Native Mineral Resources is on track to surpass 1,000 ounces of gold production in a single month for the first time at its Blackjack operation, backed by a strong August smelting run and advancing multi-pit development.
- Three August smelts yield approximately 895 ounces of gold
- Fourth smelt scheduled to push monthly output beyond 1,000 ounces
- Blackjack North Pit drilling underway with mining targeted for early 2027
- Sequential development at multiple pits supports future ore supply
- Improved production consistency positions Blackjack for steady output
August Smelting Pushes Blackjack Production to New Heights
Native Mineral Resources (ASX:NMR) is closing in on a landmark month at its Blackjack Gold Operations near Charters Towers, Queensland. Three smelts in August have produced roughly 895 ounces of gold, with a fourth smelt next week expected to push the total past 1,000 ounces, a first since production began at Blackjack about a year ago.
The latest smelt on 18 August yielded three doré bars weighing a combined 649.3 ounces, with internal assays indicating gold purity around 45%, translating to an estimated 293.6 ounces of contained gold. This follows confirmed refinery results from earlier August smelts on the 4th and 11th that delivered a combined 602.7 ounces of fine gold. These figures already eclipse the previous monthly record of 763.8 ounces set in June 2026.
Multi-Pit Development Pipeline Advances to Sustain Growth
Behind the production surge is a coordinated development program designed to expand ore supply and ensure continuity. Drilling at the Blackjack North Pit began on 17 August, marking the first phase in a sequential plan that includes the Mid Pit Extension and Central Pit. Mining at North Pit is targeted to commence by late January 2027, pending assay results and environmental approvals.
Following North Pit, drilling will move to the Mid Pit Extension in October, with mining potentially starting in early Q2 2027. The Central Pit development hinges on relocating a power line, with mining tentatively scheduled for late 2027. These staged projects aim to provide Blackjack with a steady pipeline of ore, reducing operational risk and smoothing production.
Far Fanning and Other Sites Underpin Longer-Term Strategy
Beyond Blackjack, Native Mineral Resources is advancing its Far Fanning project through extensive drilling and environmental planning, including a finalised dewatering strategy. Mining fleet mobilisation is targeted for May 2027, with ore extraction from new pit areas planned from September. Additionally, Wellington Springs and Waterloo projects are progressing under joint venture arrangements, focusing on regulatory, heritage, and technical assessments to supplement future ore supply.
This multi-pronged approach reflects NMR’s intent to build a more consistent and sustainable gold production profile. The company’s Managing Director Blake Cannavo highlighted the improving operational consistency and the goal of maintaining momentum through the remainder of 2026.
Bottom Line?
Native Mineral Resources is poised to break new ground in monthly gold output at Blackjack, but the final refinery assays and regulatory approvals will be critical to confirming this production step-change.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the fourth August smelt confirm the anticipated breakthrough beyond 1,000 ounces?
- How will assay results from the North Pit drilling influence the mine’s development timeline?
- What impact will the sequential pit developments have on Blackjack’s long-term production stability?