PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The A$916-million Carrapateena copper-gold project, in South Australia, has cleared its last approvals hurdle, with the South Australian and Commonwealth governments both granting approvals.
ASX-listed Oz Minerals on Tuesday reported that mining lease has been granted by the South Australian government, while the federal government has given Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) approval.
“Receiving the mining lease and EPBC approval is the product of significant effort on the part of the state government working closely with the federal department to ensure this project receives a robust and thorough review,” said Oz Minerals CEO Andrew Cole.
“We have also had our detailed operational plan approved by the South Australian government, representing the conclusion of a significant amount of work on behalf of government departments.”
Oz Minerals approved the development of the Carrapateena mine in August last tear year. The development will produce an average of 65 000 t/y of copper and 67 000 oz/y of gold over a 20-year mine life.
Phase 1, which is currently under way, will see construction of enabling infrastructure, including accommodation village and airstrip, as well as the continued development of the dual access underground decline.
The Phase 2 development will comprise the construction of the processing and above ground infrastructure, including the processing plant, tailings storage facility, underground materials handling system, access roads and power lines.