Endura Mining has awarded the underground mining contract for the Snowy River gold mine to Macmahon Mining New Zealand Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Macmahon Holdings Limited.
Under the five-year contract, which has an estimated value of A$406.2 million ($286.5 million) and commences in October 2026, Macmahon will be responsible for activities directly related to the underground mine. This includes mine development, production and backfill operations.
Snowy River is currently being developed to deliver low-cost production of 50,000-60,000 oz/y with a mine life of over 10 years.
The appointment follows a comprehensive selection process and represents a significant milestone in the development of the mine as it advances towards first gold production scheduled for December 2026, Endura said. Snowy River is expected to employ over 250 people once in full production, with circa-60% in mining roles. Macmahon was selected based on its strong safety culture, demonstrated underground mining expertise and track record of delivering high-performance mining operations.
A key priority for Endura throughout the appointment process was ensuring a strong commitment to local employment and regional economic development. Endura and Macmahon share a common objective of maximising opportunities for local workers, businesses and contractors, while building a skilled and sustainable workforce that supports the long-term success of the Snowy River operation and the broader West Coast community.
Equally important is a shared commitment to responsible mining and environmental stewardship. Macmahon’s operating practices and values align strongly with Endura’s values of Safety, Integrity and Accountability, it says. Together, the companies look forward to building a mining operation that delivers economic benefits for the region while protecting the unique environment of New Zealand’s West Coast.
Endura Executive Chair, Jake Klein, said: “The appointment of Macmahon marks an important milestone in the development of the Snowy River Gold Mine. Macmahon brings a strong safety culture, proven underground mining expertise and a track record of delivering complex mining projects. Together, we are committed to building a safe, sustainable and productive mining operation that will deliver lasting benefits for the West Coast region and all stakeholders involved in the project.”
Macmahon noted that the award of this contract marks its return to mining in New Zealand, reinforcing its position as a leading mining contractor across various international regions.
Michael Finnegan, Managing Director and CEO of Macmahon, said: “The Snowy River project is a high-grade underground gold mining project currently being developed to become one of New Zealand’s largest gold operations. Our long-term contract highlights Macmahon’s underground mining capabilities and establishes the company as a key partner to advance the project towards production.
“The Snowy River project combines Macmahon’s technical and mining expertise with Endura’s vision for the asset. We look forward to collaborating with the Endura team to deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable project while realising the full potential of this historic gold mine.”
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