Broken Hill Mines has completed underground access to the high-grade Main Lode ore body at its Rasp Mine, delivering exceptional drilling results and targeting first ore extraction by November 2025.
- Over 1,000m of underground development completed to access Main Lode
- Exceptional drilling intercepts up to 62.5% zinc equivalent and 2,103g/t silver equivalent
- First ore from Blackwoods deposit expected by November 2025
- Development supports full utilisation of 750,000tpa Rasp processing plant
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate planned for Q1 2026
Milestone Underground Development Completed
Broken Hill Mines Limited (ASX, BHM) has achieved a significant operational milestone with the completion of over 1,000 metres of underground development to access the high-grade Main Lode ore body at its flagship Rasp Mine in Broken Hill, NSW. This breakthrough provides direct mining access to the Blackwoods deposit, part of the Main Lode, for the first time since the 1970s, marking a new chapter in the mine’s long history.
The newly completed incline/decline system connects seamlessly to the existing Rasp portal, reducing cycle times and improving ventilation. These enhancements are expected to boost productivity across mining, development, and exploration activities along the Main Lode.
Exceptional Drilling Results Confirm High-Grade Potential
Complementing the development progress, BHM has released outstanding assay results from 63 drill holes targeting the Blackwoods and British deposits within the Main Lode. Highlights include intercepts grading as high as 62.5% zinc equivalent (ZnEq) and 2,103 grams per tonne silver equivalent (AgEq), with significant widths of mineralisation extending beyond the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
These results underscore the exceptional silver-lead-zinc tenor of the Main Lode, with multiple intercepts exceeding 20% ZnEq and over 700g/t AgEq. The drilling program has not only increased confidence in existing resources but also revealed promising extensions open at depth and along strike, setting the stage for further exploration and resource growth.
Strategic Production Ramp-Up and Resource Update
Broken Hill Mines is on track to deliver first ore from the Blackwoods deposit by November 2025, with ramp-up of production planned through fiscal year 2026. This new high-grade feed source will supplement the Western Mineralisation ore body, which has been the primary supplier to the Rasp processing plant for over a decade.
The development and drilling initiatives align with BHM’s strategy to fully utilise the 750,000 tonnes per annum capacity of the Rasp processing plant. Additionally, the company is preparing an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Main Lode deposits, expected in the first quarter of 2026, which will incorporate the latest drilling data and reflect recent silver price revaluations.
Looking Ahead, Exploration and Operational Opportunities
Further drilling programs are planned to test extensions in the southern and northern areas of the Blackwoods and British deposits, as well as remnant mining potential in adjacent zones such as the Thompson’s deposit. The company also intends to systematically assay gold content in upcoming drilling campaigns, which could add further value to the resource base.
With the Main Lode development now operationally accessible and exploration upside evident, Broken Hill Mines is well positioned to enhance its production profile and resource inventory, reinforcing its standing in the base metals sector.
Bottom Line?
As Broken Hill Mines prepares to ramp up high-grade ore production, the market will watch closely for the impact of updated resources and ongoing exploration success.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate update affect the company’s valuation and mine planning?
- What is the potential impact of pending gold assays on the overall economic value of the Main Lode deposits?
- How quickly can Broken Hill Mines scale up stoping operations following regulatory approvals?