Newmont holds a 66.6 percent interest in the expanded Boddington project, which is slated to begin production in late 2008 or 2009, and will operate for more than 20 years.

Work force

It is anticipated that Boddington’s permanent work force will be about 650 people. Additionally, the mine expects to generate indirect employment for up to 5,000 people, including about 1,100 locals. As part of Newmont’s agreement with the native Gnaala Karla Booja people, the mine committed to hiring 100 Aboriginal employees and contractors.

Community

We have begun fostering stronger relationships with the Gnaala Karla Booja community to build greater understanding of their culture and traditions, and to involve them in business opportunities and closure planning. The mine plans to finance a shop front for the Aboriginals to promote their culture and artwork.

Additionally, plans are in the works to build a gold education center, which will provide photographic displays, videos and models describing the mining process. Information about environmental monitoring, progressive rehabilitation and closure plans also will be available.

Environment

Boddington recently commissioned a two-year habitat study of three of Western Australia’s threatened native black cockatoos in hopes of slowing their populations’ decline. The mine provided $200,000 in seed money for the research, and is collaborating with local scientists, conservation groups and universities on the project.