Evolution Mining Limited (Evolution)’s Northparkes Operations has marked 30 years of operation with an official ceremony onsite, 27km northwest of Parkes on Wednesday, August 21.
The NSW Minister for Natural Resources, The Hon. Courtney Houssos, MLC attended the ceremony, delivering an address and unveiling a plaque to recognise the milestone.
Other guests included Joint Venture partner Sumitomo, Mr Phil Donato MP, Member for Orange, Parkes Council Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor of Forbes Shire Council Mr Chris Roylance, members of the Northparkes Wiradjuri Executive Committee, Community Consultative Committee and many of Northparkes’ 430 employees.
Following a performance by the Bogan Billa Cultural Dance Group and Acknowledgement of Country, Evolution Mining Managing Director and CEO, Mr Lawrie Conway, extended a warm welcome to guests and recognised Northparkes’ longstanding Joint Venture partner, Sumitomo, whose commitment to Northparkes dates to 1992.
Mr Conway spoke of the many achievements of the Northparkes team over the decades recognising the dedication and support of stakeholders encompassing traditional owners, neighbours, the broader community and Shires of Parkes and Forbes.
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“Your collective presence here today is greatly valued and is one of the key attributes that makes Northparkes unique – a strong sense of place and community. The pride in Northparkes Operations among our people and the community is evident," Mr Conway said.
“As a business and a community, Northparkes brings us together. From its beginnings, Northparkes has enjoyed a strong and respectful relationship with its community, welcoming and valuing the input of all stakeholders.
"The vision for Northparkes is a century of mining together and today we celebrate three decades of operations.
"Given Northparkes’ location in one of Australia’s most prospective copper-gold belts and its long history of successful discovery and growth, I look forward to seeing what the next 30 years holds, and beyond."
As Minister for Natural Resources the Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC said at the event that the NSW Government understood the importance of mining, the industry and local mines, and supporting local, regional communities.
“There's lots of talk at the moment, and particularly in the current context, about the opportunity around critical minerals and high-tech metals. It is an exciting future, but it’s also our present and our past," Ms Houssos said.
"Mines like Northparkes are an example of how we have a long history of gold mining in NSW, and how it has been a part of our community for so long.
“What has stood out for me is that 97% of the workers at Northparkes live in local communities, and how important these well-paid jobs are for all of the shops and the small businesses in the community.
“This is something that I deeply understand, and something that the New South Wales government understands as well.”
Northparkes officially opened on 17 August 1994, with mining commencing the year prior.
In 1997, Northparkes became the first mine in Australia to use the block cave mining method, which is now used in several mines across the country.
Five Northparkes employees, all of whom joined at the beginning of operations, also spoke at the ceremony sharing their stories and memories about working at Northparkes with guests and fellow employees.
In keeping with previous anniversary events, the plaque will be installed in the garden and the Minister for Natural Resource, the Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, was invited to plant a native tree to mark 30 years of operations.
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