Native Mineral Resources is targeting a first blast in April to kick off mining at the Podosky project after recently securing exclusive rights to extract gold and silver from the deposit. 

Mining is scheduled to commence from mid-April, with ore to be hauled to the company’s Blackjack operations for processing.

Podosky was previously part of NMR’s Ravenswood Gold Project joint venture with Haoma Mining. It recently announced a deal to pay Haoma $4 million in three installments for exclusive mining rights for a 12-month period.

NMR’s latest Blackjack gold pour, completed yesterday, produced three bars totaling 560oz doré (17.41kg).

Blackjack mining was suspended in mid-October to allow for additional drilling and updated geological modelling, pit optimisation, pit design and mine scheduling.

Since then, plant feed has been drawn from Blackjack and Far Fanning stockpiles.

With the planned restart of Blackjack mining April to early May, the company said it expected a material improvement in its production profile through increased throughput and stronger ore grades.

“Our latest 560oz doré pour at Blackjack demonstrates continued operating momentum as we build production and advance multiple parallel growth workstreams across the Charters Towers region,” NMR (ASX: NMR) managing director and chief executive officer Blake Cannavo said.

“With more than 5000 tonnes of Far Fanning material now stockpiled on the Blackjack ROM pad, and Podosky progressing towards its planned April mining start, we are positioning the company to increase feed flexibility and support our production profile.

“At the same time, we continue to make strong progress on the enabling infrastructure and approvals required for future growth, including TSF development, drilling programs, PRCP submissions and water infrastructure planning.

“We believe this combination of current gold production and disciplined project advancement underpins the next phase of value creation for NMR shareholders.”