Vertex Minerals Tests Mechanised Mining at Reward Gold Mine

Vertex Minerals initiated the first production firing of a trial longhole open stope at the Reward Gold Mine in Hill End, New South Wales. The trial, located on the high-grade Mica 1 lens, compares the productivity and costs of mechanised longhole mining against traditional airleg stoping.

To minimize dilution, the company is using a modified jumbo drill, which is expected to reduce dilution by more than 20%. A Resemin Muki longhole rig is scheduled to arrive in September 2026 to further support the transition. Early ore screening revealed high-grade quartz with visible gold, with a projected diluted head grade of approximately eight grams per tonne from the 1,200t stope.

The project experienced initial delays due to prolonged inundation and poor ground conditions, which required the rehabilitation of the historic decline network. The shift toward mechanised methods is part of a broader strategy as the mine develops deeper levels.