Tennant Mining Begins Commissioning at Nobles Gold Processing Plant
Tennant Mining has commenced commissioning at its Stage 1 Nobles Project gold processing plant, with first gold production moved ahead from the second half of 2025 to June. The near-completion of construction and the finalization of Pan African Resources PLC’s A$77.4 million buyout in December have positioned the company for long-term expansion.
Managing Director Peter Main stated that Tennant Mining has planned its workforce for the next eight years of commercial production, with long-term projections beyond 2033. The company is also preparing for the addition of a copper circuit at the Nobles processing plant as part of its Stage 2 Warrego Project.
Supported by a rising gold price—up from A$2,500 per ounce in June 2020 to A$4,650 today—Tennant Mining has seen accelerated progress. The Nobles gold processing plant is now over 90% complete, ahead of schedule and within budget. The company has completed a pre-feasibility study and initiated a detailed feasibility study for the Warrego Project, aiming to produce copper concentrate in addition to gold.
Pan African Resources' investment has facilitated Tennant Mining’s rapid exploration and growth, extending the life of its mining and production operations. The workforce is expected to grow from approximately 60 employees to 130 in June 2027 and 170 in financial year 2028, scaling up to 300 by 2029 with the expansion of Stage 2.
Most of the workforce will be FIFO employees from Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Perth, southwest Western Australia, and Queensland. Workers will be housed at El Dorado Village, a repurposed accommodation facility purchased by Tennant Mining.
Proximity to Tennant Creek Airport has played a crucial role in the project's viability. The company is collaborating with airlines, the Northern Territory Government, and Airport Development Group to explore necessary runway and apron upgrades. In the absence of upgrades, alternative transport options, such as charter flights or bus services to Alice Springs, are being considered.
