The Snowy River gold mine near Reefton, New Zealand, developed by Australian company Endura at a cost exceeding $400 million, has entered active recruitment mode to expand its workforce from 110 employees to 250 within six months, offering entry-level roles starting at $90,000 annually, according to recruitment sources.
Snowy River Mine Expansion and Hiring Targets
The gold mining operation at Ikamatua on the West Coast is nearing completion after seven years of development. Snowy River Mine recruiter Taila Paraone stated that the site currently employs about 110 staff members. According to Paraone, management is looking to grow that headcount up to 250 workers over the next six months.
The project offers starting salaries set at $90,000 per annum. Development West Coast chief executive officer Heath Milne noted that regional salaries are leading the country due to heavy-demand projects requiring specialized labor. Planners hope these wage levels will incentivize skilled Kiwi workers to return from Australian mining operations, while also welcoming local applicants.
Did you know?
When Endura executive chairman Jake Klein first entered the gold industry, the price of gold sat around $500 an ounce. Today, the price has surged to over $6,500 an ounce, dramatically altering the economics of deep-development projects like Snowy River.
Production Timelines and Capital Investment
Endura executive chairman Jake Klein, visiting the site from Australia, confirmed that the project remains on track to deliver its first gold bar by December, marking a major milestone before full production begins next year. Klein likened the upcoming milestone to holding the Bledisloe Cup, emphasizing that the operation represents a critical achievement for the New Zealand and West Coast mining sectors.
The venture involves a $60 million processing plant designed to yield upwards of $300 million worth of gold annually once fully operational. According to financial records, Federation Mining had raised more than $200 million in capital by March 2025, with AustralianSuper moving to secure a majority interest. Development West Coast contributed an AU$3 million equity investment into the project in March 2025, by which point drilling operations had reached 30 kilometers across 160 completed holes alongside 15,000 tonnes of stockpiled ore.
Regional Economic Impact and Supply Chain Growth
The economic footprint of the Snowy River development extends directly into local contracting and supply networks. During the heavy construction phase, the site required up to 180 contract workers over roughly a year. Data shows that in February 2025, the project injected $2.9 million into the regional economy through suppliers, contracts, and wages, with approximately $1 million staying directly on the West Coast.
Greymouth engineering firms, diesel mechanics, environmental specialists, and heavy machinery operators have all integrated into the project’s operational supply chain. Heath Milne stated that the mine adds value to a commodity historically exported in raw form, reinforcing a broader national push to expand mineral exports.
Broader West Coast Mining Pipeline
Snowy River is part of an expanding pipeline of mineral extraction proposals on the West Coast. In February 2026, Newsroom reported that Rua Gold intends to develop the Auld Creek underground mine near Reefton, targeting a fast-track application by the end of 2026 and production by 2028. Rua Gold forecasts that its starter mine will yield 60,000 ounces annually—valued at roughly NZ$500 million at current market prices—while creating 200 jobs ahead of an intended NZX listing.
Development West Coast estimates that cumulative mining projects could unlock over $18 billion in additional exports for the region. This growth aligns with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Minerals Strategy to 2040, which aims to double mineral exports from $1.46 billion to $3 billion by 2035 using fast-track legislation and regional infrastructure funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary at the Snowy River gold mine?
Entry-level roles at the Snowy River Mine start at $90,000 per year.
When will the Snowy River Mine begin producing gold?
The mine expects to pour its first gold bar in December, with full production slated for the following year.
How many people does the mine plan to employ?
Recruiters are aiming to expand the current on-site workforce of 110 employees up to 250 workers within six months.
Who owns and operates the Snowy River Mine?
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