Highlights

  • Manuka Resources has officially ended its care and maintenance phase and moved back into operational mode.
  • The company is targeting the restart of gold and silver production during the second quarter of 2026.
  • A financing facility arranged earlier this year is expected to support project development and production activities.

Manuka Resources Limited (NZX:MKR) has moved closer to restarting mining operations after ending its care and maintenance program. The ASX-listed company announced that operational activities have resumed at its project sites as it prepares to restart gold and silver production in the coming months. The development comes after the company secured financing and strengthened its on-site management team to support the transition back to active operations.

Operations Resume After Extended Care Phase

Manuka Resources confirmed that its care and maintenance program has concluded, allowing the company to move into operational readiness. The program had been in place since early 2024 when mining and processing activities were paused due to commodity price conditions at the time.

During that period, the company had been transporting ore from the Mt Boppy gold project to its Wonawinta processing plant. Operations were halted when gold and silver prices were significantly lower than current levels.

With market conditions changing and internal preparations advancing, the company has now transitioned back toward active production.

Production Restart Planned for Q2

Manuka has indicated that gold and silver production is scheduled to restart in the second quarter of 2026. Preparatory work at the Wonawinta site is underway as the company accelerates its operational ramp-up.

The company has also secured key members of its on-site management team, with start dates beginning from early March. These appointments are intended to support operational readiness as the projects move toward production.

Ore movements from the Mt Boppy project are expected to begin during March, with further updates anticipated once these activities commence.

Financing Supports Operational Restart

Earlier in March, Manuka entered into definitive loan documentation for a senior secured term facility with Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II. The financing arrangement is intended to refinance existing debt and support the development of the company’s mining projects.

The funding will be used for the Wonawinta silver project and the Canbelego gold project. The company has already drawn the first tranche of the facility and confirmed that previous debt obligations have been repaid.

Management stated that the financing arrangement positions the company with funding required to move toward production.

Share Price and Market Activity

Manuka Resources’ shares have been trading around NZD 0.17 in recent market activity.

Key financial metrics

  • Share price: NZD 0.17
  • Loan facility secured: US$30 million
  • Previous debt repaid: A$19 million
  • Production restart target: Q2 2026

The operational restart and financing developments have placed the company’s mining assets back in focus as it advances toward production.

Manuka Resources has progressed toward restarting mining operations after concluding its care and maintenance program. With financing secured and operational preparations underway, the company is preparing to resume gold and silver production in the second quarter of 2026. Updates on ore movements and site activities are expected as the restart process continues.

FAQ

  1. Why did Manuka Resources halt operations earlier?
    The company paused operations in early 2024 due to lower gold and silver prices at the time.
  2. When will Manuka restart production?
    Manuka plans to restart gold and silver production during the second quarter of 2026.
  3. How is the company funding the restart?
    Manuka secured a US$30 million senior secured term facility to refinance debt and support project development.