Native Mineral Resources says it remains on track for first gold production in the third quarter of this year, with major refurbishments progressing at its Blackjack processing plant.

The company is funded to accelerate its work in the Charters Towers area, with $15.9 million raised to advance to production.

Its assets in the region include the Blackjack and Far Fanning gold deposits as well as the Blackjack processing plant.

Related: NMR drilling to back Blackjack development plans

“Despite facing extreme weather conditions over recent months, NMR has demonstrated resilience and commitment in keeping the Blackjack refurbishment on schedule,” managing director Blake Cannavo said.

“Our investor engagement, fund raising, regulatory compliance efforts, and steady progress in both site establishment and plant refurbishment underscore our dedication to delivering this project successfully.

“Having completed fund-raising efforts to raise nearly $16 million to fund our restart and drilling underway at Blackjack, we are confident of achieving the major milestones ahead, including plant commissioning and our first gold pour in Q3 2025, and in NMR’s ability to execute its vision and unlock significant value for our shareholders.”

Image at top of page: Refurbishment of the Blackjack grinding area is underway.

The company said extensive refurbishment work was underway across key areas at the Blackjack plant, including an upgrade of crushers and conveyors, ball mill refurbishment, blasting and painting in the gold room.

Measurement specialists mobilised this month to assess the pinion and girth gear, with procurement of replacements underway, alongside a scheduled ball mill motor assessment planned in late February.

Vegetation clearing and earthworks for the tailings storage facility are set to commence later this quarter, aligning with operational readiness for Q3 2025.

Collaboration with MEC Mining is advancing, with mine design completion expected in March 2025.

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