Native Mineral Resources reports strong assay results from its Blackjack Gold Project in Queensland, revealing significant shallow gold mineralisation and prompting a restart of mining operations.
- 34 of 54 drill holes returned assays confirming shallow, high-grade gold
- Notable intercepts include 14m at 4.29g/t Au with peak 41.36g/t Au
- Drilling targets new pit boundaries between Blackjack Main and Newton Butler Pits
- Mining and drill-and-blast activities have resumed to support mill feed
- Recent gold pour of 1,474.9 oz doré marks largest to date at Blackjack
Strong Early Drilling Results
Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited (ASX, NMR) has released assay results from 34 of the first 54 reverse circulation drill holes completed in January 2026 at its Blackjack Gold Project in Queensland. The results confirm the presence of significant shallow, near-surface gold mineralisation, with 19 holes exceeding the estimated economic cut-off grade of 0.6 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.
Among the standout intercepts are 14 metres at 4.29g/t gold from 9 metres depth, including a narrow 1-metre interval grading an impressive 41.36g/t. Other notable results include 11 metres at 3.14g/t and 5 metres at 4.32g/t, underscoring the presence of high-grade veins within the historic Blackjack lode system.
Expanding the Pit and Refining Grade Confidence
The January drilling program was designed to both confirm gold grades in previously under-defined areas and to test the proposed outer boundaries of a new pit planned between the Blackjack Main Pit and the northern Newton Butler Pit. The early results have validated the shallow extensions of the historic orebody and are expected to support an expanded pit design with increased tonnage and grade potential.
Managing Director Blake Cannavo highlighted that the program is delivering improved confidence in grade continuity, which is critical for mine planning and execution. Drilling is continuing alongside drill and blast activities, with AMC Consultants assisting to fast-track the integration of results into the mine design.
Mining Restart and Production Momentum
Following a review of the mine design and operating strategy, NMR has restarted mining at Blackjack. Drill and blast operations commenced recently, marking the next phase of open pit mining aimed at sustaining mill feed availability. The company achieved its first gold production at Blackjack in the third quarter of 2025 and has since completed two gold pours in January 2026, including the largest doré pour to date of 1,474.9 ounces on 28 January.
This production milestone, combined with the promising drilling results, suggests that Blackjack is entering a new phase of development with the potential for increased output and improved project economics.
Geological Context and Historical Work
The Blackjack Gold Project is situated within the Charters Towers region, known for its mesothermal quartz reefs hosting gold, pyrite, sphalerite, and galena. The mineralisation dips gently at about 15 degrees and occurs within the Ordovician Towers Hill Granite. Historical mining in the 1980s extracted oxide ore to a depth of 25 metres from three pits at Blackjack.
Previous exploration by multiple companies, including Citigold and Maroon Gold, laid the groundwork for NMR’s current drilling campaign. The company’s ongoing efforts aim to build on this legacy by refining resource estimates and expanding the mineable footprint.
Looking Ahead
With drilling expected to continue through February 2026 and further assay results pending, NMR is well positioned to update its resource model and potentially increase the scale of mining operations at Blackjack. The combination of high-grade intercepts, shallow mineralisation, and renewed production activity makes this a project to watch closely in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
As NMR advances drilling and mining at Blackjack, investors await confirmation of expanded resources and sustained production growth.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the remaining 20 drill hole assays confirm further high-grade extensions?
- How will updated resource models impact the mine’s economic viability and lifespan?
- What are the operational risks associated with scaling up mining at Blackjack?