OceanaGold’s Macraes Operation has proudly poured its 6 millionth ounce of gold in July, becoming the first continuously operating mine in New Zealand’s history to reach this milestone.

As molten gold flowed from the furnace into the mould on July 16, 2026, a hush fell over the Macraes gold room as 36 years of hard work, perseverance, and innovation culminated in the production of a 17kg gold bar. 

Minutes later, our Gold Room Operator, Cliff McNally, proudly held the bar containing Macraes’ 6 millionth ounce, a powerful symbol of the generations of people whose dedication, skill, and commitment helped build a mine that began production in 1990 into one of the country’s most successful and enduring operations.

Celebrating the People Behind the Achievement

For more than three decades, thousands of employees and contractors have contributed to Macraes, helping the operation safely and responsibly deliver gold production through low gold prices, economic uncertainty, complex processing conditions, and evolving ore bodies. By continuously adapting and finding smarter, safer, and more efficient ways to operate, the team has built one of New Zealand's most successful and enduring mining operations, laying the foundation for this historic achievement.

Alison Paul, Senior Vice President, Legal & Public Affairs, OceanaGold Corporation, echoes this, "Macraes has achieved six million ounces through changing market conditions and technical challenges thanks to the resilience, innovation, and commitment of our people. We are proud of what has been achieved and remain focused on operating responsibly for many years to come."  

Reaching 1 million ounces in 2000 marked the first chapter in a series of achievements, followed by additional million ounces in 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2019. To celebrate the latest achievement, team members had the opportunity to hold the six millionth ounce gold bar, reflecting on the collective effort, dedication, and ingenuity that made it possible.

During the celebrations, Kalutwa Chizema, Asset President, Macraes Operation noted, "Six million ounces represents 36 years of extraordinary achievement by the Macraes team. This milestone belongs to every person who has ever worked here — the miners, engineers, metallurgists, geologists, environmental advisors, tradespeople, administrators, and contractors who showed up every day, in every season. This is your milestone." 

Creating Value Through People and Our Values in Action

Investments in operational improvements, mine life extensions, and environmental performance have helped position Macraes for continued success while ensuring the operation remains a responsible and valued member of the East Otago community.

Referencing Macraes’ achievement, Quenton Johnston, Process Manager, Macraes Operation and one of the operation's longest-serving employees, with 30 years of service, said, “It's not a goal. I think it's a milestone. It recognizes that we continue to find ways to eke out a future for the Macraes Operation. What it shows to me is our ability to break through barriers. That gives me great pride in knowing that we're working together to solve problems and continue our future.” 

The success of Macraes is closely tied to OceanaGold's purpose, vision, and values, with our teams continuing to deliver results while supporting one another and the communities where we operate. 

The six millionth ounce milestone demonstrates what is possible when capable, well led people work together toward a shared goal. It is a celebration of what has been achieved and a reminder of what remains possible. As Macraes looks to the future, the operation continues to build on a legacy of innovation, problem solving, and responsible mining that has sustained it for more than three decades.

Watch the video to hear what it means to our people at Macraes: