Construction on Carrapateena copper mine in South Australia could create more than 1000 jobs

Sophia Rostron   |   November 2, 2016

PYBAR Mining Services Mining Services have commenced work on a $65 million contract to build the exploration tunnel and associated infrastructure at OZ Minerals' Carrapateena copper mine. 

Premier Jay Weatherill yesterday officially opened a planned 5.5 kilometre underground tunnel that will give the ability to access and mine one of Australia’s largest undeveloped copper deposits. 

"If the detailed exploration is successful and the project is progressed it is expected to generate more than 1000 construction to production jobs in the next few years; with an anticipated mine life of over 20 years," said said Premier Weatherill. 

"Copper built this State and discoveries like this mean this commodity, which we have in abundance in South Australia, can continue to contribute enormously to our economy." 

"Our experts believe there are other large deposits out there waiting to be discovered, which is why we have provided a further $20 million in funding to the PACE program to expand the search for copper.

"This initial construction will benefit communities in the north of the state, through new jobs and opportunities for supply chain businesses.

"And if the project is progressed, the economic befits to the upper Spencer Gulf region and the state as a whole will be enormous."

The Carrapateena iron-oxide copper-gold deposit is located 160 kilometres north of Port Augusta, and was discovered in 2005 with the assistance of a State Government Plan for Accelerating Exploration (PACE) collaborative drilling grant.

PYBAR, an underground mining services contractor, were awarded the project in July of this year. 

Keep up to date with further SA mining news by subscribing to Felix Project News below.

Sophia Rostron
As the Content editor at Felix (formerly PlantMiner), Sophia works behind the scenes to keep our blog machine in motion. A student of Law and Business, she's very dependent on coffee and loves any excuse to travel.

Related Articles

Projects
Siemens Gamesa secures EPC contract for $350m Bulgana Green Power Hub

The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for Neoen Australia’s $350 million Bulgana Green Power Hub development has been awarded to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), with major construction activities to begin immediately.

Projects
Zinfra secures contract on Stockyard Hill Wind Farm project in VIC

Construction on Goldwind Australia’s 530MW Stockyard Hill Wind Farm in the Pyrenees Shire in Victoria is progressing well with another contract award. The new contract was awarded to Zinfra for the construction of connection assets in behalf of AusNet Services.

News, Insider
PlantMiner announces national partnership with SITECH

Australia’s largest online construction marketplace and construction technology leader partner to improve access to equipment telematics information.

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.