Corporate Update on Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited

Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited (ASX: NMR), a prominent player in the Australian copper and molybdenum sector, announced a series of operational and strategic developments that underscore its commitment to maintaining production performance while advancing long‑term asset value. The company’s recent communiqué details the resumption of mining activities at its Blackjack processing plant, progress on the Podosky joint venture, ongoing exploration initiatives, and a suite of plant improvement projects.

Resumption of Mining at Blackjack

  • Restarted Operations: Mining activities at Blackjack resumed on 9 April 2026 after a temporary pause in October 2025. Drilling, blasting, and ore extraction are now active in the Blackjack South open‑pit.
  • Feed Grade Improvement: Fresh ore is expected to gradually replace lower‑grade material from the Far Fanning stockpile, improving the plant’s feed grade over time.
  • Production Metrics: Plant utilisation and recovery rates remain within target ranges, indicating operational stability.

Podosky Joint Venture Progress

  • Front‑End Milestones: Environmental approvals, cultural heritage surveys, and site preparation have been completed. A qualified mining contractor has been secured for initial blasting and mining.
  • Staged Operational Approach: The plan prioritises ore stockpile creation at Blackjack while preserving haulage flexibility. Grade control and reconciliation are central to the strategy.
  • Expertise Integration: A specialist mining engineer has been engaged to review processes and enhance ore tracking confidence as operations scale.

Exploration Activities

  • Blackjack: The sterilisation drilling program aims to confirm the absence of mineralisation at prospective tailings storage and waste rock sites, reinforcing environmental compliance.
  • Far Fanning: The final drilling phase seeks to refine mine design and support the transition to a new mining front projected for 2027. Updated geological models will inform pit designs and future production planning.

Plant Improvement and Expansion Initiatives

  • Safety and Operability Enhancements: New safety features, stockpile handling upgrades, and a carbon‑in‑leach diversion system are being installed at Blackjack to improve plant safety, throughput, and environmental performance.
  • Capacity Expansion Scoping: A scoping study for a processing plant expansion is underway, targeting increased capacity aligned with projected production growth.
  • Infrastructure and Compliance: Upgrades to tailings storage facilities, water infrastructure development, and ongoing regulatory compliance efforts support medium‑to‑long‑term operational objectives.

Strategic Implications

Native Mineral Resources demonstrates a disciplined approach to asset optimisation, balancing immediate production targets with medium‑term growth initiatives. The company’s focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and operational flexibility positions it well within the broader commodity market, where sustainability and efficiency are increasingly critical. By aligning exploration, mine design, and processing enhancements, NMR is poised to maintain a competitive edge in the Australian mining landscape while delivering value to shareholders.