Aberdeen-based consulting and engineering giant John Wood Group plc said it has been awarded a contract by the world’s largest gold mining firm, Newmont, to enhance the Lihir gold mine in Papua New Guinea.

The new $18 million contract will see Wood provide consulting and engineering services to support and enhance the safe and efficient processing of gold across various stages of the project lifecycle at Lihir.

The scope includes the delivery of concept and feasibility studies, detailed design and construction management services.

Wood will apply its expertise in gold pressure oxidation and remote capital project delivery in the Indo-Pacific region to deliver the contract, which will run for an initial three-year term.

The Lihir mine on Niolam Island in New Ireland Province, 900km from Port Moresby, is one of the largest gold mines in Papua New Guinea and the world. It produced 670 Koz of gold in FY23 and employs about 5,100 people.

Jim Shaughnessy, President of Minerals, Metals and Life Sciences at Wood, said: “We have been working with Newmont for over 20 years and are proud to be selected to deliver the Lihir capital works programme.

“Minerals and metals continues to be a key market for Wood – this project lends itself well to our strong expertise in mineral processing and our steadfast commitment to sustainable mining.

“We’re looking forward to building on our strong relationship with Newmont as we continue to deliver world-class mineral processing projects.”

The contract is effective immediately, with the work being led by Wood’s Brisbane office in Queensland.