Harmony Gold Mining (NYSE:HMY) has heralded a decision by the Queensland Government to grant its Eva Copper Mine ‘prescribed project’ status.
Declaring Eva a prescribed project means the Queensland Coordinator-General can work with local governments and regulators to help progress it.
In recognition of the project’s social and economic significance to the state’s northwest region, Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace MP intends to support the coordination of approval processes required for the project.
The Eva Project will add a new stream of copper mining and smelting, boosting local supply for solar, wind, and battery energy manufacturing. The government adds that the mine is expected to operate for at least 15 years and generate up to 1,250 jobs in construction and operations.
Harmony CEO Peter Steenkamp says the project is transformational for Harmony as the company transitions into a global gold-copper producer.
“As one of the world’s largest gold producers, sustainability is embedded in our operating practices,” Steenkamp says.
Grace Grace says the government is continuing to create new opportunities to put Queensland on the world stage as a renewable energy superpower.
“The Eva Copper Mine Project plans to provide a new source of copper concentrate that has the potential to feed Mount Isa’s copper smelter,” Grace says.
“Harmony Gold Mining Company already has key mining approvals for the project and my prescribed project decoration means the Officer of the Coordinator-General can now provide additional assistance to coordinate remaining approvals.
“Priorities will include establishing a renewable energy source that can help run mining operations until the project connects to CopperString 2032.
“The project will support Mount Isa’s future, in line with our $50 million Mount Isa Transition Fund support package, announced in February 2024.”
The Eva project lies on the traditional lands of the Kalkadoon people, 75km north of Cloncurry and 95km northeast of Mount Isa in Queensland, Australia.
Harmony is currently updating a Feasibility Study to underpin the proposed development of the project.
Harmony Gold Mining is one of the largest gold mining companies in South Africa. The company operates in South Africa and Papua New Guinea, as well as Australia.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Harmony Gold Mining Company
