ECR Minerals shares jump on key project milestones

(Sharecast News) - Shares in ECR Minerals jumped on Tuesday after the Australia-focused gold miner impressed with an operational update of its Queensland portfolio, with the company nearing first production at its Raglan and Blue Mountain projects. At Raglan, the company is working towards first alluvial gold production, after signing a deal to acquire the project and mining lease, along with wash plant, camp and mobile fleet - completion of which is expected before the end of 2025.

At Blue Mountain, ECR is progressing towards early-stage production, building on visible gold, expanding mineable corridors and further wash-plant trials.

Meanwhile, maiden drilling at the Lolworth project has confirmed multiple shallow gold and silver intercepts, while talks with Bold Gold about a proposed joint venture at the Creswick project are progressing.

"2025 has been a pivotal year for ECR," said chair Nick Tulloch. "Together, we consider that these milestones place ECR in its strongest operational position in recent years."

He added: "We believe that the year ahead will see ECR evolve from a pure explorer into a company with nearer-term production and cashflow potential, supported by two complementary alluvial projects and substantial tax losses that enhance early economics. We enter 2026 with alignment, momentum and a clear plan to deliver a step-change year for the business."

Shares were up 8.6% at 0.28p by 1439 GMT.