Vertex Minerals Limited has announced that underground production has now commenced at its Reward Gold Mine, marking a significant milestone in its transition toward high-grade gold production. Over the past weekend, the company successfully undertook its first blasting of gold-producing ore on the Lady Belmore Reef. This ore will initially supplement the low-grade gold stockpiles that feed the new Gekko gravity processing plant, with plans to commence processing high-grade stope ore from the underground mine in the coming weeks. Several operational milestones have been achieved, including the installation and energization of a new 11kva to 1000V transformer substation and the completion of cabling to the primary ventilation fan. Access drives to two starter stopes are being cleaned in preparation for the production rig to begin drilling high-grade stopes. Additionally, the dewatering of Decline 3 on the Mica Vein has been completed, making it ready for flatback mining. With a goal to develop at least four mining fronts, Vertex Minerals expects continuous ore feed to the gravity plant using multiple mining methods. The Reward Gold Mine holds a Mineral Resource Estimate of 419,000 tonnes at an average grade of 16.72 g/t, equating to approximately 225,200 ounces of gold, which underpins the company’s growth strategy. Vertex has also advanced plans to mine a high-grade long hole stope, which is scheduled to commence in August 2025 using the Epiroc Production Rig. The project is supported by a complementary historic base of 1.8 million ounces recovered from previous operations and is positioned below the historic Hawkins Hill mine, known for exceptionally high grade sections. The company’s integrated approach, including efficient gravity processing with up to 95% recovery, reinforces its operational and technical strengths. From a market sentiment perspective, the news carries bullish elements as the company demonstrates robust progress towards expanding its production capacity and improving its product mix, positioning itself to take advantage of high-grade ore processing. The strategic move to enhance its mining infrastructure and diversify mining methods is likely to appeal to investors seeking companies with strong operational execution and clear growth prospects. Conversely, some bearish sentiment might arise from the inherent risks associated with mining development, the potential challenges in ramping up high-grade underground production, and the uncertainties outlined in forward-looking statements. However, with a fully funded operation free from hedges and secured debt, Vertex Minerals appears well-prepared to manage these risks while advancing its production milestones.