OZ Minerals Carrapateena project delivers local opportunities
20 Oct 2011
Exploration drilling and accommodation village works have started at the OZ Minerals Carrapateena copper-gold project, located on the eastern margin of the Gawler Craton, 160 kilometres from Port Augusta.
OZ Minerals purchased the Carrapateena copper-gold project in May 2011 and the first priorities are establishing an Inferred Mineral Resource for the northern area of the deposit and completing mining and infrastructure options studies in preparation for a pre-feasibility study.
McMahon Services, through their local office in Port Pirie have been engaged by OZ Minerals to construct the exploration accommodation village which will cost $2.9 million and consist of 52 accommodation rooms, laundry, offices, kitchen and dining room. The buildings were constructed by AUSCO in Adelaide and the project includes the installation of all services such as power, water and sewer as well as the placement of the buildings and the construction of village paths. McMahon Services are expected to employ up to 20 South Australian based people to work onsite.
McMahon Services has recently launched a business called Intract – Indigenous Contractors, developed to train, employ and open long term career pathways for Indigenous Australians. Intract provides contracting services to the mining and civil construction industry and is a joint initiative of the Aboriginal Foundation of South Australia and McMahon Services.
Approximately 10 Intract personnel will be working on the project at Carrapateena including a young Indigenous man who originates from the local Kokatha* people.
A transport company from a neighbouring pastoral property, and a Port Augusta based electrical contractor, plumber and crane business have also gained work for the early stages of the Carrapateena project. OZ Minerals have a preference to employ locally where possible.
It is expected that a project pre-feasibility study will commence later in 2012 when the first phases of drilling are completed and updated resource information is available.
Australian-based miner OZ Minerals owns and operates the Prominent Hill copper-gold mine in South Australia, which employs 800 people. The mine has a preferential local employment policy with approximately 80 percent of its workforce from South Australia. The Carrapateena copper-gold project is 250 kilometres south east of OZ Minerals' Prominent Hill operation.
A Native Title Agreement for exploration access was reached with the Kokatha Uwankara people. The agreement allows for the on-going exploration.
For further information please contact:
Natalie Worley
Head of Investor & External Relations
T + 61 3 9288 0345
M + 61 409 210 462
natalie.worley@ozminerals.com