Can Native Mineral Resources Sustain Operations Amid Planned Shutdown and Regulatory Hurdles?
Native Mineral Resources has successfully poured 1,543 ounces of gold doré at its Blackjack Processing Plant, while progressing key operational and regulatory initiatives to optimise mining and processing activities.
- 1,543oz gold doré poured at Blackjack Processing Plant
- Scheduled 84-hour maintenance shutdown to enhance plant reliability
- AMC Consultants advancing mining block model updates and pit optimisation
- Drilling at Podosky under Ravenswood JV with assay results pending
- Environmental and infrastructure planning progressing for Haoma JV leases
Gold Pour Marks Operational Stability
Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited (ASX – NMR) has marked a significant operational milestone with the successful pouring of seven gold doré bars totalling 1,543.54 ounces at its Blackjack Processing Plant on 16 February 2026. This achievement underscores the steady performance of the processing team and the plant’s operational stability, a critical factor as the company advances its broader mining optimisation agenda.
Maintenance and Safety Enhancements Underway
To sustain and improve throughput reliability, Native Mineral Resources has scheduled an 84-hour planned shutdown focused on maintenance and reliability upgrades across the crushing, grinding, and leaching circuits. Concurrently, engineering consultancy Ausenco is conducting comprehensive plant verification and hazard operability studies (HAZOP), ensuring compliance with safety standards and supporting continuous operational improvements.
Mining Optimisation and Resource Development
On the mining front, AMC Consultants are progressing detailed block model updates, pit optimisation, and mine design work based on recent drilling data. These efforts aim to refine production scheduling and support a sustainable mill feed plan for the Blackjack operation. The company anticipates advancing JORC Ore Reserve reporting in the second quarter of 2026, a key step toward formalising resource estimates and underpinning future mining campaigns.
Ravenswood JV Drilling and Environmental Progress
Drilling activities continue at the Podosky site as part of the Ravenswood Gold Joint Venture with Haoma Mining, with assay results expected shortly. These results will inform mine-ready plans and potential ore delivery to Blackjack in the upcoming April to May campaign window. Meanwhile, environmental regulatory submissions for the Haoma JV leases at Waterloo and Wellington Springs are progressing, targeting completion in the first quarter of 2026, which will enable further on-ground exploration and development.
Infrastructure and Rehabilitation Planning
Native Mineral Resources is also advancing critical infrastructure projects, including tailings storage facility (TSF) Stage 4 lift planning and new TSF design with ATC Williams, alongside permanent water supply assessments to support future operations. Progressive rehabilitation and closure plans for Blackjack and Far Fanning sites are underway with consultancy SLR, complemented by a traffic impact assessment for the Far Fanning mining restart, reflecting the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.
Bottom Line?
With operational milestones achieved and strategic optimisation underway, Native Mineral Resources is positioning itself for a robust mining restart and sustained growth.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming Podosky assay results reveal about resource quality and potential production?
- How will the outcomes of the AMC mining optimisation influence the timing and scale of the Blackjack restart?
- What are the implications of the environmental regulatory submissions for the broader Haoma JV exploration plans?
