The engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract will include multiple brownfield projects, including mine site support as well as the process plant and other infrastructure.

The Worley team will be located both onsite and at the group's office in Brisbane, Australia. The deal is a continuation of the companies' collaboration which first started in April 2017.

"Creating further economic value and expanding opportunities for PNG nationals will remain a focus for both companies. More than 20% of our Lihir team are nationals, which contributes to Newcrest's already impressive in-country employment," according to Australia and New Zealand regional MD Gillian Cagney.

Lihir, which is 100% owned by Newcrest, is located on Niolam Island atop a geothermically active, extinct volcanic crater. It produced 933,000 ounces of gold in 2019 with a staff of 4,500 that are both residential and FIFO.