Vertex Minerals Limited has received approval from the Bathurst Regional Council in New South Wales for a modification to the development consent governing the Reward Gold Mine, unlocking round-the-clock underground activity and blasting at the site.

The approved modification authorizes 24-hour underground operations and blasting while clarifying site-wide operational hours. Determination of the application had previously been deferred by the council, with expectations pointing toward a decision in mid-August 2026 before final approval was granted on August 20, 2026.

Designated as the company’s flagship project, the 100% owned Hill End operation features an inherited AU$25 million of underground development. The deposit supports a mineral resource estimate standing at 419,000 tonnes at 16.72 g/t gold, containing 225,200 ounces of gold.

"Securing this approval marks an essential operational milestone as the Company moves directly toward commercial production."

— Jim Simpson, Executive Director Operations

With the permitting hurdle cleared, Vertex Minerals aims to commission the mine during the September 2026 quarter. Operational readiness continues to advance alongside the approval, with the delivery of a second Bird underground truck expected at the site in late August 2026 to help remove production bottlenecks and support material movement.

Vertex Minerals shares closed at $0.16, rising 10.34% on the day of the announcement.

Read the full announcement: Development Application Modification Approved