NMR’s Latest Blackjack Smelt Yields 398 Ounces as Mining Advances
Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited produced nearly 398 ounces of gold doré in its latest Blackjack smelt, with mining and processing activities progressing on schedule and larger campaigns expected next month.
- Latest gold smelt produced 397.8 oz doré bars
- Previous smelt confirmed 290.9 oz gold and 148.2 oz silver
- Mining fronts at Blackjack and Podosky advancing as planned
- Water bore drilling and rehabilitation plans on track
- Two more smelts forecast for June, larger July campaigns anticipated
Recent Smelt Boosts Gold Output at Blackjack
Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited (ASX:NMR) has completed its latest gold smelt at the Blackjack Gold Operations near Charters Towers, producing three gold doré bars totalling 397.8 ounces. The bars, dispatched for refining, await official assay results expected around 19 June 2026.
This latest smelt follows the 7 June campaign, which yielded four doré bars weighing 488.5 ounces with refinery outturn confirming 290.9 ounces of gold and 148.2 ounces of silver. The payable metal content of that batch was approximately 60% gold and 31% silver, reinforcing the quality of material being processed.
Mining Progress Across Multiple Fronts
Operational updates indicate steady progress across several mining fronts. At Podosky, mining activities continue to align with schedules, with the recent completion of the fifth production blast at Bench 277.5 and preparations underway for drilling at Bench 267.5, which contains a significant portion of the defined mineralised material.
Meanwhile, waste stripping at Blackjack Mid Pit is nearing completion, with about a week remaining before the targeted mineralised bench is exposed. Surveying and blasting preparations are advancing to facilitate mining of this new ore zone. Blackjack South Pit development also remains on track, with drilling and blasting activities planned pending assay results.
Supporting Infrastructure and Approvals on Schedule
Water infrastructure and approvals workstreams are progressing, underpinning future production growth. A water bore drilling program is set to begin shortly, supporting operational needs. Additionally, Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plans (PRCPs) for Blackjack and Far Fanning are on schedule for submission by the end of June, following a recent risk review workshop.
Far Fanning continues to contribute supplementary feed to the processing plant, with haulage operations proceeding as planned. Geological drilling programs are supporting ongoing mine planning and the potential establishment of Far Fanning as a future mining front within the Charters Towers portfolio.
Outlook for Increased Production in Second Half of 2026
Native Mineral Resources forecasts two additional gold smelts in June, with larger smelt campaigns anticipated in July as waste stripping completes and more mineralised material becomes available. The company expects that multiple mining fronts advancing simultaneously will improve production opportunities through the second half of the year.
Further operational and approvals updates will be detailed in the upcoming June Quarterly Activities Report, providing investors with a comprehensive view of progress and prospects.
Bottom Line?
NMR’s steady operational momentum at Blackjack and Podosky sets the stage for higher production volumes in the coming months, pending assay confirmations and successful waste stripping completion.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the pending assay results confirm consistent payable gold and silver content in the latest doré bars?
- How effectively will water infrastructure developments support expanded mining activities?
- Can Far Fanning transition from supplementary feed to a primary mining front as planned?
