Australian gold and copper miner Evolution Mining has engaged ASX-listed GR Engineering Services as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for its A$75 million Northparkes coarse particle flotation project in New South Wales.
GR Engineering said work had started on a $68 million contract that would improve the 8.5 million tonnes per annum (nominal/circa-7.3Mtpa in FY2025) Northparkes plant’s copper recovery and overall energy efficiency. The plant was budgeted to achieve c85% copper and c73% gold recoveries in FY25.
Evolution said in February this year it had allocated $545 million capital investment for development of Northparkes’ E22 underground block cave operation and $75 million for the coarse particle flotation project (CPFP). It would also spend $14 million on studies aimed at unlocking “further long-term value upside, primarily through increasing production scale”.
“The development of E22 will sustain Northparkes’ production profile and secure its future into the next decade,” Evolution said.
“To complement this, the CPFP will help improve recovery and lift the performance of the mill.
“Collectively, these projects will help Northparkes maintain cost competitiveness and preserve its position ahead of the global copper supply curve. This cements Northparkes’ role in central west NSW as a leading, sustainable copper and gold producer, a major local employer and proud community partner.”
The 32-year-old operation, 27km north-west of Parkes, is owned 80% by Evolution and 20% by Japan’s Sumitomo Group. FY25 copper production was 28,485 tonnes and gold output was 49,044 ounces, with a gold all-in sustaining cost at a sublime negative-$2514/oz.
“GR Engineering is pleased to be working again with Evolution Mining following the successful completion of the Mungari mill expansion project [in Western Australia] in 2025,” GR Engineering managing director Tony Patrizi said.
“GR Engineering’s well-established Brisbane office will execute this project, following on from their recent successful completion of a large gold EPC project.”
ASX-listed GR Engineering has a current market value around A$700 million. Its share price has climbed by more than 50% in the past 12 months.
