Newmont Corporation has announced that its Cadia operation in Orange, New South Wales (Australia), has successfully achieved both The Copper Mark and The Molybdenum Mark following an independent assessment. This recognition underscores the responsible production practices implemented at Australia's largest underground mine. Cadia is the first of Newmont's global sites to receive this distinction after meeting over 30 criteria in essential areas, including environmental stewardship, community engagement, human rights, and governance.

As Australia's second-largest copper producer, Cadia is also the third site in the country to be awarded The Copper Mark. Additionally, it stands out as the only operational mine in Australia that produces molybdenum, thus becoming the sole recipient of The Molybdenum Mark. Molybdenum is a critical mineral utilized in various industrial applications, including defense.

Suzy Retallack, Newmont's Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “As global demand for copper grows, we have a responsibility to engage in sustainable and responsible mining practices that prioritize environmental care, social responsibility, and economic development for the communities where we operate.” She expressed pride in Cadia's leadership within the copper industry, noting that The Copper Mark signifies Newmont's dedication to responsible production and transparency. This certification allows global customers to confidently source copper concentrate from an independently evaluated mine that adheres to the highest environmental, social, and governance standards, addressing the rising demand for sustainable supply chains.

In 2020, Cadia entered a 15-year renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tilt Renewables Limited, committing to purchase 55% of the output from a nearby wind farm. The Rye Park wind farm is now fully operational and provides approximately half of Cadia’s power requirements. Retallack highlighted the mine's commitment to community support, revealing an investment of nearly $6 million AUD over 18 months leading up to December 2023 for community projects, education, and infrastructure improvements.

Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of The Copper Mark, congratulated the Cadia team for being the third site in Australia to achieve The Copper Mark and the first to secure The Molybdenum Mark. She noted that around 35% of Australia's copper is now produced at sites that hold The Copper Mark.

The Copper Mark serves as a leading assurance framework designed to promote responsible, sustainable, and ethical practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc value chains. Cadia is situated approximately 25 kilometers south-southwest of Orange and 250 kilometers west of Sydney, encompassing the Cadia East underground mine, which is one of the world's largest gold and copper deposits, along with the Ridgeway Underground Mine, currently in care and maintenance.