Major hard-rock underground mining contractor Byrnecut is returning to the historically significant Gwalia gold mine in Western Australia on a new four-year deal after owner Genesis Minerals wrapped up a tender process it said drew several tier-one bidders.
Byrnecut, previously at Gwalia between 2012 and 2021, is expected to replace incumbent, Macmahon, in May this year subject to agreement on final terms and conditions. The contractor will also mine at Ulysses, about 30km south of Leonora, which started underground production at the end of 2024.
“Byrnecut has given Genesis an extremely attractive proposal based on highly competitive terms, including costs, safety systems and performance, and a range of other value-creating services that will deliver the best outcome for the Gwalia and Ulysses assets,” Genesis managing director Raleigh Finlayson said.
“Byrnecut’s offer is backed by a deep pool of very experienced people, as demonstrated by the major contracts they hold around Australia, ensuring they have the skills and substantial resources Genesis will need as we implement the rapid growth strategy at our Leonora operations.”
Byrnecut’s other Australian underground contracts include BHP’s Prominent Hill and Carrapateena copper-gold mines, Northern Star Resources’ Carosue Dam, Thunderbox and Jundee gold mines, Ramelius Resources’ Mount Magnet gold mine and Liontown’s Kathleen Valley lithium mine.
Genesis’ FY26 production guidance is 260,000-290,000oz at AISC of A$2500-2700/oz.
