The New South Wales Government has approved an application for a 10-year extension to Aurelia Metals’ Peak operations until 2035, securing ongoing employment for more than 400 mine workers.
The New Cobar Complex is a State Significant Development (SSD) that amalgamates the existing approved underground mining of the Chesney and Jubilee deposits, and development of new underground workings at the Great Cobar and Gladstone deposits.
Aurelia Metals plans to establish a new mining area next to the historic Great Cobar copper-gold deposit, first discovered during the Australian Gold rush in 1871.
The investment of A$65 million in the underground mine delivers economic benefits to the Central West NSW region, including sustaining 400-plus jobs at the Peak operations and an additional 140 jobs during the construction phase.
Aurelia Metals Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dan Clifford said the extension is positive news for the state’s mining industry, the local community and hundreds of mineworkers and their families.
“The extension of our Peak Mine will secure a strong future for more than 400 employees and full-time contractors through ongoing employment, including 140 new jobs during construction,” Mr Clifford said.
“All this means a total of $600M in direct and indirect wages and salaries to be paid to workers in NSW, as well as an additional $240M payable to the government in royalties and taxes.
“It’s welcome security for not only our workforce, but also local businesses who supply the Peak Mine, their families, and their communities,” Mr Clifford said.
“The state government’s project approval is a sign of confidence in the strong demand for copper, which is a critical mineral for our transition to a low carbon economy,” Mr Clifford said.
