Native Mineral Resources (ASX:NMR) has resumed mining at Blackjack South, with ore now feeding the processing plant and Podosky mining poised to start late April. Far Fanning drilling is underway, aiming for a 2027 production ramp-up.
- Blackjack mining restarted 9 April 2026 with ore delivered to ROM pad
- Podosky mining contractor engaged, first ore haulage expected late April
- Far Fanning drilling program underway targeting updated mine design by July
- Blackjack plant milled 153,000 tonnes producing ~2,400 ounces gold since mid-2025
- TSF expansion and water infrastructure projects progressing alongside approvals
Mining Resumes at Blackjack with Fresh Ore Feeding Plant
Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited (ASX:NMR) has reignited mining operations at its Blackjack South open pit as of 9 April 2026, delivering freshly blasted ore to the run-of-mine (ROM) pad. This restart follows a mining pause since October 2025 that allowed for extensive drilling, geological modelling, and updated pit designs. The company has completed four blasts since the start of 2026, with another scheduled for 14 April, signalling a steady ramp-up in activity.
Blackjack mining is progressing in a staged approach, with Stage 2a underway through to late June 2026, followed by planned mining phases at Blackjack Central/North through to October 2027. NMR has engaged a third-party Principal Mining Engineer to tighten grade control and reconciliation processes, a critical focus to reduce dilution and improve operational confidence.
Podosky Mining Set to Begin with New Contractor
Following a series of preparatory approvals and cultural heritage clearances, mining at the Podosky project is scheduled to commence in late April 2026, with first ore haulage to the Blackjack ROM pad expected the same month. The company has secured a qualified mining contractor for Podosky, aiming to build ROM stockpiles through a staged drill-and-blast and stripping campaign extending to November 2026.
This development aligns with NMR’s recent securing of a $4 million unsecured loan to fund the Podosky acquisition, a strategic move to avoid equity dilution amid tight funding windows. The timing and contractor engagement at Podosky reflect a coordinated push to expand ore feed and gold production, building on progress reported in earlier updates including the April mining kickoff at Podosky.
Far Fanning Drilling Program Targets 2027 Production
At Far Fanning, NMR has initiated a two-to-three-month drilling campaign involving RC and diamond drilling, sampling, and assaying. The results will inform an updated geological block model, pit optimisation, and mine scheduling, with a target to complete mine design by late July 2026. This sets the stage for a Q2 2027 mining commencement, following the cessation of stockpile haulage in April to enable further technical assessments.
Parallel to drilling, NMR is advancing environmental approvals, including an amendment process for disturbance areas and pit cutbacks, expected to conclude by April 2027. The company is also addressing dewatering strategies and pre-mining mobilisation, underscoring a methodical approach to bringing Far Fanning into production.
Operational Performance and Infrastructure Upgrades
Since mid-2025, the Blackjack processing plant has milled approximately 153,000 tonnes of ore, producing around 2,400 ounces of gold with stable plant metrics including 0.4–0.6 g/t head grade and 94–96% recovery. Notably, about half of the plant feed has come from the lower-grade Far Fanning stockpile, with expectations that the shift to freshly mined Blackjack and Podosky ore will enhance feed grade and production.
To support ongoing operations and future growth, NMR is advancing a suite of plant improvement projects slated for completion by Q2 2026 and construction in Q3 2026. These include safety upgrades, enhanced material handling systems, and a Carbon-in-Leach diversion system. Concurrently, the company is progressing a scoping study for a plant expansion targeting increased throughput by Q1 2028.
Tailings storage facility (TSF) development remains a priority, with Stage 3 completed to provide capacity until Q3 2027. Design work for the Stage 4 lift is underway, aiming for construction in 2027, alongside plans for a new TSF to support longer-term production growth. Water infrastructure projects are also advancing, with local council support received and approvals in progress to secure a sustainable water supply for the Blackjack plant.
Environmental Compliance and Project Readiness
NMR is actively managing environmental compliance pathways, targeting submissions for Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plans (PRCP) at Blackjack and Far Fanning in May and June 2026 respectively. These plans incorporate hydrogeological, geotechnical, and risk assessments, essential for regulatory approvals and community engagement.
On-site, recent infrastructure upgrades include safety enhancements such as new handrails and signage, facility refurbishments converting existing structures into geology and environmental offices, and ongoing site repairs. These efforts aim to bolster operational safety and readiness ahead of planned expansions.
Bottom Line?
NMR’s multi-front operational restart at Blackjack and Podosky, coupled with Far Fanning’s drilling, sets a clear path toward improved gold production, but execution risks around approvals and infrastructure remain key variables.
Questions in the middle?
- Will grade control improvements at Blackjack and Podosky translate into better ore quality and reduced dilution?
- How will the timing of TSF Stage 4 approvals and construction impact NMR’s planned production ramp-up?
- What are the potential challenges in securing long-term water infrastructure for sustained plant throughput?