ASX-listed Native Mineral Resources advancing towards first gold production at its Blackjack project in Queensland, with site commissioning set to begin in late May and mining activities scheduled to start in June.

The company confirmed it remains on track to pour first gold early in the third quarter, with key infrastructure and operational milestones progressing as planned.

“We are now entering the final and most critical stage of the Blackjack project, with commissioning officially commencing and our mining fleet mobilising to site,” said NMR MD Blake Cannavo in a statement on Wednesday.

“The entire team has worked with discipline and focus to achieve key milestones across infrastructure, regulatory readiness, and operational execution.”

Full site energisation and wet commissioning are scheduled for June. NMR reported that the ball mill is in its final stage of preparation for energisation, while key equipment, including the crusher systems, Sepro concentrator, and cyclone pumps, has been tested and deemed operational.

All core operational staff have been recruited including the goldroom operator, mining superintendent, and processing and maintenance teams. A site inspection for gold bullion security and transport protocols is scheduled for later this month.

Mining readiness is also well advanced. Infill reverse circulation drilling is under way to support an updated ore block model, and final pit wall geotechnical assessments are progressing. A drill-and-blast and mining contractor has been secured, with fleet mobilisation already in progress.

On the infrastructure front, civil and earthworks for the tailings storage facility (TSF) pre-discharge scope are expected to be completed by the end of May. Installation of the TSF pipeline and spigots is on track for June, and geotechnical investigations for the TSF lift design are under way with a completion target in early July.

Environmental compliance activities continue, with NMR submitting a major hazard facility notification to Queensland Health in May.

“I’m particularly pleased with the coordination across civil, SMP, and electrical teams, as well as the strong vendor and contractor support we have received,” Cannavo said. “With first gold on track for the third quarter of 2025, our strategic execution is now translating into tangible outcomes. We are confident that the momentum built over recent months will continue as we transition into steady-state operations and deliver long-term value for shareholders.”