NORTHPARKES is both a farmer and a miner, owning about 10,314ha of land in Central West NSW.

Mining operations occupy 1630ha and the remaining area operates as a commercial agricultural and logistics operation.

Northparkes is a joint venture between China Molybdenum Company (CMOC) (80pc) and the Sumitomo Group (20pc).

It was the first mine in Australia to use the highly efficient block cave mining method, now used in several mines throughout the country.

Since 1993, Northparkes has been celebrated for its high-quality copper deposits, low cost operations and loyal, committed people.

The operation is made up of an underground block cave mine, a sub-level cave and an ore processing plant which produces copper concentrate for export.

In 1997, first full-scale production began from the E26 Lift 1 block cave.

In 2006, the company began construction of a new block cave mine on the E48 copper and gold deposit, with production officially commencing in September 2010.

In 2015, it made history, reaching 100pc automation in its E48 block cave mine, taking people out from underground and allowing them to control the loaders from an air-conditioned room on the surface.

In recognition of this achievement and others, Northparkes was named Prospect Mining Hard Rock Mine of the Year in 2015.

The Life of Mine Studies and Exploration department was also formed in 2015 to realise the value of Northparkes’ mineral potential.

In 2016, the company began production from the E26 sub-level cave.

Northparkes is currently seeing production records from its underground mine, with one operator controlling three loaders at the same time.

Northparkes managing director Hubert Lehman said this breakthrough allowed the company to operate continuously, 24/7, without pause.

“We have higher daily production at a significantly reduced cost,” he said.

“Importantly, complete automation reduces our risk profile as operators are located on the surface, rather than in the cab, thereby eliminating exposure to hazards such as dust, noise and vibration.

“We are committed to continuous improvement, innovative in our approach and we embrace technology, adapt quickly and find new and smart ways of doing things.”

CMOC executive chairman and chief executive Steele Li said complete automation positions Northparkes as an outright industry leader in Australia and globally.

“Northparkes is a benchmark for others in the industry,” he said.

“Since acquiring the operation, CMOC has given the automation project our full support and it is wonderful to see it come to fruition.”

From Northparkes’ multi-award winning Emergency Response Team to its industry-first dust suppression trials, the company is always seeking opportunities to learn and improve.

In April last year, CMOC and Sumitomo announced the final approval of the Expansion Project at Northparkes.

The investment will be $72M spread over two years.

Engineering work started immediately, with full benefits of the project expected to be realised in late 2020.

The Expansion Project includes a range of upgrades to the Northparkes underground mining, ore processing and infrastructure facilities to enable an increase in throughput capacity from 6.4Mtpa to 7.6Mtpa.

CMOC is an international natural resources company with a diverse portfolio of high quality, low cost, long life assets.

CMOC is focused on mining, processing, smelting, product technology, trade, research and development.

The company currently produces molybdenum, tungsten, copper, gold, niobium and phosphate.

Northparkes is a benchmark for others in the industry.

Community

The local Parkes community, bustling with innovation and productivity, is proud of its local mine that has supported the local economy and region for more than 25 years.

Northparkes has two community investment program rounds each year with $40,000 awarded to successful applicants each round, totalling $80,000 in funding.

The company supports initiatives that contribute to the Parkes and Forbes local government areas in the following categories: economic development, culture and recreation, education and youth, environment and health.

Along with these programs, Northparkes has also committed to a number of long-term community partnerships:

  • $80,000 – Parkes Grants Officer and Aboriginal Project Officer
  • $30,000 – Parkes Sports Grants
  • $11,150 – Parkes Life Education
  • $16,500 – Elvis Festival
  • $5000 – Parkes Agricultural Show

The company also donates in-kind materials such as a conveyor belts, power boxes, first aid boxes, and office equipment including desks, chairs and filing cabinets.

Northparkes has set up two committees: the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and the Wiradjuri Executive Committee (WEC).

The CCC meets twice a year to update members on business operations and receive community feedback.

It is chaired by a neighbouring landholder and includes representatives from Northparkes Mines, community members, local business groups, Parkes Shire Council and Forbes Shire Council.

The WEC meets quarterly to identify opportunities and develop projects which support Wiradjuri people in the community.

The WEC is made up of two members from the Wiradjuri Council of Elders, two from Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council and two senior Northparkes employees.

The Northparkes Source community newsletter is published twice a year and distributed online and via local newspapers.

The company has also been conducting Open Days at its operation for more than 20 years to work collaboratively with neighbours.

Northparkes hosts formal onsite meetings with its neighbours twice a year and meets with neighbours individually throughout the year.

From time to time the company offers neighbouring landholders the opportunity to attend workshops on farming operations, as well as holding special tours to view selected projects.

A text message alert system is offered by Northparkes to its neighbours to provide updates regarding the company’s dust mitigation activities during windy and dry weather conditions.

The Northparkes Volunteer Leave Program was also created in 2013.

To-date, Northparkes employees have donated over 3000 volunteer hours.

The program has been recognised by industry peers as best practice and an industry leading program.

Northparkes won the NSW Minerals Council Environment and Community Excellence Award in August 2014 and the Australian Mining Prospect award for Community Interaction in October 2014.

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