Premier officially opens Cadia East underground gold mine

NSW Premier Mike Baird has officially opened Newcrest Mining’s Cadia East underground gold mine at Orange in the state’s Central West – a $2 billion project which will support more than 2,000 jobs in the region.

“Mining is of huge importance to NSW and this expansion by Newcrest Mining is fantastic news for the state’s economy and for the Orange region,” said Mr Baird, who was joined at today’s event at Orange by Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson and Orange MP Andrew Gee.

“Newcrest Mining has invested about $2 billion developing Cadia East and the company will continue to invest heavily in the region in the coming years,” he said.

“The company’s investment is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and will contribute an estimated $210 million into the local economy.

“Once it reaches its full capacity the Cadia East mine will become one of Australia’s largest underground mines, and one of the world’s largest gold mines.

“The opening of the Cadia East underground gold mine will extend the life of Newcrest Mining’s operations in the Cadia Valley, securing jobs and investment in the region until 2031.

“To support Newcrest Mining’s operations, Orange Airport is undergoing a $14 million upgrade, which is being jointly funded by the NSW Government, Orange Council, the Federal Government and Newcrest Mining.

“In addition to supporting the operations of Newcrest Mining, the enhanced facilities will also greatly benefit local businesses and residents.”

The NSW Government is committed to supporting economic and jobs growth in the Central West, and last week it launched the Central West Jobs Action Plan.

“The Central West Jobs Action Plan contains a package of industry initiatives which will consolidate and build on NSW Government measures already in place to support the region,” Mr Baird said.

Orange MP Andrew Gee has welcomed the investment by Newcrest Mining.

“Cadia has certainly been a strong driver of growth, investment and employment in the community and I’m delighted the Premier could join us in Orange today,” Mr Gee said.