Evolution Mining has awarded a contract to GR Engineering Services Limited to complete the plant expansion works at its Mungari gold mine in Western Australia.

These works, part of an engineering, procurement and construction contract, are expected to total A$155 million ($100 million) and are within the project budget and schedule as part of the company’s previously announced commitment to invest A$250 million to increase the site’s processing capacity from 2 Mt/y to 4.2 Mt/y, Evolution says. It also includes required changes to process plant buildings and associated infrastructure, according to GR Engineering.

Initial engineering design and procurement works have commenced with site works commencing in mid-January 2024. The project has an estimated 30-month construction period including long-lead items and approvals, with commissioning expected by the end of the March 2026 quarter.

Targeting gold production of 200,000 oz/y for the life of the mine, this project is expected to reduce Mungari’s All-In Sustaining Cost by 18% to $1,750/oz and extend the mine life to 2038, Evolution says.

Evolution Mining’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lawrie Conway, said: “The award of this contract is a major milestone for the Mungari Future Growth project. It secures the critical processing plant infrastructure within our budgeted costs, locking in over 60% of the project costs, and secures a delivery time within the approved project schedule.

“The feasibility study established a sound investment case with an internal rate of return for the project of between 19% and 28%, at a conservative A$2,400/oz and spot price of A$2,965/oz, respectively.”

Tony Patrizi, Managing Director of GR Engineering, said: “We are extremely pleased that Evolution Mining, one the world’s leading tier one gold producers, has selected GR Engineering to deliver the Future Growth project at Mungari. GR Engineering has a long track record of successful project delivery in the mineral processing sector. We see this contract award as a strong endorsement of GR Engineering’s proven process design record and EPC delivery capability.”