Vertex Minerals (ASX:VTX) said its gold production continues to rise due to increased underground stoping ore and higher grades at the Reward gold mine in New South Wales, according to a Tuesday filing with the Australian bourse.

The company will focus on improving the stoping rate to achieve a steady state, anticipated to boost gold grade at the gravity mill, the filing said.

Additionally, the company posted quarter-to-date gold sales of AU$656,708, with two further deliveries of gravity concentrate set for refining before the end of the month, per the filing.

Shares fell 2% in afternoon trade on Tuesday.