New owner ramps up Blackjack plant revamp

Native Mineral Resources says it is on track to achieve its first gold pour in the third quarter of 2025 as it launches into full-scale refurbishment work at its Blackjack processing plant. The mothballed plant outside Charters Towers was part of a package of North Queensland gold assets that the company acquired in an $18.9 million deal late last year. Key activities planned over the next eight weeks to support operational readiness in Q3 2025 include: Processing plant: The initial refurbishment team of 14 personnel, along with plant and equipment, will mobilise in mid-January. Key activities include demolition, equipment removal and cladding work in Goldroom Area 05, followed by ventilation and further electrical and instrumentation tasks across multiple areas. 3D laser scanning work is expected to commence in the second week of February and will be followed by a structural audit by Ausenco. Mobilisation of contractors for weighbridge installation and commissioning is planned for late February. The removal and replacement of the main 11kV switchboards is scheduled to begin in early March. Site works: The main office block is expected to be delivered in late January, with office installation, network cabling, CCTV, access control, and security systems targeted for full completion by the first week of February. Concreting and fencing works are on track for completion this month. Applications and reporting: The Environmental Resource Consent (ERC) application, Mining Lease (ML) and Exploration Permit (EPM) renewal applications and Annual Report and Expenditure Statement, will be submitted by the end of January. A design and methodology report for the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) is expected by early February to prepare for its construction. "Our process plant refurbishment tasks are continuing to progress on schedule and we remain on track to pour first gold at our Queensland projects in Q3 2025," Native Mineral Resources managing director Blake Cannavo said. "With key milestones set to be achieved this month and essential activities progressing as planned, the company is focused on continuing this momentum and look forward to providing further updates as activities progress.” Related: NMR on fast track for NQ gold production The recent acquisition by Native Mineral Resources included the ‘near-production’ Far Fanning and Blackjack gold projects as well as the Great Britain and Granite Castle deposits. The company announced last month that it had strengthened its leadership team by employing Wayne Schiller as operations manager, Cobus Venter as senior metallurgist/process manager, and Don Grinstead as senior site executive for the Blackjack operation.

New owner ramps up Blackjack plant revamp

Industry Queensland

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