Polymetals Resources Advances Endeavor Mine Restart in New South Wales

Polymetals Resources is making steady progress on the restart of its Endeavor silver-lead-zinc mine near Cobar, New South Wales. The company is currently focused on surface and underground refurbishment activities.

In December, several pieces of mobile underground equipment arrived on-site, facilitating the commencement of underground development rehabilitation. Particular attention is being given to the high-grade upper north lode (UNL), where a 21-hole surface drilling program completed in May 2024 confirmed mineralization in all drillholes. Polymetals is now considering adjustments to its mining method to enhance the extraction and productivity of the UNL mineralization.

Surface infrastructure refurbishment is also underway, including the ore feed and grinding circuits, alongside general maintenance and fabrication of the process plant. Additional activities completed in the December quarter include modifying the mine portal to accommodate larger 65-tonne trucks, inspecting and refurbishing ventilation fans, and rehabilitating ground support at an underground electrical substation.

Polymetals' executive chairman, Dave Sproule, noted the progress in recommencing underground mining activities, including initial blasting and trucking, alongside the ongoing refurbishment of the mill. He emphasized the company's focus on early mining of high-grade silver from the upper north lode and highlighted ongoing near-mine exploration efforts, including Carpark drilling and geophysical surveys.

The Endeavor mine has a projected lifespan of 10 years, with expected production of 260,000 tonnes of zinc, 10.6 million ounces of silver, and 90,000 tonnes of lead.