Leighton Contractors' division, HWE Mining, has been awarded a contract for the management and operation of the Favona underground gold mine in New Zealand since 2004 for Newmount Australia Pty Ltd. Gold was first extracted from the mine in 2006 using modified Avoca retreat long-hole benching. The mine produces approximately 80,000 ounces of gold annually – an excellent result for a mine of its size.

HWE Mining will provide a full range of underground mining services at the Favona mine, including mechanised underground development and stoping using drill and blast techniques, as well as maintenance and transportation services.

• portal, decline, level and vertical development
• development and production drilling, blasting and excavation
• exploration drilling
• gorund support installation including rock bolting, strapping and meshing
• de-watering; and
• backfilling.