Northparkes Operations
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 ~630-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.
It is favourably located close to well-capitalised infrastructure and has multiple concentrated mining options, with five deposits within a 2km radius. Our organic growth opportunities position Northparkes as an operation with long-term growth potential.
KEY FACTS
~180 contractors
Organic growth
Our Northparkes Operations has significant organic growth opportunities, including a potential mine life extension to 2054. With the completion of the E48 Level 2 Sublevel Cave Pre‑Feasibility Study, the project has now progressed to execution, with production targeted for the first half of FY26.
Exploration drilling continues at both our Major Tom discovery and the historic E51 prospect, where we are working to define future resource potential. Once drilling is complete, resource modelling will begin to assess opportunities for pit optimisation at both sites.
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.
Search employment opportunities
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.
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
