Broken Hill Mines Ltd (ASX:BHM, FRA:662) has delivered first silver-lead-zinc ore from the restarted Edwards Open Pit at the Pinnacles Mine, marking the return of Pinnacles operations for the first time since 2021 and a key step in the company’s hub-and-spoke strategy around its Rasp Processing Plant.
The first ore has been crushed and hauled about 15 kilometres to BHM’s 100%-owned 750,000 tonnes per annum Rasp Processing Plant, providing a third high-grade bulk ore source alongside Main Lode and the long-term Western Min ore supply.
The restart is designed to increase throughput and grade at Rasp, with BHM describing Pinnacles as a major derisking milestone that adds ore-feed optionality to a plant that has historically been underutilised.
Mining at Edwards Open Pit began on schedule, with first ore now hauled to Rasp. Pinnacles is the second new ore feed source BHM has brought online in the past 12 months, and the company is also assessing further feed options, including high-grade underground mining at Pinnacles and development of the Centenary ore body at Rasp.
BHM’s ‘Hub & Spoke’ model, targeting multiple ore source supply to the Rasp Mill.
BHM executive chair Patrick Walta said the milestone was achieved safely and ahead of the original schedule.
“Restarting Pinnacles operations, safely and in advance of our original schedule, provides a third feed source to enable full utilisation of the Rasp Processing Plant.
“This first ore milestone from Pinnacles is a tangible demonstration of BHM’s strategy to unlock value from nearby ore sources and leverage the operational capacity at Rasp.
“We look forward to building on this significant achievement via ramp up of open pit operations and targeted future development of the Pinnacles underground.”
Edwards Open Pit restart
Initial operations are focused on restarting and expanding the existing Edwards Open Pit, which remains open laterally and at depth. BHM said restarting within the historic pit reduces the strip ratio typically associated with first production from an open pit and provides access to up to 50,000 tonnes of high-grade ore identified directly in the pit floor.
The company plans progressive expansion of the open pit into the Consols South, Fishers, Rope Shaft and Junction areas, targeting existing high-grade resources and newly expanded mineralisation zones identified through recent drilling.
The historical Pinnacles mineral resource estimate stands at 6.0 million tonnes at 13.5% zinc equivalent and 374 g/t silver equivalent, comprising 132 g/t silver, 3.3% lead and 4.7% zinc. BHM plans to release an updated Pinnacles mineral resource estimate in late 2026, incorporating extensive drilling completed by the company.
Underground potential under review
Beyond the open pit, BHM sees potential to develop high-grade underground operations at Pinnacles, which could provide an additional ore feed source for the Rasp plant.
Pinnacles Mine managing director Craig Williams said the Williams family was pleased to have partnered with BHM in restarting the mine.
“The Williams family is very pleased to have partnered with Broken Hill Mines in the restart of Pinnacles operations for the first time since 2021.
“BHM have delivered a rapid evolution of this great mine since 2024, and it is a credit to their team for achieving this first ore milestone well ahead of initial target schedule.
“The Williams family looks forward to assisting BHM with further growth at the Pinnacles Mine, including the development of near term high grade underground operations.”
About Broken Hill Mines
Broken Hill Mines is advancing a multi-source production strategy centred on its Rasp Processing Plant in the Broken Hill district of New South Wales.
The Pinnacles Mine is a stratiform, silver-rich Broken Hill Type sulphide deposit about 15 kilometres southwest of the main Broken Hill Lode at Rasp. The ore body was discovered in 1886 and has been mined intermittently by underground and open cut methods.
BHM is the exclusive operator of the Pinnacles Mine under a binding joint venture agreement, with mined ore transported to the Rasp processing plant. Profits from Pinnacles operations are shared about 70% to BHM and 30% to Pinnacles under an agreed net smelter return calculation.