Meeka Metals begins ore sorting upgrade at Murchison

Meeka Metals (ASX: MEK) has commenced installation of an ore sorting facility at its Murchison gold project in WA, targeting increased processing capacity and higher gold production. The upgrade is expected to lift mill capacity by 200ktpa to 800kpta, resulting in a corresponding boost in gold production.  With multiple ore sources feeding the plant, the operation has been constrained by milling capacityOre sorting will be applied initially to underground material from the Andy Well deposit, separating higher-grade ore for immediate processing while lower-grade material is stockpiled for later treatment. Test work at Steinert’s facility in Bibra Lake found about 85% of contained gold could be sorted into about 50% of the rock mass, effectively doubling the head grade of Andy Well ore entering the mill. Meeka Metals managing director Tim Davidson says the upgrade represents a low-cost solution to increase production. “We expect this high-return, quick-payback investment to be operational in the September 2026 quarter providing additional processing capacity for ore from our open pits and our second underground mine at Turnberry, commencing in 2026,” he said. Civil works for the $6m upgrade have commenced, with equipment delivery and installation due to begin in the June 2026 quarter. According to the company, the installation offers a faster and lower-cost alternative to expanding the existing processing plant, which would require significantly higher capital investment and longer development timelines. The upgrade is expected to reduce processing costs per ounce, lower tailings volumes and reduce wear on plant equipment by removing waste material before milling. Meeka Metals said further test work is underway to assess the application of ore sorting across other deposits within the Murchison project.