KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 28): Aumas Resources Bhd (KL:AUMAS) claimed that sabotage dragged its third fiscal quarter into the red though the gold mining firm said it has managed to restore full operations.

Since the incident at its Bukit Mantri facility, the focus is now on maximising production output to catch up with the shortfall in the quarter, Aumas said in an exchange filing. The company noted that it has reviewed its operations and boosted security among other measures since the incident.

“Our operational teams are implementing enhanced efficiency measures to optimise gold recovery rates and processing throughput,” Aumas said. Immediate priorities include maximising recovery from existing ore stockpiles and to complete security upgrades, the company said.

Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025 (3QFY2025) was RM19.91 million compared with net profit of RM834,000 in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter fell 31% year-on-year to RM29.55 million.

Despite the disruptions, the company managed to produce 63.62kg worth of gold with a net sales value of RM29.26 million, or RM460,000 per kg. Silver production contributed an additional 18.15kg worth RM58,000.

Critical mining infrastructure at its Bukit Mantri facility were damaged in May, allegedly by “former associates of the previous management”, which started with blockage of the perimeter drainage system by heavy machinery on May 17, Aumas disclosed in the filing.

Heavy rainfall a day later worsened the damage and led to the collapse of the tailings storage facility’s bund wall on May 19 due to water accumulation. Repair attempts were also “repeatedly sabotaged” throughout the month.

The company obtained court injunction near the end of May to protect repair operations

“The incident has prompted management to implement enhanced security measures and operational protocols to prevent similar disruptions in the future, including upgraded perimeter security, continuous monitoring systems, and strengthened coordination with relevant authorities,” Aumas said.

The company added it is actively pursuing legal remedies related to alleged misconduct by former management.

An existing civil suit has been amended to include additional claims totalling over RM9 million, representing additional tax liabilities imposed by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia in relation to 41 missing gold doré bars from the previous management period.

The primary suit is awaiting a trial date following completion of pre-trial procedures, while contempt proceedings have been initiated against parties violating court orders. Tax authorities have also cleared the company of irregularities post-June 2023, the company noted.