Part of OZ Minerals' $600 million Prominent Hill Wira Shaft mine expansion, announced in August 2021, the new ventilation system will be designed and manufactured by Zitron Australia.

The underground axial fan primary ventilation system will be powered by two high-pressure axial fans with total installed motor power of 3400kW.

Zitrón Australia managing director Javier Fernandez Lopez said the deal was a credit to his team.

"The contract will see Zitrón carry out a complete fan performance test in the company's AMCA-accredited test bench, the largest in the world for axial fan testing," he said.

"All the fan performance parameters will be tested (flow, pressure, efficiency, vibrations, temperature…) when the fan is run at its nominal speed and projected working conditions, in line with the resistance levels nominated in the project specification."

The contract is the latest to be awarded by OZ Minerals as part of the mine expansion, following award of the detailed design for the project's major infrastructure works packages.

The shaft sinking contract was also awarded to contractor Byrnecut, with the headframe fabrication contract, the shaft collar and associated works plus a number of smaller early works packages also awarded.