Vertex Minerals launches first longhole stope trial at Reward Gold Mine

Vertex Minerals (ASX:VTX) has completed the first firing of a trial longhole open stope at the Reward Gold Mine in New South Wales. The 1,200‑tonne trial targets the high‑grade Mica 1 lens with a mining width of about 1.2 m, and initial production screening revealed quartz with visible gold. The company expects a diluted head grade of roughly 8 g/t Au, a significant improvement over the historic 4 m‑wide mining that caused dilution.

Executive Director of Operations Jim Simpson described the test as a “pivotal moment” for the mine, highlighting that narrower longhole stoping should raise feed grades, boost productivity, lower operating costs and reduce waste. Vertex plans to transition progressively from air‑leg to fully mechanised longhole mining, with a dedicated Resemin Muki rig slated for delivery in mid‑2026. The trial follows a recent share‑purchase plan that raised $858,000 to fund working capital and debt during the ramp‑up of gold production.