Aurelia Metal’s Federation mine, Cobar: More than 140 jobs plus millions injected into local community
A new mine in the state’s far west has opened and is expected to inject millions of dollars and more than 140 jobs into a local community. Here’s the latest.
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A country town in the state’s far west is expected to benefit significantly after the NSW’s newest mine for critical minerals and hi-tech metals officially opened.
Aurelia Metal’s Federation mine, south of Cobar, will provide a $143 million investment boost to the region and employ more than 140 skilled workers who would produce up to 600,000 tonnes per annum of high-grade zinc, gold, copper and lead.
Federation will use modern underground mining techniques, reducing its environmental footprint by operating predominantly below ground.
The human health assessment report reveals there will be an “acceptable” level of minerals and metals in nearby air.
The deposit was discovered in 2019 and received consent in 2023 for mining operations until 2036.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos outlined Cobar’s “long history” as a mining region for base metals and gold, with roughly 40 per cent of the local workforce employed within the industry.
“Mining has a long and proud history in NSW and opening the Federation mine today shows it also has a bright future,” Ms Houssos said.
“The critical minerals and hi-tech metals from mines across NSW will help build the products for a clean energy future. With deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical and strategic minerals, NSW is well placed to be a global leader.
“The Federation mine will bring immediate employment and investment benefits to Cobar, but it will also support more jobs and investment through supply chains and towns right across the Far West.”
Bryan Quinn, Aurelia Metals’ chief executive officer, said the new mine was one of the highest-grade base metals development projects in the country.
“It puts in place a strong foundation for the future success of the Federation Mine and high-quality jobs and opportunities in the region,” Mr Quinn said.
“Cash flow generated from Federation will help to advance Aurelia’s next organic growth project, which is the Great Cobar deposit.”
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