Evolution Mining (EVN) Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum 2026 summary

Leadership and workforce focus

• Emphasis on mental health initiatives, especially for FIFO and DIDO workers, with a 100% increase in employee assistance calls over two years and 50% annual growth, highlighting a focus on well-being.

• Workforce support includes multiple agencies to ensure work-life and mental health balance.

• Approximately 30% of the workforce is FIFO & DIDO.

Macroeconomic and industry trends

• Global de-globalization and rising geopolitical tensions are driving higher gold and copper prices, with central banks shifting reserves from U.S. Treasuries to gold and gold holdings surpassing Treasuries for the first time since 1996.

• Central banks remain net buyers of gold, with Q2 FY26 net gold purchases at 289 tonnes, reflecting a strategic shift in reserve portfolios.

• U.S. and Australian government debt and interest costs are rising, creating fiscal pressures and supporting demand for precious metals.

Portfolio performance and asset development

• Margins have consistently exceeded industry averages for 12 years, with copper assets contributing significantly to recent margin growth and a 22% copper revenue split in FY26.

• Recent acquisitions and mine developments at Ernest Henry and Northparkes are expected to boost copper production by 20% and potentially increase Northparkes' processing rate by up to 100%.

• Ongoing investments in projects such as Cowal OPC, E48 SLC, Northparkes E22 block cave, and Ernest Henry Bert are delivering IRRs ranging from 18% to 128%.

• Investments of AUD 1.1 billion last year yielded an average annual rate of return of 18%, with new projects expected to deliver even higher returns.