Native Mineral Resources (NMR) said that work to restart its Blackjack gold processing plant at the Charters Towers complex in north Queensland during the third quarter is on track.
In a progress update, the company said refurbishment and upgrades of the Blackjack facility are advancing across all key plant areas, with equipment ordered, modelling near completion, and pre-commissioning underway.
Additionally, environmental approvals and statutory compliance activities are advancing, with all tenement reporting up to date and key applications in progress. Diamond drilling continues to progress well, with more than 50% complete. Further results, it said, are expected from that effort next month.
The site’s LiDAR survey to aid detailed mine planning and environmental inputs is not complete, and TSF design and geotechnical planning is now underway. Early site preparation works are nearing start.
“Our team continues to execute with strong momentum across all key areas of our Blackjack restart, on track for Q3 CY2025,” MD Blake Cannavo said. “The coordinated progress on site establishment, mining studies, environmental approvals, and plant refurbishment reflects the depth of planning and capability within our project team and partners.
“We’re entering a pivotal phase of development, and I’m pleased with the pace and quality of work being delivered. We remain focused on achieving our key milestones and look forward to keeping shareholders informed as the project continues to advance.”
Discussions have begun with Ergon Energy for grid power connection, with a Connection Planning Report (CPR) to commence in April. In the meantime, Aggreko has been contracted to supply temporary power via one 500kVA and two 1250kVA synchronised generators, which will support up to 24 months of operation.
Source: Native Mineral Resources