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Mid-West gets boost from mine expansion

Friday, 18 November 2011

Western Australia’s second-biggest copper producer is set to boost its operations and provide more employment opportunities in the Mid-West with a $22million mine expansion.
 
Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore today (Nov 18) officiated at the drilling of the first sod for Mineral and Metals Group’s (MMG) Golden Grove copper open pit.
 
“Last financial year, copper was worth $1.3billion to the State economy, a 13 per cent increase compared to the previous financial year,” Mr Moore said.
 
“Golden Grove contributed significantly, producing more than 33,000 tonnes in 2010.”
 
The Minister said the $22million investment would not only extend the life of the mine by two years, but also provide new employment opportunities in the region.
 
“Golden Grove is a very important operation in the Mid-West, producing many mineral commodities and currently employing more than 550 people,” he said.
 
“This expansion is a significant milestone in the life of the mine which has been in continuous operation since 1990 and holds a very bright future in terms of new discoveries in the Mid-West."
 
“At present MMG is extensively exploring the surrounding area of Golden Grove with very encouraging results.”
 
The copper open pit will be located over the existing underground workings at Golden Grove’s Gossan Hill mine, with full-scale production commencing in January 2012.
 
Mr Moore said current figures showed copper exploration expenditure in WA had increased during 2010-11 by 66 per cent from the previous year, to $79million.
 
“This is a significant increase from five years ago when the State’s annual copper exploration expenditure was less than $10million,” he said.
 
Further information is available from http://www.mmg.com/en/Our-Operations/Mining-operations/Golden-Grove.aspx

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