NMR Surpasses 1,000oz Gold as Blackjack Plant Hits Steady Production
Native Mineral Resources has surpassed 1,000 ounces of gold production at its Blackjack Gold Project, marking a key transition to steady-state operations. The company is also advancing critical infrastructure and environmental approvals to support future growth.
- Over 1,000oz cumulative gold produced at Blackjack since July 2025
- Consistent monthly gold pours confirm steady-state production
- Blackjack processing plant upgrades yield over 80% availability and 94%+ recoveries
- Tailings Storage Facility Stage 3 expansion on track for December completion
- Far Fanning mining plans progressing with targeted start in late 2026/early 2027
Steady Gold Production at Blackjack
Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited (ASX – NMR) has reached a significant operational milestone by producing over 1,000 ounces of refined gold from its Blackjack Gold Project in Queensland since late July 2025. This achievement underscores the company’s successful transition from development to steady-state gold production, with regular monthly pours of gold doré confirming consistent plant performance.
Since the initial smelt in late September 2025, NMR has completed multiple smelting campaigns, yielding a total of 544 ounces of doré and 313 ounces of refined gold, with the latest smelt in November producing an additional 326 ounces of doré pending final refinery results. The weighted average purity of the doré stands at approximately 58%, reflecting efficient processing.
Operational Upgrades Boost Plant Reliability
The Blackjack processing plant underwent a planned 21-day maintenance shutdown in October aimed at enhancing long-term reliability and throughput. Key upgrades included improvements to the ball mill lubrication systems and bearing relines, which have contributed to crusher and mill availability exceeding 80% year-to-date and metallurgical recoveries consistently above 94%. Additional enhancements such as advanced instrumentation and control system upgrades are underway to further optimise operations.
Infrastructure Expansion and Environmental Compliance
Parallel to production, Native Mineral Resources is advancing critical infrastructure projects, notably the Stage 3 lift of the Blackjack Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). Approximately 42,000 cubic metres of embankment fill have been placed and tested, with completion targeted for mid-December 2025. Longer-term plans include a Stage 4 lift in 2026 and a new TSF construction slated for late 2027, ensuring capacity for sustained operations.
Environmental approvals remain a focus, with submissions for the Environmental Authority and Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) progressing on schedule. These regulatory steps are essential to underpin a compliant and sustainable operating footprint at both Blackjack and the nearby Far Fanning site.
Far Fanning Project on the Horizon
Preparations at Far Fanning are well underway, with stockpile removal and haulage activities actively supporting Blackjack’s processing feed. The company plans to commence mining at Far Fanning in late 2026 or early 2027, contingent on regulatory approvals and PRCP submissions. This expansion is poised to extend Native Mineral Resources’ production profile and reinforce its position in the Charters Towers gold region.
Overall, Native Mineral Resources is demonstrating a disciplined approach to scaling production, balancing operational reliability, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship. The company’s strategic investments and steady progress position it well for growth in a competitive gold mining landscape.
Bottom Line?
With steady production established and expansion plans advancing, NMR is poised to deepen its footprint in Queensland’s gold sector.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the final refined gold outturn be from the latest November smelt?
- How will the planned plant throughput expansion impact production volumes and costs?
- What are the key risks or potential delays in securing final environmental approvals for Far Fanning?
