Meeka Metals Limited has reached a major milestone in its Murchison Gold Project as first ore has been successfully mined from the open pit operations in April 2025. The initial extraction from the St Anne’s North pit has led to the construction of substantial ore stockpiles on the Run-of-Mine (ROM) in preparation for the scheduled process plant commissioning in June 2025. Open pit activities have also begun at Turnberry Central, marking the second of five Stage 1 high-grade oxide pits that are set to ensure a consistent and surplus ore supply for processing. Alongside mining operations, significant progress has been made on the processing plant expansion. Major structural works have been completed and the gold room upgrade is well advanced, highlighted by the installation of equipment such as the InLine Leach Reactor (ILR) as part of the gravity gold circuit. Further enhancing operational capabilities, the power station upgrade at Andy Well commenced in April and is expected to be finalized by early May 2025. These developments are crucial steps towards ramping up production and ensuring that the facility is fully prepared for the upcoming commissioning phase. Looking ahead, the project’s activity remains robust with planned upgrades and commencement of underground mining at the high-grade Andy Well mine. The company has outlined activities through the June 2025 quarter, including process plant refurbishment, growth drilling, and increased ore development. This momentum reinforces Meeka Metals Limited’s strategy to scale production in line with its previously disclosed long-term production and financial targets, underpinned by a sizeable high-grade resource base. The news has sparked mixed sentiment among market observers. On the bullish side, the commencement of ore extraction from two open pits, rapid progress on the processing plant and power station upgrades, and clear milestones towards full operational status increase confidence in the company’s near-term production prospects and ability to deliver on its strategic plans. Conversely, some cautious voices point to the inherent risks in the project’s execution timeline, the dependency on timely commissioning, and potential operational challenges during the transition from open pit to underground mining. As such, while the current developments are promising, the execution risk remains a factor to watch for prospective investors.