Major mining contractor Thiess has secured A$700 million (US$465 million) worth of work at Harmony Gold Mining Company’s proposed Eva copper-gold project in Queensland, Australia, after South African-based Harmony gave the go-ahead last month for a US$1.55-1.75 billion development.
The 100% Harmony-owned project is expected to produce an average 60,000 tonnes of copper and about 19,000oz of gold a year starting in the second half of 2028.
Thiess will provide mining and construction services during its five-year contract.
Johannes Van Heerden, chief development officer at the circa-US$13.4 billion Harmony, said Thiess brought “established systems, proven processes and deep expertise in bulk earthworks and mining services, supported by a readily available fleet that can mobilise quickly, ensuring we meet our timelines and cost targets without compromise”.
Thiess started bulk earthworks and civil works in May this year and is expected to start surface mining in the middle of 2026. The mining contract is planned to run through to June, 2031.
Eva, about 95km north-east of Mount Isa, will have an 18 million tonnes per annum processing plant treating an average 0.4% copper grade. Its capital intensity is pegged at US$26,000-29 000 per tonne of copper produced.
Harmony earlier awarded Finland’s Metso a $65 million contract to supply a 24MW SAG mill, an 18MW ball mill, crushers and a flotation circuit for the plant.
“In addition to the equipment delivery, Metso and Harmony have agreed a term sheet for a multi-year major goods support agreement,” said Metso Asia Pacific minerals vice president, Kai Ronnberg.
“This will ensure smooth commissioning and ramp-up of the Eva Copper concentrator plant. Local service support will be delivered both on site and through Metso’s Australian service centres and spare parts facilities, ensuring fast response times and operational continuity throughout the project lifecycle.”
