One of Tasmania’s largest mines, MMG Rosebery, will achieve a rare milestone in the Australian mining industry this month – 80 years of continuous operations.
While mining of the Rosebery deposit commenced soon after its discovery in 1893, operations were periodically disrupted due to economic downturns over the next three decades. After four years of construction – interrupted by the Great Depression – operation of the new Rosebery mill began in February 1936.
At the time, Rosebery’s mill capacity was 20 tonnes of ore per hour. Today, following the introduction of mechanisation in the underground mine, plant upgrades and productivity improvements, mill capacity is approximately six times greater.
General Manager Aaron Brannigan said that Rosebery’s longevity was a testament to the thousands of people who had worked at the operation over its 80 years as well as the ongoing support of the North West Coast community.
“There have been many changes – and challenges – within the industry over this period, and our continuing operations are a true testament of the ability and resilience of Rosebery’s past and present workforce to adapt and improve.
“This capability was seen most recently in the achievement of new zinc milling and production records at Rosebery in 2015, which is especially significant for an operation in its 79th year.”
Mr Brannigan said that Rosebery would host a series of events over a two-week period to commemorate the milestone and thank its workforce, the Rosebery and broader West- and North West Coast communities, suppliers, contractors and other stakeholders.
“While it is a challenging time for the mining industry, we believe it is important to recognise and celebrate the Rosebery operation’s heritage, longevity and contribution.
“To engage as many people as possible, our two-week program of events includes on-site workforce celebrations, a community open day and exhibition at the MMG Community Liaison Office.”
The exhibition will be on display at the MMG Community Liaison Office in Rosebery from Friday 12 February. Community members will also be able to tour Rosebery’s surface operations from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 13 February.
Located in the township of Rosebery, the mine produces zinc, lead and copper concentrates and gold dore on a crushing, grinding and flotation circuit. Concentrates are then transported by rail to the Port of Burnie for shipment in bulk carriers to smelters in Hobart (zinc) and Port Pirie (lead) while gold dore bars are sent to a refinery in Western Australia.
MMG Limited is a global resources company which explores, develops and mines base metals deposits around the world. The company was formed in 2009, following the acquisition of Rosebery and a number of other assets from OZ Minerals. MMG is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1208) and Australian Securities Exchange (MMG).
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Media enquiries
Edward (Ted) Woodruff
Stakeholder Relations Manager – Australia
M +61 3 928 44256
E edward.woodruff@mmg.com