Native Mineral Resources Hits 300oz Gold Pour Milestone at Blackjack
Native Mineral Resources has marked a key milestone with three gold pours totaling around 300 ounces at its Blackjack operation, signalling a successful ramp-up to full-scale production.
- Three gold pours produced ~300oz gold doré at Blackjack
- Processing throughput of 17,697 dry tonnes with 91.65% recovery
- South Pit mining underway; North Pit development imminent
- Ausenco engaged for plant upgrade and expansion feasibility
- Permitting and environmental approvals progressing for Far Fanning and tailings storage
Transition to Full-Scale Production
Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited (ASX – NMR) has taken a significant step forward at its Blackjack Gold Operations in Queensland by completing three gold pours on 27 August 2025, producing approximately 300 ounces of gold doré. This achievement marks the company’s transition from commissioning to full-scale production, a critical phase for any mining operation aiming to establish sustainable output.
Throughout August, the Blackjack processing plant has steadily ramped up throughput and improved feed grades, peaking at 1.08 grams per tonne of gold on 25 August. Over the period from late July to late August, the plant milled nearly 17,700 dry tonnes of ore with an impressive recovery rate of 91.65%, underscoring the robustness of the processing circuit despite some early technical troubleshooting.
Mining and Expansion Progress
Mining operations are advancing with the South Pit now in production and preparations underway for the North Pit, signaling a well-orchestrated approach to ore supply aligned with milling capacity. The company has completed six blasts to date and plans to activate continuous mining rosters if economic conditions warrant, maintaining a flexible and cost-conscious operational profile.
In parallel, Native Mineral Resources has engaged Ausenco to conduct a feasibility study focused on plant automation and throughput optimisation, targeting enhancements over the next two years. This forward-looking initiative aims to position Blackjack for future expansion and improved operational efficiency.
Environmental and Regulatory Advances
Environmental compliance and permitting are progressing on multiple fronts. The company is advancing the Stage 3 lift of its Blackjack Tailings Storage Facility, with construction expected to commence in October 2025 following regulatory submissions and consultations. Additionally, permitting efforts for haulage operations at the Far Fanning project are underway, including engagement with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and completion of necessary traffic impact assessments.
Resource updates at Granite Castle are also in progress, with a site visit planned for September to support an upcoming JORC 2012-compliant resource statement. These activities reflect Native Mineral Resources’ broader strategy to unlock value across its asset portfolio beyond Blackjack.
Outlook
Managing Director Blake Cannavo emphasised the transformational nature of August for the company, highlighting steady improvements in plant performance and feed grades. With multiple operational and growth initiatives advancing simultaneously, Native Mineral Resources appears well positioned to deliver sustained gold production and create long-term shareholder value as it moves into steady-state operations.
Bottom Line?
As Native Mineral Resources consolidates production gains at Blackjack, upcoming feasibility results and regulatory approvals will be key to sustaining momentum.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the planned plant upgrades impact production capacity and costs?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with Far Fanning haulage and stockpile removal?
- When can investors expect the updated Granite Castle resource statement and its implications?
