Mining services leader Barminco, a division of Perenti, has been awarded a major underground mining contract valued at approximately $200 million by Westgold Resources. The agreement will see Barminco provide comprehensive services at the Great Fingall gold mine near Cue in Western Australia—a region steeped in gold mining history and poised for modern resurgence.
The contract represents a significant milestone for both companies and confirms the revival of one of WA’s oldest high-grade gold operations under a streamlined, technology-driven service model.
Barminco personnel at site. Credit: Westgold Resources
Contract Breakdown: Scope & Duration
The Barminco–Westgold contract is structured as a five-year engagement and covers the full suite of underground mining services, including:
- Mine development and production drilling
- Ground support and ventilation installation
- Load and haul operations
- Maintenance of underground mobile equipment
Barminco is set to commence site activities toward the end of 2025, aiming to begin initial stope production in the first quarter of 2026. The deal is expected to support over 100 direct site-based roles and aligns with Westgold’s broader production growth strategy.
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About Great Fingall: A Revival in WA Gold Country
Located in the Murchison region of Western Australia, the Great Fingall mine is part of the historic Day Dawn goldfield. Once a prolific producer in the early 1900s, the site has sat largely dormant for decades—until recent exploration confirmed substantial remaining resources suitable for underground mining.
Westgold’s 2023 feasibility study revealed:
- Proven & Probable Reserves: 6Mt @ 4.0g/t Au for ~200,000oz
- Targeted annual production: ~50,000oz/year
- Life of Mine (LOM): ~5–6 years with potential for extension
The underground restart marks a strategic pivot for Westgold, leveraging Barminco’s expertise to maximize asset value with minimal surface disruption.
Map showing Great Fingall’s location within Westgold’s broader Cue Gold Operations. (Westgold Resources)
Why Barminco?
Barminco, a key underground contractor under the Perenti Group, brings a legacy of high-performance operations across Australia and internationally. The selection reflects:
- More than three decades of experience delivering underground gold mining solutions
- Proven safety leadership and digital mining systems
- Synergies with Perenti’s broader mining services portfolio
Perenti CEO Mark Norwell commented:
“This contract demonstrates Barminco’s capability to support Australia’s next generation of underground gold mines. We are proud to partner with Westgold on a project that not only revives a historic mine but sets new standards for productivity and innovation.”
Strategic Outlook for Westgold
The Great Fingall development is part of Westgold’s push to increase production across its Cue and Fortnum hubs. The company’s strategy includes:
- Restarting legacy assets with modern technology
- Partnering with Tier 1 contractors to manage risk and delivery timelines
- Consolidating nearby satellite deposits for processing at existing mill infrastructure
According to Westgold’s Managing Director Wayne Bramwell:
“Great Fingall is not just a gold mine; it’s a symbol of WA gold’s next chapter. By partnering with Barminco, we ensure the mine benefits from best-in-class execution from day one.”
Economic & Sector Implications
The contract is expected to inject tens of millions of dollars into the WA mining supply chain and create indirect jobs across transport, logistics, and maintenance services. For investors, the deal signals:
- Continued strength in Australia’s underground gold sector
- Renewed focus on regional mine restarts over greenfield builds
- Confidence in mid-tier gold producers like Westgold scaling responsibly
Conclusion: A Modern Chapter for a Historic Mine
The Barminco–Westgold contract at Great Fingall represents more than just a commercial agreement—it’s a strategic partnership breathing new life into one of Australia’s classic gold assets. With advanced underground systems, proven project delivery, and strong local engagement, the project stands as a template for WA’s gold revival.
With the mining sector increasingly leaning on collaborative service models that emphasize efficiency, environmental responsibility, and mutual value creation, the Barminco–Westgold agreement could emerge as a standout example of next-generation underground mining partnerships.
