Works at Harmony Gold Mining’s Eva copper project in Queensland are underway, with the mine set to generate hundreds of long-term mining jobs once in production.
The Eva project was recently announced as a recipient of the Queensland Government’s $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program.
Under the program, projects that are expected to generate local jobs within the next few months are prioritised for funding.
Harmony secured a grant for $20.7 million, which is subject to a number of conditions, including reaching a positive final investment decision (FID) by January 2026.
The company said the funds have been earmarked for preparatory works at the project site, which will be one of the largest copper mines in Queensland once completed.
This will include building site access roads, an upgrade of the Burke Developmental Road intersection, construction accommodation facilities, fencing, and associated services and infrastructure.
“These activities, which form part of a larger early works programme funded by Harmony that are designed to facilitate earliest copper production (subject to a positive FID), are underway and will continue over the next several months,” Harmony said.
The decision to provide grant funding follows an announcement by the Queensland Government in March this year declaring Eva as a ‘prescribed project’.
This is used to signify projects of significance, particularly economically and socially, to Queensland.
Eva will generate approximately 800 construction jobs and create 450 jobs when in operation and is expected to have a 15-year minimum life.
Declaring a prescribed project enlivens the Coordinator-General’s powers to ensure timely decision-making in relation to prescribed processes and prescribed decisions.
Since acquiring the Eva project in 2022, Harmony has been working to conduct a robust, risk-based feasibility study assessment of Eva.
“These ongoing studies and exploration drilling programmes are targeted to deliver a quality, de-risked and sustainable mining operation,” the company said.
“The feasibility study update will require amendments to the current Environmental Authority in place for the project.
“A FID on the project will therefore only be considered once all approvals have been obtained.”
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