Following approval of the prefeasibility study (PFS) prepared for the greenfield Golpu project in Papua New Guinea, WorleyParsons has now embarked on the feasibility study stage. Adopting an innovative approach, the PFS split the project into two stages, the first targeting the upper higher value portion of the orebody, which is expected to have a 27 year life, followed by a second stage encompassing the remaining ore reserve.

The Golpu project feasibility is working up technical, procurement and operational plans to create a long-life, world class mine in Papua New Guinea’s Morobe Province. The project comprises an underground mine and process plant with significant associated infrastructure to exploit this prime deposit. WorleyParsons’ Johannesburg Mining Centre of Excellence began work on the PFS in January 2014 and by the end of that year had confirmed a compelling business case for the life of the mine using the two-stage approach. WorleyParsons’ scope for 2015 now comprises a Feasibility Study for Stage 1, a PFS for Stage 2 and Early Works Engineering for Stage 1.

“We’re delighted that the business case has been given the green light,” says WorleyParsons’ Rob McGill, Divisional Manager, Mining Studies. “This is the biggest international project study undertaken by WorleyParsons’ Mining Centre of Excellence here in Johannesburg, and it has effectively demonstrated our ability to leverage the underground mining and processing capability that resides in our South African hub to add value to customers globally.

WorleyParsons states that its “in-depth local mining, processing and infrastructure expertise, coupled with the sharing of knowledge and skills across the entire mineral and resources value chain through the greater WorleyParsons organisation will ensure the best possible outcome for the project.” WGJV is a 50-50 joint venture between Newcrest Mining Ltd and Harmony established to facilitate mining, project and exploration activities for the two parent companies.