Northparkes Operations
As part of its long-term planning, Northparkes is considering two separate projects: the Northparkes Continuation Project and the Northparkes E44 Mining Project. For more information about these projects, including planning and consultation activities, please visit our webpage.
Location
300km west of Sydney, 27km north-west of Parkes, New South Wales, Australia
Producing
Copper, gold and silver
Management
Owner operator
Site contact number
Northparkes Operations is a well-established copper-gold mine located 27km north-west of Parkes, in Central West New South Wales, Australia. Evolution acquired an 80% interest in Northparkes in December 2023, entering into a longstanding joint venture with Sumitomo Group (20%).
The mine has been in operation since 1994 and was the first to use the block cave mining method in Australia. Today, the operations include underground block caving, sub-level caving and open pit mining – undertaken by our ~620-strong workforce. The onsite processing plant produces a copper-gold-silver concentrate that is trucked and railed to the Port of Newcastle before being shipped to international customers.
Northparkes delivered record operating and net mine cash flows of $431 million and $234 million, and a record improved AISC of $(8,314) per ounce in FY26. These outcomes are a result of consistent and reliable gold and copper production. Production from the new E48 sub-level cave commenced in the first quarter of FY26. This is a key operational milestone enabling low capital intensity production while other organic growth opportunities are progressed.
KEY FACTS
~180 contractors
Organic growth
In February 2026, Evolution’s Board approved three significant projects: development of the E22 block cave ($545 million capital investment), the CPF Project (±$75 million capital
investment) and the Mill Expansion Study ($14 million investment).
The E22 block cave will support continuity of underground ore, plant utilisation and cost competitiveness – with around nine years of production at ~6Mtpa. During FY26, development works progressed and will ramp up to enable initial production by the end of FY30. The CPF Project is expected to improve gold and copper recovery and energy efficiency and increase plant throughput to 8Mtpa. Commissioning is targeted for the second half of FY28. The Mill Expansion Study is assessing a pathway to processing capacity of 10Mtpa or more. The Study remains on track for completion by the end of FY27.
In FY26, drilling focused on resource conversion and targeting new shallow open-pit opportunities that can be mined independently of underground materials handling systems. This drilling of copper dominated ore bodies resulted in maiden Mineral Resources at Major Tom and E51. Together with an updated E28NE Mineral Resource, these changes increased contained copper by 56kt after depletion.
Celebrating 30 years of operations in 2024, Northparkes is known for its committed people and use of innovative technology. Our current Environment Assessment allows operations until 2032. Northparkes has a current mine life of ~30 years, with the potential to increase mine life through conversion of Ore Reserves. The Northparkes team fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace that makes Evolution a career highlight.
Our Northparkes Volunteer Leave Program allows our people to contribute to the local community, with many of our team members donating countless volunteer hours, sharing their skills with community groups and organisations throughout the Central West. Volunteers can provide skilled labour, heavy lifting or even cook for a cause.
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Our Northparkes community
Our Northparkes Operations is located in the Parkes Local Government Area on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people of the Upper Bogan River.
Our strong community support includes:
Northparkes has operated for 30 years and during that time has had a strong focus on local employment. Being a residential mine site means many of our people live in and are connected to the community in which we operate.
We have a strong relationship with local Traditional Owners and the Wiradjuri Executive Committee meets on a quarterly basis. Around 8% of our employees identify as Indigenous.
Northparkes invests in the future of the local community through meaningful partnerships and awards programs. The Northparkes Community Investment Program awards a total of $100,000 to successful applicants each year.
In addition, we contribute to the community through strategic partnerships including the Parkes Elvis Festival, Charles Sturt University’s School of Rural Medicine Heart of Parkes facility and the Eugowra Community Children’s Centre.
Living and working at Northparkes
Northparkes is a residential site where we encourage you to live nearby and enjoy the close-knit communities and lifestyles of the surrounding areas. The majority of our employees reside in Parkes, Forbes and Peak Hill.
Transport
Northparkes is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Parkes, 50 minutes’ drive from Forbes and 30 minutes’ drive from Peak Hill.
Accommodation and housing
Subject to availability, relocating employees may have the option of utilising Evolution accommodation. This may include a fully furnished transit accommodation for a period of up to six weeks. You also have the benefit of salary sacrificing your rental deductions.
Find out more about the area
Parkes Shire Council
Forbes Shire Council
We are committed to building strong and enduring relationships with our local communities, grounded in respect, honesty, two-way dialogue and transparency.
Community Consultative Committee (CCC)
The committee meets at least twice a year to update members on business operations and receive community feedback. The committee is chaired by a third-party member and includes representatives from Evolution along with neighbours, community members, local business groups, Parkes Shire Council and Forbes Shire Council.
Contact [email protected] to submit a question to the Community Consultative Committee.
Wiradjuri Executive Committee (WEC)
The WEC meets quarterly to identify opportunities and develop projects that support Wiradjuri people in the community. The WEC is made up of two members from the Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council, two from the Wiradjuri Council of Elders and two from Northparkes.
Wiradjuri country extends from the Blue Mountains in the east of New South Wales, to Hay in the west, north to Nyngan and south to Albury.
When visiting Northparkes, visitors will come across the Wiradjuri Garden, which includes a sacred scar tree and features vegetation traditionally used by Wiradjuri people.
Working with our neighbours
Northparkes strives to work closely with its neighbours, keeping communication open and honest. Formal meetings are held twice a year and open to all neighbours, as well as individual meetings with neighbours held throughout the year. From time-to-time special tours are hosted for neighbours to view projects which may be of interest.
A text message alert system is in place to assist communication with neighbours. The primary purpose of the system is to provide updates regarding blasting schedules and dust mitigation activities.
More information
Our Northparkes Community Investment Program provides community organisations with the opportunity to apply for funding, material donations, volunteering assistance (through our Volunteer Leave Program) or in-kind support. We support initiatives that aim to deliver positive outcomes across economic development, culture and recreation, education and youth, environment and health. Applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed in May and October.
We publish the Northparkes community newsletter, SOURCE, biannually, which can be found in our Document Centre.
Northparkes Community Newsletter – SOURCE – June 2026
Contact us for more information, to provide feedback or to lodge a complaint.
General enquiries:
+61 2 6861 3000
[email protected]
Community enquiries and complaints:
+61 2 6861 3556
