Meeka Metals has reached a steady-state processing throughput of around 600,000 tonnes per annum, with the ore sorter commissioning set for October 2026 promising to double ore grade and increase milling capacity.
- Processing plant achieves 630ktpa throughput in August 2026
- Ore sorter commissioning scheduled for October 2026
- Ore sorter to double head grade of Andy Well ore
- Upgrade frees capacity for Turnberry underground ore
- Steady-state throughput expected to remain ~600ktpa
Processing Plant Hits Target Throughput After Debottlenecking
Meeka Metals (ASX:MEK) has finally hit its stride with its processing plant consistently operating at an annualised throughput of approximately 600,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa) through July and August 2026. The plant even peaked at 630ktpa in August, marking a significant milestone after a longer-than-expected ramp-up period.
This throughput increase stems from targeted debottlenecking efforts focused on the crushing circuit, material handling, and mill feed chute, which collectively smoothed the flow of ore through the plant.
Ore Sorter Installation Nears Commissioning
The company is now advancing the installation of its ore sorting circuit, with commissioning slated for early October 2026. Approximately 50,000 tonnes of underground development ore from the Andy Well mine have been stockpiled ahead of the sorter, ensuring a ready feed for the ramp-up phase.
The ore sorter is expected to materially enhance the grade of ore fed into the mill by separating high-grade material for immediate processing and stockpiling lower-grade ore for later treatment. This approach effectively doubles the head grade of Andy Well ore entering the processing circuit, a move that will substantially improve operational efficiency.
Impact on Milling Capacity and Future Production
By increasing the ore grade, the sorter will free up milling capacity, enabling Meeka to treat up to 800ktpa of run-of-mine material through the existing 600ktpa mill. This expanded capacity is critical as the company prepares to ramp up ore extraction from the planned Turnberry underground mine, which is expected to commence in the September 2026 quarter.
Managing Director Tim Davidson acknowledged the delay in reaching the 600ktpa throughput but expressed satisfaction with the plant’s current performance and progress on the ore sorter. The commissioning phase will leverage the stockpiled development ore to validate the sorter’s efficiency and impact on production.
Strategic Positioning for Underground Mining Expansion
This operational upgrade aligns with Meeka’s broader strategy to transition from open pit to underground mining, where increasing ore grade and processing efficiency are paramount. The ore sorter represents a key technological investment to maximise throughput without the need for immediate mill expansion, providing flexibility as underground operations at Andy Well and Turnberry scale up.
Bottom Line?
The upcoming ore sorter commissioning could be a game-changer for Meeka, potentially doubling ore grade and unlocking additional milling capacity just as underground mining accelerates.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the ore sorter deliver the anticipated doubling of ore grade upon commissioning?
- How will increased throughput and grade impact Meeka’s production costs and margins?
- What are the operational risks associated with integrating the ore sorter into the existing plant?