Lion One Metals Limited has outlined progress and ongoing operational challenges at its Tuvatu gold mine in Fiji, as the company moves into a new phase focused on stabilising production and improving performance.
In its March 2026 operational update, the company said it is transitioning into what it described as “Phase 2”, following the successful commencement of production at the underground mine in late 2023.
The next phase is aimed at building a more consistent and resilient operation, with efforts focused on improving underground development rates, managing ore grade variability and advancing processing capabilities.
Lion One reported that while gold production has been steady, operational performance has been affected by variability in ore grades and the pace of underground development — challenges typical of early-stage underground mining operations.
To address these issues, the company is implementing targeted operational improvements, including enhanced mine planning, increased drilling, and adjustments to development strategies to better define high-grade zones.
The update follows a series of recent developments at Tuvatu, including the commissioning of a new flotation plant in March, which is expected to improve gold recoveries as the operation ramps up.
However, the company cautioned that the ramp-up process will take time, noting that early-stage performance variability is expected as the team builds operational experience with the processing circuit and ore characteristics.
Tuvatu is part of the broader Navilawa Caldera project area on Viti Levu, where Lion One holds extensive exploration licences covering multiple prospective mineralised zones.
The company said ongoing drilling and exploration activities are aimed at expanding the resource base and supporting longer-term production growth.
Lion One, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, is positioning Tuvatu as a high-grade alkaline gold operation, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and extending mine life as development progresses.
