Carrapateena

Carrapateena is a copper–gold mining project and geological deposit in South Australia. The deposit is classified as an iron‑oxide‑copper‑gold (IOCG) system hosted within the Proterozoic rocks of the Gawler Craton, a region notable for several major mineral discoveries. Mineralization at Carrapateena includes copper with associated gold and other by‑products, hosted in altered and brecciated host rocks typical of IOCG deposits.

Developed into an underground mine, Carrapateena includes on‑site processing infrastructure and associated transport links to regional ports for concentrate export. The project has been advanced and operated by a major Australian mining company and required a series of environmental, cultural heritage and regulatory approvals before construction and production. Engagement with Aboriginal communities, environmental management, and progressive rehabilitation have been parts of the project’s planning and operational framework.

Carrapateena is regarded as one of the significant modern copper discoveries in Australia and contributes to the state’s mining industry and regional employment. Its development reflects broader interest in large IOCG systems for global copper supply amid growing demand for base metals used in infrastructure and clean‑energy technologies.