NMR passes 1 000 oz milestone at Blackjack as production steadies
Australia's Native Mineral Resources (NMR) has surpassed 1 000 oz of refined gold output at its Blackjack operation in Queensland, marking its transition to a steady-state gold producer.
Since first production in late July, the company has delivered 1 009.53 oz of refined gold, excluding its latest 326 oz doré pour on November 26, for which the final outturn is pending.
Regular monthly pours have been recorded from August through November, supported by improving plant performance following a planned 21-day shutdown completed on November 7.
NMR reported crusher and mill availability above 80% year-to-date, while gold recoveries have consistently exceeded 94%.
MD Blake Cannavo said the maintenance work, which included upgrades to mill lubrication systems, bearing relines and control system improvements, had materially strengthened plant reliability.
“Passing 1 000 oz of gold outturn – with regular pours every month since August – shows that Blackjack is operating at steady state and building a production base that can grow over time,” Cannavo said.
Since the September-29 smelt, NMR has completed four additional doré campaigns totalling 544 oz, yielding 313 oz of refined gold, with the latest pour expected to lift total outturn further once refined.
Meanwhile, construction of the Stage 3 lift of the Blackjack tailings storage facility (TSF) remains on track for mid-December completion. About 42 000 m3 of the planned 70 000 m3 of material has been placed, compacted and tested to date.
Material hauling from the Far Fanning stockpile is also under way, with about 26 000 t already moved to the Blackjack run-of-mine pad. Mining at Far Fanning is targeted to start in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to environmental approvals.
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