Australia’s NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has granted development consent for the expansion of Evolution Mining's Cowal Gold Operations (Cowal), located 350km west of Sydney.

This approval allows for the continuation and extension of open-pit mining activities, including the development of three new open pits and the extension of the existing E42 pit.

The consent also permits the continuation of ore processing at a rate of up to 9.8mtpa, ensuring the mine's operations extend to 2045.

Gold miner Evolution Mining operates six mines across Australia and Canada, with Cowal being one of their wholly owned sites.

The approval is a significant milestone for Evolution Mining, which has projected gold production guidance of 710,000–780,000oz and copper production of 70,000 tonnes (t) to 80,000t for the financial year 2025.

These figures come with an all-in sustaining cost range of A$1,475 ($956.18) to A$1,575 per ounce, indicating the financial viability and strategic importance of the Cowal Gold Operations within the company's portfolio.

Evolution Mining managing director and CEO Lawrie Conway said: “The approval received today is an important milestone for Cowal and our stakeholders. Since acquiring Cowal in 2015, the operation has been a cornerstone asset for Evolution delivering material cash flows and high rates of returns, which will now enable its continuation to at least 2042.

“The extension of operations allows continued contributions to the local and national economies through employment, community advancement, payment of taxes and royalties.”

The extension of the Cowal mining lease is expected to have substantial economic impacts, contributing to local employment and the broader mining sector.

In October, the company provided a A$360m surface mining contract to NRW Holdings for the Castle Hill project in Western Australia.