Manuka Resources Ltd. (MKR) has updated the Probable Ore Reserve for its Wonawinta silver project in the Cobar Basin, reporting a significant boost in tonnage. The company now holds 7.9Mt at 50.4g/t Ag, representing 12.8Moz of contained silver. This update marks a 28% increase in reserve tonnes and a 15% increase in contained silver compared to the previous estimate provided in May 2025.

The updated mining study supports the company’s current efforts to return the site to active production. Site crews are currently focused on recommissioning the metallurgical plant, including the installation of upgraded crushing and de-slime circuits that were recently fabricated. These operational readiness activities include contract finalisations and staffing requirements to ensure the facility can handle the restart of processing operations.

Executive Chairman Dennis Karp emphasized the strategic importance of this milestone as the company moves toward operational status.

"Completion of the updated mining study marks another important milestone as Manuka progresses towards the recommencement of mining and processing operations at Wonawinta."

"The revised Ore Reserve provides additional confidence in the production restart while highlighting the quality of the existing Mineral Resource and the potential for further optimisation as mining recommences."
— Dennis Karp, Executive Chairman

The open-pit mine plan relies on a conventional drill-blast-load-haul method. The reserve estimate is built upon shallow, predominantly oxide material extracted from two existing pits and three new northern pit developments. Manuka plans to contract out the mining activities to Macmahon Contractors later this year, while the site remains fully permitted for these operations.

Investors are looking toward a near-term timeline for revenue generation. Manuka expects to see its first gold revenues later this month, with silver production targeted to commence during the September 2026 quarter. The company continues to refine its life-of-mine scenarios and operational plans, utilizing its processing plant as a flexible hub for future silver, gold, and base metal throughput as the project shifts from its current care and maintenance status back into full production.

Read the full announcement: Updated Ore Reserve - Wonawinta Silver Mine