PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The A$350-million expansion of the Ravenswood gold mine, in Queensland, has been completed, with the project now ramping up.
More than 1 000 contractors were supported during the mine’s expansion while its permanent workforce has increased to more than 430 with a further 220 permanent contractors.
“This is a major achievement for our team at Ravenswood Gold and for the township of Ravenswood,” Ravenswood Gold CEO Brett Fletcher said.
“We are delivering huge economic benefits and providing local employment opportunities, with the vast majority of our team living within a two-hour drive of the mine. Ravenswood Gold is a great example of local people working together with private business and government to bring real benefits for the State of Queensland,” he said.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said that not only was Ravenswood now the largest gold mine in Queensland, but the project was also supporting a number of local businesses and community members.
“It is providing good jobs, flow-on benefits for local businesses and is ensuring a sustainable future for the town of Ravenswood well beyond the life of the mine. And all Queenslanders benefits with royalties that will fund our schools, hospitals and roads.
“The resources industry directly supports about 75 000 jobs across the state, particularly in the regions, which account for about two-thirds of all mining jobs.”
Ravenswood Gold purchased the mine from gold miner Resolute Mining in 2020, and in 2021 announced plans to expand the maximum capacity at the project from about five-million tonnes a year, to between seven-million and eight-million tonnes a year, to produce between 180 000 oz/y and 210 000 oz/y of gold.