23 March 2022
Australia

Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) and SC, together with Chinese resource development company China Molybdenum Co., Ltd., have completed construction and commenced production at the area adjacent to the existing orebody (E26L1N) of the Northparkes Mine (New South Wales, Australia), that the companies jointly operate in order to extend the life of the mine.

The Northparkes Mine has mined copper and gold and produced copper concentrate since 1994. The development of E26L1N, as the next developed orebody after the E48 orebody and other orebodies, will extend the life of the mine around 9 years. As with the E48 ore body, the block caving method will be used for mining. Production at E26L1N began in March 2022.

SMM will continue to make progress toward the realization of its long-term vision of 300,000 tons/year of copper production from its share of the concession, while also making investments to maintain production at existing mines, such as in this development.

SC has advocated shifting product portfolio to copper, nickel, and lithium for realising sustainable society within business strategy for the Mineral Resources, Energy, Chemical & Electronics Business Unit in Medium-term Management Plan, “SHIFT 2023”. SC will continue to strive for stable production and supply of copper and contribute to the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Northparkes Mine Surface