Beacon Minerals has successfully completed the first blast at its Lady Ida Iguana open pit, marking a pivotal step towards gold production expected to commence in February 2026.
- First blast at Iguana open pit yields 20,000 tonnes of laterite ore
- Site infrastructure relocation and construction underway, completion targeted for March
- Road haulage, crushing, and stockpiling scheduled to start early to mid-February
- First gold production and pour anticipated in late February, triggering joint venture
- Jaurdi mill expansion progressing on schedule and within budget
A Milestone Moment for Beacon Minerals
Beacon Minerals Limited has reached a significant operational milestone with the successful completion of the first blast at its Lady Ida Iguana open pit on 24 January 2026. This initial blast has delivered the first 20,000 tonnes of laterite ore, setting the stage for the transition from development to production at the project.
The Iguana Operations have been progressing steadily, with site preparation including vegetation clearing and topsoil removal already completed. Construction of essential infrastructure such as a three-bay heavy vehicle workshop, a 200,000-litre fuel farm, and offices for mining staff is well underway, with completion expected by March 2026. Notably, all infrastructure from the nearing-completion MacPhersons Reward operation will be relocated to support Iguana, reflecting efficient resource utilisation.
From Blast to Gold Pour
Following the initial blast, Beacon plans to conduct second and third blasts imminently to build up broken ore stockpiles. Mining of the first ore from the pit is scheduled for early February, with stockpiling at the Iguana Run-of-Mine (ROM) pad to facilitate road haulage to the Jaurdi gold processing plant. Road haulage operations are set to commence in early February, with crushing and product stockpiling at Jaurdi expected to begin mid-month.
Crucially, the first gold production from Iguana ore is anticipated in February 2026, following the final processing of ore from the 100% owned MacPhersons Reward operation. The first gold pour, a symbolic and financial milestone, is projected for late February. This event will also trigger the commencement of the joint venture with Lamerton Pty Ltd and Geoda Pty Ltd, marking a new chapter in the Lady Ida Project’s development.
Supporting Infrastructure and Expansion
Parallel to mining activities, the Jaurdi mill expansion is progressing on schedule and within budget. Foundations for new tanks have been prepared, with fabricators mobilising in late February to commence construction. This expansion is expected to enhance processing capacity, supporting increased throughput from the Lady Ida operations.
Meanwhile, the MacPhersons Reward operation is approaching completion, with ore haulage to the Jaurdi mill expected to conclude by early February. Geological controls remain tight to maximise ore recovery, particularly targeting higher-grade zones near ultramafic contacts.
Looking Ahead
Beacon Minerals’ Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Graham McGarry, expressed pride in reaching this milestone, highlighting the rapid progression from blast to gold production. The company’s strategic relocation of infrastructure and coordinated ramp-up of mining and processing activities underscore its commitment to operational efficiency and value creation.
As the Lady Ida Project moves into production, the market will be watching closely for confirmation of production volumes, gold grades, and the financial impact of the joint venture. The successful integration of Iguana ore into the Jaurdi mill and the timely completion of the mill expansion will be critical factors shaping Beacon’s near-term outlook.
Bottom Line?
Beacon Minerals’ first blast at Lady Ida signals a promising start to gold production, with February’s gold pour poised to unlock new value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the first gold pour meet the projected timeline and quality expectations?
- How will the joint venture with Lamerton and Geoda influence operational and financial dynamics?
- What impact will the Jaurdi mill expansion have on processing capacity and cost efficiency?