Native Mineral Resources reports robust assay results from its 2026 drilling at Blackjack Gold Project, confirming high-grade gold mineralisation and supporting plans to expand the mining pit. Mining restart activities are advancing with production blasts completed and further optimisation underway.
- 20 new RC drill holes assay results confirm high-grade gold mineralisation
- Notable intercept, 10m at 7.14g/t Au from 16m depth
- Drilling extends pit boundaries between Blackjack Main and Newton Butler pits
- Mining restart progressing with production blasts completed in early 2026
- Further assays and JORC Ore Reserve update expected in Q2 2026
Strong Assay Results Reinforce Blackjack Potential
Native Mineral Resources (ASX, NMR) has released assay results from 20 of 76 reverse circulation holes drilled as part of its 2026 shallow definition program at the Blackjack Gold Project in Queensland. The results confirm the presence of narrow, high-grade gold mineralisation near surface, highlighted by a standout intercept of 10 metres grading 7.14 grams per tonne gold from 16 metres depth. This includes an even richer 4 metres at 16.56 grams per tonne, underscoring the project's promising grade profile.
The drilling targeted areas previously underdefined and tested the proposed outer boundaries of a new pit planned between the existing Blackjack Main Pit and the northern Newton Butler Pit. Seventeen of the holes returned grades above the economic cut-off of 0.6 grams per tonne, supporting the potential to extend the current pit outline and increase overall tonnage and grade.
Advancing Mining Restart and Optimisation
Mining activities at Blackjack are advancing with two production blasts completed in late January and early February 2026. Native Mineral Resources is collaborating with AMC to complete block modelling, pit optimisation, and production scheduling based on the latest assay data. The company anticipates finalising these studies by March, paving the way for a mining restart in the first quarter of 2026.
Managing Director Blake Cannavo expressed confidence in the project’s trajectory, noting that the recent high-grade intersections, including some assays up to 55.57 grams per tonne, reinforce the viability of the next development phase. He also highlighted the strategic importance of Blackjack as a central processing hub for northern Queensland, with drilling underway at the Podosky project under the Ravenswood Gold joint venture with Haoma Mining.
Outlook and Next Steps
With drilling expected to complete in Q1 2026 and further assay results anticipated through February and March, Native Mineral Resources is positioned to update its JORC Ore Reserve estimates in Q2. The company’s focus remains on expanding the resource base, optimising mine design, and sustaining mill feed to support ongoing gold production, which recommenced in July 2025 and has seen recent gold pours in January and February 2026.
While the current drilling results are encouraging, the true widths of mineralisation remain uncertain due to the vertical orientation of most drill holes. Further infill and step-out drilling, combined with detailed modelling, will be critical to refining resource estimates and mine planning.
Bottom Line?
NMR’s Blackjack drilling results bolster confidence in a robust mining restart, but upcoming assays and optimisation will be key to unlocking full project potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results influence the final pit design and resource estimates?
- What are the expected timelines and capital requirements for the full mining restart?
- How will the Ravenswood JV at Podosky integrate with Blackjack’s processing plans?