The last lot of ore has been pulled from Hera Mine

The last lot of ore was hauled to the surface of Aurelia Metals’ Hera Mine on Friday morning marking the end of an era for the Nymagee icon.

Since commissioning in 2014, Hera has produced 3.2 million tonnes of ore.

The final truck of ore made its way to Hera processing plant where it was turned into a lead-zinc concentrate which was railed via Hermidale to the Port of Newcastle for export.

While Friday marked the end of one chapter for operations at the Hera Mine, its infrastructure will go on to be used to process ore from Aurelia’s new Federation Mine 10kms away which is currently under development.

Aurelia Metals Interim Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Graham, said the near up of the new Federation Mine will see the company continue its commitment to the Nymagee and Cobar communities for at least another eight years.

“We’ve been very proud to have supported 180 jobs here at Hera and contribute $216 million to the local economy since the mine began in 2014,” Mr Graham said.

“It’s not the end for Hera though, we the Federation Project being developed down the road.

“Once that’s up and running the intention is to take ore from Federation across to the Hera plant, which will be moved into care and maintenance until that ore comes.

“Hera has been a fantastic asset for our business and will continue to be highly valuable to us in the processing for Federation ore.”

Senior mine geologist, Carolyn Deacon and mining contractor, Ricky Carney were there to witness the final truck of ore make its way from underground to the Hera plant for processing.

Ms Deacon shared what Hera Mine has meant to her over the years.

“It’s been a beautiful ore body – it’s been very generous and very kind to us,” she said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being here.

“It’s been all about the team at Hera – we always looked after each other and made sure the team is ok. I’ve got some great friends out of this place.”

Mr Carney had similar sentiments speaking from the point of view of working as a contractor at the mine.

“It’s the way everyone works in together.

“As a contractor you don’t usually get that, but here everyone works as a team to achieve the goals Aurelia have set out for us,” Mr Carney said.

With the last lot of ore hauled to the surface on Friday at the Hera Mine near Nymagee, the mine will now go into care and maintenance mode. The mine’ s infrastructure will however go on to be used to process ore from Aurelia’s new Federation Mine currently under development 10kms away. ▪ Photo contributed