Australian gold sector firing at just the right time
It’s been a challenging few years for gold miners in Australia but the group now looks poised to capitalise on record prices.
Leighton Contractors has been awarded two new gold mining contracts, one in Western Australia andone in the Northern Territory, totalling $317 million.
The first, a $200 million contract awarded by Newcrest Mining Ltd, is for works at Telfer – one of thelargest gold mines in Australia, located 450km ESE of Port Hedland on the edge of Great SandyDesert.
Under the 27-month contract, Leighton Contractors will provide mining equipment, operators,maintenance and supervisory personnel, and infrastructure including workshops and offices to theproject.
The second is a three-year, $117 million contract for Crocodile Gold Australia Operations Pty Ltd atthe Cosmo Deeps underground gold mine, located 140km SSE of Darwin and 50km NW of Pine Creekin the NT.
This contract, commencing in April, will see the provision of complete mining services, including shorttermscheduling, diamond drilling, decline and level development, ground support installation andshotcreting, production drilling, blasting and haulage. There is also provision for a contract extension,with the mine life currently estimated at 10 years.
Steven Keyser, Executive General Manager at Leighton Contractors, said the company’s existingsurface and underground mining expertise and proven track record in delivering similar projects werekey factors in securing the contracts.
“These new contracts will give Leighton Contractors opportunities to further grow our undergroundcapability and bolster our strong presence in the north-west region of WA,” he said.
“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Newcrest Mining and Crocodile Gold, and to be a part of the future success of these projects.
“I am hopeful that as these relationships develop, we may be presented with further opportunities inthe NT and with Newcrest Mining, Australia’s leading blue chip gold producer.”Leighton Contractors currently provides mining services at four other gold mines across Australia andNew Zealand.
Leighton Contractors currently provides mining services at four other gold mines across Australia and New Zealand.
