Name of the Project
Eva copper project.

Location
Northwest Queensland, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Gold mining and exploration company Harmony Gold Mining Company.

Project Description
The project is high-margin, long-life asset.

The proposed low-strip ratio openpit development is expected to produce about 65 000 t/y of copper in concentrate during the first five years, with an expected life-of-mine (LoM) average production profile of about 60 000 t/y of copper and 19 000 oz/y of gold. 

This will be achieved by processing an average of 18-million tonnes a year of ore over its currently estimated 14-year mine life.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
In the base case, the project has an after-tax net present value A$445-million and an internal rate of return 11%, with a payback from the final investment decision (FID) of seven years.

Capital Expenditure
Project capital is estimated from $1.55-billion to $1.75-billion. The capital profile remains highly manageable, with expenditure phased over a three-year construction period.

Planned Start/End Date
First production is expected in the second half of calendar year 2028, subject to environmental authority amendments.

Latest Developments
Technology company ABB has been awarded a contract to deliver gearless mill drive (GMD) and ring-geared mill drive (RMD) technology.

Once installed, the combined GMD and RMD systems will provide high availability, and the functionality to process copper ore efficiently across the LoM.

The technology will allow for grinding with maximum efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility, suitable for a modern concentrator designed around contemporary processing flowsheets and low-risk technology choices.

The 24 MW GMD system will power the project’s 12 m semiautogenous grinding (SAG) mill, followed by an 18 MW variable-speed dual-pinion RMD system for an 8 m ball mill.

The SAG and ball mills will be the largest power consumers on site; therefore, drive system efficiency is a critical factor in the detailed technology evaluation for the project.

The project also includes an eHouse that will be engineered and manufactured in Australia to meet local standards and operator safety requirements.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
ABB (GMD and RMD systema).

Contact Details for Project Information
Harmony Gold Mining Company, email HarmonyIR@harmony.co.za.