Northparkes celebrates 25 years of operation
On Thursday 15 August, CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) officially celebrated 25 years of operation. Onsite celebrations were held with Northparkes employees, Northparkes’ owner and operator, China Molybdenum Co., Ltd (CMOC), and Joint Venture partners, Sumitomo Mining Metal Oceania and Sumitomo Corporation Mineral Resources – who have been part of the Northparkes Joint Venture since its inception.
CMOC Executive Chairman Steele Li said, “When CMOC had the opportunity to purchase Northparkes back in 2013, they recognised the potential in not only the business and its future, but the people. We are excited to watch Northparkes continue to grow and develop, as Northparkes plays a pivotal role in our strong and long-term presence in Australia and as an internationally renowned mining company. The quality and excellence of the people at Northparkes, ultimately contribute to the success and reputation of our operation.”
Northparkes also celebrated eight of their employees who reached 25 years of service at Northparkes. Congratulations to Ian Cowle, Rob Cunningham, Dave Little, Tony Melhuish, Ian Rowe, Brad Mill, Alan Macdonald and Geoff Tilley. Northparkes Managing Director Hubert Lehman said, “This is an incredible milestone that needs to be recognised – we are extremely grateful to have these people a part of our Northparkes team.”
“At the heart of Northparkes is our commitment to Zero Harm Operations. While this has been described in many different ways over the years and it has evolved into the way we work today. This approach includes their commitment to the community in which we live and work.
For over two decades, Northparkes has helped with the growth of the Parkes and Forbes Shires. Through salaries, funding programs, Northparkes has been able to deliver improved outcomes that have made a lasting difference to the communities of Parkes and Forbes.
“The support and encouragement of our community, in particular both Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils, has been instrumental in our success. We are extremely proud of the positive and supportive relationships that have been built over the years. I would like to formally extend my thanks to both the local communities of Parkes and Forbes for their continued support over the past 25 years,” said Mr Lehman.
“I have always been incredibly impressed with the passion and the drive of the people who come to work here each and every day. To all the people who work here today and to those that have come and gone, each and every one of you have played an integral part in what we are celebrating today. The people are what make Northparkes the place it is today!”
Earlier this year, Northparkes announced the approval of the E26 Lift 1 North Project and the Expansion Project. A total of $300M will be invested in Northparkes over a three year period to support these projects. This investment demonstrates CMOC’s confidence in the sustainability and longevity of Northparkes.
“We know the exploration potential of Northparkes and we believe we will discover more copper and gold deposits to take us even further into the future. Northparkes is the world’s most automated underground block-cave mine and we are proud of our history and achievements. We will continue to focus on our commitment towards our local communities as we strive towards achieving our vision of a century of mining together,” Mr Lehman added.
About CMOC-Northparkes Mines
Northparkes is a copper and gold mine located 27 kilometres north-west of Parkes, in the Central West of New South Wales, Australia. Since 1993 Northparkes has been celebrated for our high-quality copper/gold deposits, low cost operations and loyal, committed people. Northparkes is a joint venture between China Molybdenum Co., Ltd (CMOC) (80%) and the Sumitomo Groups (20%).
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Ali Standen
Northparkes Mines
Community & External Relations Advisor
02 6861 3621
ali.standen@au.cmoc.com
