CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) was delighted to welcome Senator the Hon. Matthew Canavan, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, and the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business to the mine last Thursday.
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Jim Fowler (Managing Director Northparkes) said it is a pleasure and indeed a privilege to host visits such as this.
“Northparkes is the world’s most automated underground block-cave mine and we are proud of our history and achievements, Jim said.
“The mine has been operating for 23 years and we have a vision of a century of mining together, here in NSW’s Central West.”
Senator Canavan and Minister McCormack toured the end-to-end production process from the E48 underground mine through Northparkes’ hallmark stockpiles and into the concentrator.
They walked through the concentrator, viewed the visio-froth flotation process and saw the final copper concentrate product.
The mill is a vantage point for Northparkes’ farms, which are located adjacent to the mining operations.
While underground, the group viewed the E48 automated loaders in operation and visited the E26 Sub-Level Cave.
They also toured the surface control room, located some 500 metres above the underground operations, where operators control the remote and expert control systems and technologies.
Senator Matthew Canavan, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, said the mining industry is one of the driving forces for regional Australia, where it creates good jobs and helps support local economies.
“It was a great opportunity to visit CMOC-Northparkes Mines to see how automated technology is being used by highly skilled employees to make the most of our natural resources,” Senator Canavan said.
Mr McCormack commented on what an outstanding opportunity it was to see a state-of-the-art, world class mine in operation.
"I am impressed at how CMOC-Northparkes Mines combines both mining and farming - showcasing that the two sectors can co-exist," he said.
“The fact CMOC-Northparkes Mines employs 300 people and engages approximately another 300 contractors during the year, highlights its importance not only to the region's economy but also to the nation.”
Northparkes prides itself on its philosophy of Zero Harm Operations.
Jim explained that Zero Harm is the approach to every aspect of operations.
“We care for our people, our environment and the community in which we live and work,” he said.
“This philosophy was showcased during today’s visit.”
