With works on the Dugald River zinc project near Cloncurry due to start mid-2016, the major works contracts are expected to be announced within the coming days.
Final negotiations are currently taking place between MMG and contractors for the bulk earthworks, concrete and electrical works contracts.
The anticipated announcement comes on the back of the Queensland Government’s decision to grant the Dugald River zinc project the status of prescribed project in mid-April 2016.
Haul truck leaving Dugal River's South Portal. Source: Industry Advocate
MMG Group Manager Business Development Myles Johnston said they need 600 workers to construct the underground mine and build a processing plant, and come first production in 2018, an additional 400 workers to operate the mine and provide support services.
MMG has set out an annual production of 1.5m tonnes to produce 160,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate, 18,000 tonnes of lead and 981,000 oz of silver in concentrate.
With an expected mine life of more than 30 years, the project will provide significant and welcome employment, economic and revenue benefits to Cloncurry and Queensland while delivering one of the world’s highest-grade zinc deposits.
Stay tuned in to our blog as we await the announcement.
Source: MMG, Townsville Bulletin