Canadian miner Artemis Gold has achieved commercial production at the Blackwater open-pit mine in central British Columbia – only three months from commencement of milling operations.
“We will soon turn our attention to the potential acceleration of the proposed Phase 2 expansion, which is anticipated to increase Blackwater’s average annual production to over 500,000 equivalent gold ounces per year, firmly establishing the mine as a Tier 1 asset in a top jurisdiction,” said Chairman and CEO Steven Dean.
Over the past 30 days, the average tonnes per day processed through Blackwater’s crushing circuit was 17,700 tpd (107% of design capacity), while the milling circuit has averaged over the same period 15,300 tpd (93% of design capacity). In the open pit, mining has delivered in excess of 90% of its planned tonnage, with both the 400- and the 600-tonne production excavators fully deployed.
Since the commencement of milling operations at Blackwater earlier this year, gold production has totaled approximately 30,000 ounces. For the eight months of commercial production ending Dec. 31, 2025, Artemis Gold expects to produce 160,000-200,000 ounces of gold.
Blackwater, located 160 kilometers southwest of Prince George, has an expected mine life of 22 years.
Source: Artemis Gold