Norton Gold Fields, Zijin’s gold mining subsidiary in Australia, commissioned its new 2-million-tonne-per-annum crushing system ahead of schedule on June 26, 2026. Once fully operational, the system will lift the company’s heap leach processing capacity from 5 Mtpa to 7 Mtpa, increasing annual gold production by approximately 11,600 ounces.
Initiated in July 2025, the project progressed from investment decision to trial operation in just 12 months— roughly six months faster than comparable projects in Australia. This was achieved through rapid decision-making, disciplined execution and close coordination across engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning. Total capital expenditure was kept within A$20 million, about half the cost of a fixed crushing system of similar scale in Western Australia.
The project management team tailored the execution plan to the conditions of mining projects in Western Australia and introduced a series of cost- and time-saving measures during construction. The system was optimized by pairing large semi-mobile crushers with modular conveyors. The team also procured key equipment in advance, incorporated bypass arrangements for the three-stage crushing circuit and heap-stacking system, and used precast concrete structures—all of which helped accelerate construction and reduce costs.
Construction sequencing and coordination were also refined, with multiple work areas progressing in parallel. Steel structure erection, equipment installation and electrical works were closely coordinated, allowing the main installation and standalone equipment commissioning to be completed in just two and a half months.
As the system comes online, it will also serve as a pilot facility for Norton Gold Fields’ new integrated operations-maintenance model. This will allow it to improve resource extraction and boost profitability while helping optimize production models, providing strong support for the company’s operations.
About Zijin Mining
Zijin Mining is a leading global metals and mining company and one of the world’s largest producers of gold, copper, and zinc. The company has more than 30 large-scale mining operations and projects across 19 countries on 5 continents. Leveraging strong in-house research, engineering, and development capabilities, Zijin maintains high operational efficiency and low costs in both acquisitions and operations. This enables the company to be an industry leader in value creation, underpinned by its philosophy of pursuing development for all and sustained by superior environmental, social, and governance performance. Zijin’s shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 2899) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 601899).