Native Mineral Resources is ramping up its Charters Towers operations after successfully producing a gold dore bar this week from ore mined at its Blackjack project.

The company said this confirmed successful commissioning of its 340ktpa carbon-in-leach (CIL) processing facility and marked NMR’s transition from gold developer to producer, with first revenue generated.

“The production of first gold at Blackjack is a transformational milestone for NMR and a proud moment for our team and shareholders,” NMR managing director and chief executive officer Blake Cannavo said.

“This validates our investment in plant refurbishment and metallurgical design, and confirms our operational readiness.

“Importantly, this event marks our first revenue, confirming our transition to producer status. We now move confidently toward ramp-up, optimisation, and sustained gold production from the Charters Towers region.”

The company’s first gold pour was completed on July 6 using remnant material as part of a planned trial run.

Feed sourced from ore mined during NMR’s initial drill and blast program was used in the pour this week.

It yielded 70 ounces at 91.64 per cent recovery, displaying the with minor impurities to be expected during early commissioning, the company said.

The next gold pour is scheduled for August 8.

Gold dore bars poured at Blackjack will be transported to Sydney for assay and refining by ABC Refinery.

NMR will commence ramp-up of ore feed using higher-grade run-of-mine material, complete plant optimisation, finalise the mine plan with external engineering partners, and progress gold reconciliation, ahead of Q3 2025 production updates.