Vertex’s High-Tech Gold Plant Starts Up Amid Environmental and Operational Challenges

Commissioning Milestone Achieved

Vertex Minerals Limited (ASX: VTX) has officially commenced commissioning at its Reward Gold Mine, processing the first gold ore through its newly installed gravity gold plant. This marks a pivotal step in the company’s transition from development to production, with visible gold concentrate already observed during the initial runs.

The gravity gold plant, a compact and technologically advanced facility, is designed to process up to 110,000 tonnes per annum using gravity recovery methods without the use of chemicals or ball mills. This approach aligns with Vertex’s commitment to environmentally sustainable mining practices, featuring minimal grinding, low power consumption, and a dry stack tailings system that significantly reduces water usage.

Operational Progress and Team Integration

The plant commissioning has progressed safely and efficiently, moving from electrical and mechanical setup to wet commissioning and now ore processing. The installation of the Ore Sorter Module is well underway, with completion expected by early February, which will further enhance ore grade and reduce throughput by up to 50%.

Vertex has onboarded key personnel including a General Manager, Commercial Manager, Maintenance Manager, and a dedicated team of plant operators and technical staff. The company is collaborating closely with Gekko Systems, the technology provider, to ensure a smooth handover from commissioning to full production.

Strategic and Environmental Advantages

The Reward Gold Mine benefits from existing infrastructure, including underground access, power, water systems, and security, facilitating a streamlined start-up. The plant’s gravity-only processing method avoids cyanide and other chemicals, producing benign tailings that could have commercial sand applications. Additionally, the facility’s low operator requirements and remote monitoring capabilities promise reduced operating costs and enhanced safety.

Vertex’s Executive Chairman, Roger Jackson, highlighted the rapid progress from the Pre-Feasibility Study to commissioning within 12 months as a significant achievement. He emphasized the uniqueness of the plant’s environmentally sympathetic design and expressed optimism about moving to commercial operations and generating solid cash flow.

Looking Ahead

Initial production will focus on processing stockpiled ore adjacent to the plant, with first commercial gold sales anticipated in February 2025. Vertex’s strategic focus remains on scaling throughput through ore sorting and gravity recovery, expanding its high-grade gold inventory, and establishing itself as a leading high-grade gold miner in Australia.

With a robust safety, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework, Vertex aims to build shareholder value while maintaining an ethical and sustainable approach to gold production.