Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc is ramping up plans to expand output more than tenfold after delivering a pilot processing plant that marks its shift from exploration to active gold production at its Libeli mine.
The company said commercial production is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with a larger industrial facility scheduled for the fourth quarter, expected to significantly increase monthly processing volumes.
“This milestone marks the official transition into active mining and gold processing at the company’s Libeli Mine site. This operational phase is the strategic result of over four years of intensive geological exploration, acquisition of statutory mining titles, and comprehensive regulatory approvals,” the company said in an NGX disclosure.
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Japaul Gold holds a portfolio of four gold mining leases across Taraba, Niger, and Osun states. The newly delivered pilot plant is equipped with advanced technical capabilities designed to extract gold from both hard-rock and alluvial deposits. Following full installation at the Libeli site, commercial production is scheduled to commence in May 2026.
At full capacity, the facility is engineered to process between 18,000 and 21,000 grams of gold monthly. The company said this phase will validate processing efficiency and establish baseline operational performance ahead of larger-scale expansion.
In line with its medium-term production growth strategy, Japaul Gold disclosed plans for the delivery of an industrial-scale processing plant in the fourth quarter of 2026. The expanded facility is projected to significantly increase output capacity, with estimated monthly processing volumes of 210,000 grams.
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Technical operations are being led by the company’s Canadian Managing Director (Mining), David Dawson, who brings more than 30 years of experience overseeing large-scale mining activities across North and South America. He is supported by a team of expatriates and technical specialists with experience in gold mining operations across Africa.
The company also announced that its corporate governance structure has been reinforced following the ratification of a new Board of Directors chaired by Segun Oloketuyi. Executive leadership includes Acting Group Managing Director Henry Alakhume and Chief Financial Officer Adegboyega Adebukunola.
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With pilot operations now in the test phase and commercial production targeted for May 2026, market attention will likely focus on commissioning timelines, recovery rates, and the execution of its planned scale-up strategy later in the year.
“The Board is comprised of resourceful management technocrats dedicated to steering Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc toward a new era of growth, operational excellence, and shareholder profitability. The company also acknowledges the continued strategic oversight and advisory support of its company secretary and legal adviser, Royal Heritage Solicitors & Advocates, in ensuring regulatory compliance and sound corporate governance practices.”
Shares of Japaul Gold have risen 44.2 percent year-to-date after gaining nearly 10 percent on Tuesday to close trading at N3.66. The stock, which returned over 52 percent last year, currently ranks as the 41st on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. Shareholders can be optimistic about JAPAULGOLD knowing the stock has accrued 33 percent over the past four-week period alone.
