tech Metals has obtained crucial mining approvals and formed a joint venture to tap into historic gold stockpiles at its Mt Fisher Project, aiming for early cash flow and resource definition.
- Regulatory approvals granted for exploration and small-scale mining at Mt Fisher
- Exploration target of 144,000 to 195,000 tonnes at 0.80 to 1.20 g/t gold defined
- Profit share joint venture signed with SSH Mining for stockpile evaluation and processing
- Drilling and metallurgical testing planned for Q3 2025 to support resource estimation
- Negotiations underway for toll processing agreement with nearby facilities
Regulatory Milestone Achieved
High-Tech Metals Limited (ASX, HTM) has reached a significant regulatory milestone with the approval of both a Program of Work and a Small Mining Operation at its Mt Fisher Gold Project in Western Australia. These approvals enable the company to commence exploration and small-scale mining activities focused on historic gold stockpiles within the granted Mining Lease M53/127.
Unlocking Value from Historic Stockpiles
The company has defined an exploration target ranging from 144,000 to 195,000 tonnes grading between 0.80 and 1.20 grams per tonne of gold. While this target remains conceptual and lacks a formal Mineral Resource estimate, it represents a promising opportunity to generate early cash flow by processing previously mined but unextracted ore.
Strategic Joint Venture Partnership
To advance this opportunity, High-Tech Metals has entered into a profit share joint venture with SSH Mining, a subsidiary of ASX-listed SSH Group Ltd. Under the agreement, SSH Mining will undertake drilling, evaluation, processing, and sale of the historic stockpiled gold ore. The profit share terms are notably favorable to High-Tech Metals, with an 85% share of net proceeds, providing a low-risk pathway to monetisation.
Next Steps and Operational Readiness
Looking ahead, reverse circulation drilling is scheduled to commence shortly to confirm the in-situ gold grades and support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. Concurrently, metallurgical testing will be conducted onsite to assess processing characteristics. The company is also negotiating toll processing arrangements with nearby facilities, which will be critical to efficiently treating the stockpiled ore. A final decision on project commencement is expected following the completion of these activities in the third quarter of 2025.
Broader Strategic Implications
High-Tech Metals’ chairman Charles Thomas highlighted that these approvals and partnerships align with the company’s broader strategy to unlock value from underutilised assets. By generating early revenue from the stockpiles, the company aims to support further exploration and development activities at Mt Fisher, potentially expanding its resource base and extending the project’s life.
Bottom Line?
With approvals in hand and partnerships formed, High-Tech Metals is poised to turn historic stockpiles into near-term revenue, setting the stage for broader project development.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling confirm sufficient grade and tonnage to upgrade the exploration target to a Mineral Resource?
- How will the toll processing negotiations impact project economics and timelines?
- What are the longer-term plans for expanding mining beyond the stockpiles at Mt Fisher?