Native Mineral Resources (ASX:NMR) has reported robust initial assay results from its North Pit drilling at Blackjack, Queensland, highlighting significant gold mineralisation with broad high-grade intervals.
- BJRC1304 hits 19m at 3.09g/t Au including 2m at 26.02g/t
- BJRC1305 returns 34m at 1.81g/t Au with 12m at 4.63g/t
- 6,000m RC drilling program underway to refine geological models
- North Pit drilling supports staged development following active pits
- Drilling ongoing with further assay results expected
Strong Gold Intercepts Highlight Blackjack Expansion Potential
Native Mineral Resources (ASX:NMR) has kicked off its North Pit drilling program at the Blackjack Gold Mine with promising assay results that reinforce the project's expansion prospects. The first 14 reverse circulation (RC) holes have delivered notable gold mineralisation, including a standout 19-metre intercept grading 3.09 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from drill hole BJRC1304. This includes a high-grade 2-metre section at 26.02g/t Au, underscoring the potential for rich ore zones within the deposit.
Another significant intercept from BJRC1305 returned a broad 34 metres at 1.81g/t Au, featuring a 12-metre interval at 4.63g/t Au. These results are part of an extensive 6,000-metre, 100-hole RC drilling campaign designed to enhance geological understanding and support ongoing pit design efforts at North Pit.
Drilling to Refine Geological Models and Pit Design
The North Pit drilling program, which commenced in August 2026, aims to improve the geological definition of gold mineralisation by detailing mineralised geometry, lithological contacts, and structural controls. The program also includes twinned holes to validate previous drilling results, ensuring reliability in the geological model. Results from the initial holes are being progressively integrated into the model to inform future pit design and mine planning.
Managing Director Blake Cannavo highlighted the significance of these early results, noting that the broad gold intersections near existing mining and processing infrastructure add to the project's operational momentum. This drilling follows a strong production month at Blackjack, where gold output exceeded 1,000 ounces, positioning NMR well for continued development.
Staged Development Strategy at Blackjack
The North Pit forms a key part of NMR's staged development plan at Blackjack, which includes completed mining at South Pit and ongoing operations at the North Central Pit (Mid Pit). The new drilling results feed into this broader strategy, potentially extending mine life and supporting sustained production. With further assay results pending, NMR is poised to refine its resource estimates and operational plans as more data becomes available.
The geological setting at Blackjack features mesothermal quartz reefs within the Palaeozoic Ravenswood Batholith, with mineralisation hosted in the Towers Hill Granite. The deposit's structural complexity and mineralised alteration halos up to 8 metres thick are being closely studied through this drilling program to optimise extraction.
Bottom Line?
NMR’s North Pit drilling results bolster confidence in Blackjack’s resource expansion, with ongoing assays set to clarify the project's near-term development trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming assay results influence Blackjack’s resource and reserve estimates?
- What impact will North Pit development have on NMR’s production profile in 2027?
- Could further drilling reveal extensions or higher-grade zones beyond current intercepts?