Northparkes Mines’ $220m expansion to create up to 180 jobs

Posted: 1st Feb

Northparkes Mines has announced the final approval of a new block cave mine for its successful copper operation in the Parkes region of Central West New South Wales.

The investment will be $220 million over a three-and-a-half year period and construction is scheduled to commence in January 2019.

The project will deliver 11 kilometres of underground development, an underground primary crusher, conveying systems and associated infrastructure. At the peak of construction the project will employ up to 180 additional people, which will largely be a mixture of Northparkes Mines employees and Central West contractors who will be filling roles for engineers, tradespeople, underground development operators and more.

Full production is expected in mid-2022 when the new block cave known as E26 Lift 1 North (E26L1N) is complete, producing approximately 40 million tonnes of ore over a 10-year period.

E26L1N will be designed to utilise automation and digitisation, helping to deliver a safer and more productive mine.

Northparkes Mines acting managing director Hubert Lehman said, “This is a major investment in the future of our business and a very exciting time for Northparkes. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the local community in which we live and work for years to come.”

“The opportunities for lifestyle, families and career development are pretty impressive here, especially with many new positions opening up every day,” said Lehman. “We encourage staff progression and this is a place where you can really make your mark.”

Richard Plowes, project manager tailings, agreed, saying, “I’ve worked all over the world, and now being based in Parkes is pretty exciting … the work-life balance and affordability is fantastic.”

 

https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/northparkes-mines-220m-expansion-will-bring-up-to-180-extra-jobs/