Native Mineral Resources (NMR) is full steam ahead at its Blackjack gold project in northern Queensland, with commissioning activities now underway and first gold targeted for late July.
NMR has completed all major plant procurement at Blackjack, with long-lead items delivered to site and final closeout work in progress.
Mining fleet mobilisation is nearing completion and key reagents and power infrastructure are already in place.
Construction of the tailings storage facility (TSF) is also progressing well to support wet commissioning by early July.
“We are now entering a pivotal stage in our restart journey, with key workstreams in plant commissioning, mining mobilisation, and TSF construction all aligning toward our first gold production target in July 2025,” NMR managing director Blake Cannavo said.
“This ambitious milestone brought forward within quarter three remains contingent on a smooth and disciplined commissioning process, which is progressing to plan. Early energisation, vendor mobilisation, and water readiness are supporting this momentum.
“On the mining front, fleet mobilisation and stockpile delivery to the ROM pad are tracking to schedule, positioning us well for a seamless transition into production. TSF infrastructure is also advancing on time, with earthworks, engineering, and pipework installation nearing completion.
“We remain sharply focused on delivering first gold on our target schedule and ramping up Blackjack operations with confidence and precision.”
The commissioning team is expected to mobilise on June 12, and dry commissioning is expected to begin on June 26.
Wet and ore commissioning will follow in early July, with South pit dewatering completed and mining set to begin shortly.
Infill drilling is ongoing to support mine plan optimisation, and laboratory installation is nearly finished.
Blackjack is one of several north Queensland assets NMR is progressing, including the Far Fanning deposit, which holds an inferred mineral resource of 2.3 million tonnes at 1.84 grams per tonne gold for 138,000 ounces.
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