Barminco secures long-term copper mine contract

Hard-rock underground mining services provider Barminco Holdings Limited has announced it has been selected as the preferred contractor at the Mt Colin underground copper mine by owner Round Oak Minerals Pty Ltd.

Under the four-year, approximately $95 million contract, which includes a one-year option to extend it to five years, Barminco will provide the full suite of underground mining services including mine development and production.

The Mt Colin copper project is located between Cloncurry and Mt Isa in north-west Queensland. Barminco will employ approximately 65 staff at the project, with mobilisation already underway ahead of works anticipated to start next month.

Barminco Chief Executive Officer Paul Muller said the contract added to the strong platform of projects being delivered across the business.

“We look forward to working closely with the Round Oak team as the Mt Colin mine heads into underground production after open-cut mining ended in 2015,” said Muller. “This long-term contract adds to our presence in north-west Queensland, having operated at the nearby Dugald River zinc project for more than six years.

“It also comes at a time when we are seeing a significant increase in tendering activity for hard-rock underground mining both here in Australia and overseas.

“Resources companies are increasingly demanding service providers who can reliably deliver safe, innovative and productive underground mining services. Our deep capability in people, equipment, systems, processes and expertise developed over three decades of national and international experience leaves us well placed to deliver value for mine owners.”