Downer EDI has announced today that, along with its joint venture partner Ausenco Pty Ltd (Ausenco), it had been awarded a contract by OZ Minerals Carrapateena Pty Ltd (OZ Minerals) for work at the Carrapateena copper gold mine project, 160 kn north of Port Augusta in South Australia. The scope of work includes:

-engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a new minerals processing plant, including the non-process infrastructure to support the operations;

-site power distribution;

-plant borefields development for regional water supply

-full communications and telemetry network

Initial works will commence under a limited notice to proceed (LNTP) and construction is scheduled to commence at the end of the first quarter of the 2018 calendar year. The initial LNTP works are valued at approximately $100 million with the full contract value estimated at approximately $312 million.

The Chief Executive Officer of Downer, Grant Fenn, said Downer was proud to be selected with Ausenco to deliver this important project which will play a critical role in boosting the existing and future copper export capacity for OZ Minerals and South Australia.

“Today’s announcement builds on the joint venture partners’ extensive experience and specialist skills in the development of large-scale materials handling infrastructure and combines Downer’s national construction expertise with Ausenco’s world-class mineral processing capability,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with Ausenco and bringing innovative and efficient solutions to OZ Minerals.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Ausenco, Zimi Meka, said the Ausenco Downer joint venture team and OZ Minerals had already developed excellent working relationships. “With our complementary values, people, approaches and absolute commitment to a safe and cost effective project, we are delighted to be working with Downer and look forward to delivering a successful project for OZ Minerals,” he said.