ECR Minerals (ECR) is advancing development at its Maddens Underground Mine in North Queensland, with drilling and blasting now underway on the main decline from the 355m level as it targets gold production during Q4 2026. ECR has a 50% interest in the Maddens Flat Group of Mines.
The decline is planned to advance ~72.5m towards an ore drive and intersection with the Maddens Reef at about 342m. The development is expected to provide access to ~12.5m of stoping height, or “backs”, which ECR estimates could contain potential for 1,500 oz of gold.
The start of decline development follows underground enabling works including ventilation upgrades, establishment of escapeways, surveying and preparation of underground equipment.
Refurbishment of the existing processing plant is also progressing, including installation of a 20-inch Knelson concentrator designed to optimise gold recovery. First processing of ore from existing surface stockpiles is currently expected by the end of September.
ECR said the current programme is intended to establish Maddens as a producing hard-rock gold operation within the wider Maddens Flat Group of Mines, with production from newly accessed underground ore targeted during Q4.
ECR Chairman Nick Tulloch said: "Having visited the Maddens mine in recent days, it is clear that the team has made significant progress in advancing production capabilities across both the underground mine and the processing plant. Considerable work has already been completed on ventilation, rock bolting and escapeways, and we are now seeing that preparation translate into active decline development.
"We are excited to see the fruition of this hard work, with the mine advancing well and plant refurbishments underway that will enable ECR to report its maiden production from Maddens in the coming months. The next major objective is to access the planned production area through the decline, with production from newly mined underground ore targeted during Q4 2026.
"Maddens is an important part of the wider Maddens Flat Group of Mines and we are very encouraged by the progress being made on site. I would like to thank the team for their continued efforts and dedication."
View from Vox
The key near-term catalyst is the transition from development into processing and production. Surface stockpiles are expected to provide the first ore feed this month, while the decline development is now moving towards the Maddens Reef and the potential 1,500 oz zone.