OZ Minerals has launched work on phase one of the Carrapateena copper-gold project in South Australia.
The company has received approval of its program for environmental protection and rehabilitation (PEPR) for Carrapateena’s airstrip and Tjungu accommodation village from the SA Government.
OZ, which approved development of the $916 million mine in August, expects to commission the project by fourth quarter 2019.
Managing director Andrew Cole said the company purchased a pre-owned 550-bed accommodation village, and preparatory ground work for the airstrip and village had commenced.
“Orders for procurement of long lead items for the processing plant will be finalised in the next fortnight,” Cole said last week.
“The construction workforce will progressively mobilise over the coming weeks and they are being accommodated in the existing on-site exploration village. Decline development is advancing in line with schedule.
“Around 1000 jobs are expected to be created from construction through to production and OZ Minerals is prioritising sustainable local procurement and local employment.”
OZ received government approval of a miscellaneous purposes license (MPL) for the development of an airstrip and accommodation village in July. It submitted the PEPR in August, with approval received during September.
“Working closely with government agencies, the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation, landowners and the local community meant an environmental management program was developed that addressed key social and environmental risks in a manner that was acceptable to both the community and government. This in turn facilitated timely government approval,” Cole said.
The Carrapateena project’s second phase, which would see the construction of an on-site processing plant and other major operational infrastructure, is subject to a mining lease approval.