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Focus Minerals’ Early Longhole Stoping Raises Questions on Cost and Sustainability

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Focus Minerals Limited delivered a record gold pour in November 2025, supported by stable milling and robust mining operations across its Coolgardie Gold Project. The company’s strong quarterly production and solid cash position highlight its operational momentum heading into 2026.

  • Record monthly gold pour of 10,673 ounces in November 2025
  • Total gold sales of 17,813 ounces at an average price of A$6,334 per ounce
  • Open pit and underground mining yielded over 21,800 ounces combined
  • Stable and efficient processing at Three Mile Hill plant with 414,896 tonnes milled
  • Cash position of A$159.7 million as of December 31, 2025

Operational Highlights

Focus Minerals Limited has reported a strong finish to 2025 with a record gold pour in November, producing 10,673 ounces at its Three Mile Hill processing plant. This milestone was achieved amid stable and efficient milling operations, processing a total of 414,896 tonnes of ore during the quarter, including both company-owned and toll treatment material.

The company’s processed ore maintained a solid head grade of 1.817 grams per tonne with metallurgical recovery averaging 93%, underscoring the operational efficiency of the plant. Total gold sold for the quarter reached 17,813 ounces at an average realised price of A$6,334 per ounce, complemented by silver credits of 2,596 ounces.

Mining Operations and Development

Mining activities continued robustly across multiple fronts. Open pit operations at Alicia, Dreadnought, and the newly ramped-up CNX pit delivered 295,028 tonnes of ore at 0.96 g/t, producing 9,127 ounces of gold. Meanwhile, the Bonnie Vale Underground Mine contributed significantly with 56,317 tonnes of high-grade ore at 7.03 g/t, yielding 12,726 ounces.

Notably, the underground team achieved a key milestone by commencing Longhole Stoping two months ahead of schedule, enhancing production efficiency. Development work progressed with over 1,460 metres of lateral development and 331 metres of decline barrel advancement, opening access to new ore levels.

Exploration and Resource Growth

Exploration efforts remain a priority, with diamond drilling underway at Bonnie Vale to improve geological control and resource definition. Several reverse circulation drilling campaigns targeted near-mine extensions at deposits including Undaunted, Cookes, and Lady Loch, with plans for further resource development drilling in early 2026.

The company is actively planning and budgeting a comprehensive resource development program across its Coolgardie Gold Project tenements, aiming to sustain and grow its mineral inventory.

Financial Position and Outlook

Financially, Focus Minerals generated approximately A$118.7 million from gold and silver sales plus toll milling fees during the quarter. The company maintained a strong cash position of A$159.7 million at the end of December 2025, supporting ongoing exploration and development activities.

Payments to related parties, including executive and non-executive directors, totalled A$225,000, reflecting standard corporate governance disclosures. The company’s financing facilities include secured bank guarantees and credit card facilities, with no new equity or debt raised during the quarter.

Overall, Focus Minerals is advancing steadily with operational efficiencies, resource development, and financial strength positioning it well for the year ahead.

Bottom Line?

With record production momentum and a solid cash buffer, Focus Minerals is poised to capitalise on its Coolgardie assets in 2026.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will the planned 2026 resource development drilling impact the mine life and reserves?
  • What are the cost implications of ramping up Longhole Stoping ahead of schedule?
  • Can Focus Minerals sustain or improve its metallurgical recovery and throughput rates amid equipment challenges?