JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The copper mining project that Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed Harmony Gold is developing in Australia has been granted special ‘prescribed project’ status in recognition of its social and economic significance.

Harmony, which acquired Eva in December 2022, is currently updating a feasibility study to underpin its proposed development, which is located on the traditional lands of the Kalkadoon People, 75 km north of Cloncurry and 95 km northeast of Mount Isa. The the Kalkadoon People are descendants of an indigenous community from the Mount Isa region of Queensland.

The project is expected to generate up to 800 jobs during construction and about 450 jobs during operations.

The announcement declaring Eva ‘prescribed’ was made by Queensland State Development and Infrastructure Minister Ignazia Graziella “Grace” Grace MP and will support the coordination of approval processes required for the project.

The recognition of the project’s distinct strategic importance and potential to contribute to the economic development of Queensland’s North West supports Harmony’s confidence in the project, Harmony CEO Peter Steenkamp stated in a release to Mining Weekly.

“We appreciate the support of the Queensland government and all stakeholders who supported our application for ‘prescribed project’ status,” Steenkamp added.

Harmony, chaired by Dr Patrice Motsepe, has identified opportunities to enhance the asset as well as its contribution to stakeholders.

This includes introducing renewable power as well as an optimised design that could potentially deliver greater production volumes.