Jobs created as goldmining project gets going on West Coast

EIGHT staff are now working on the Blackwater gold project at Waiuta, and more are being recruited at present.

Tunnelling to reach the rich Blackwater mine beneath Waiuta township should start later this year on the West Coast’s largest gold development in 20 years.

It is expected create 40 jobs initially, rising to 100 if it moves into full production, and could triple gold production in the region.

The Blackwater project involves driving two tunnels from the nearby Snowy River to reach the Blackwater shaft.

Site works started in early September with local contractors undertaking earthworks to set up for the installation of the bridge, roads, water dams, buildings and workshops.

The early works programme is expected to be completed in December and will involve more than 50 specialist contractors.

Tunnelling should start late this year.

The site team had been busy establishing contracts and agreements with local businesses for the supply of fuel, explosives, drilling consumables, work wear, safety equipment, ground support and consumables, Federation Mining said in an update.

Federation said it was recruiting its own workforce at present and would need operators, jumbo and loader operators, mining professionals and maintenance staff.

The recruitment of the initial group of mine operators had started.

‘‘The Federation team is pleased to have started earthworks and site construction with the aim of completing in December,’’ managing director Mark Le Messurier said.

‘‘The decline crews will be employed and the mobile fleet and other equipment will arrive in New Zealand in November. We value the support our stakeholders, suppliers, and contractors are providing during this exciting period.’’ — Greymouth Star