Polymetals Resources has successfully completed commissioning of its Endeavor processing plant, marking a major milestone in the restart of the central New South Wales mine.
Production of saleable silver-lead and zinc concentrates is now underway, with mining and processing activities continuing to ramp up to targeted levels.
“Completion of the Endeavor mill refurbishment is a significant achievement,” Polymetals executive chairman Dave Sproule said. “Milling operations are settling down well and we are addressing various maintenance issues as they arise.”
The company confirmed that the first shipment of zinc concentrate from the Endeavor site will begin shortly with exports of silver-lead concentrate expected to follow soon after.
Both concentrates will be shipped via Berth 29 in Adelaide, with zinc concentrate to be exported in 10,000-dry-metri- tonne parcels and silver-lead concentrate to be dispatched in initial parcels of 5000 dry metric tonnes.
Pre-payment arrangements against holding certificates have also been established with Ocean Partners to support the company’s working capital requirements.
The site is currently processing medium-grade ore while preparing for the introduction of higher-grade silver ore in the coming months.
Ongoing optimisation of the plant is expected to improve recoveries and efficiency as feed grades increase.
Polymetals reached commercial production at Endeavor in June, following an extensive development phase.
Situated near Cobar, the Endeavor mine has an expected lifespan of 10 years and is projected to produce 260,000 tonnes of zinc, 10.6 million ounces of silver, and 90,000 tonnes of lead.
Underground mining activities are progressing steadily, with crushed ore now regularly transported to the surface.
Development of the upper-level high-grade silver zone is also advancing, with first ore extraction anticipated in August.
Production is set to ramp up through the second half of 2025 to reach full output targets.