Manuka Resources (ASXL: MKR) is on track to commence silver and gold production at its 100% owned Wonawinta production facility in NSW in Q2 2026.
The $18.9 million re-development in the rich Cobar Basin will feature an existing one million tonne per annum (Mtpa) processing plant producing precious metals from existing open pit gold mines and stockpiles located at Wonawinta and Mt Boppy, 150 km away by road.
The company's production target covers 19 million ounces of silver from Wonawinta open pits and run-of-mine (ROM) stockpiles and 46,000 ounces of gold from the Mt Boppy open pit and Wonawinta/Mt Boppy stockpiles.
Under a 10 year mine plan the company is aiming to produce 13.2 million ounces of silver at an average cost of A$35 per ounce of silver.
Previous history
Manuka will bring a strong history to the project having produced 382,000 ounces between 2022 and 2023 when gold ounces were recovered at a rate of 0.23% per silver ounce.
Chasing further upside, the company recently began a drill campaign at Mt Boppy, historically one of NSW’s richest gold mines.
The program is testing the depth potential at Mt Boppy, drilling down to approximately 500m for the first time.
The initial “scout” program is hoping to uncover extensions of similar grade and geological structures to the historic gold riches at Mt Boppy and add high-value ounces to the Wonawinta project.
Key management appointment
To support the lead-up to first production, Manuka has appointed Rod Griffith as its executive general manager of operations, with responsibility over Wonawinta and Mt Boppy.
Mr Griffith, who will be in charge of the plant upgrade and the restart of silver production from the Wonawinta silver project, brings more than 30 years of mine development, management and engineering experience after holding senior positions in both Australia and Indonesia.
His previous roles include chief operating officer of KBL Mining, over 20 years working with Straits Resources in a range of roles, including the position of general manager projects and most recently general manager operations at Alkana Resources’ Tomingley gold mine.
Notably, he is familiar with Manuka’s assets, having previously been contracted to the company.
