Revolver Resources has contracted Cape York business CEMACC for the civil earthworks needed to bring its Dianne copper mine project into production.

CEMACC would then transition into the provision of mining, crushing and leach pad loading services for Dianne operations, the company said.

The civil works are set to commence upon a final investment decision for the project, which is targeted in coming months, and first copper cathode output is expected within 12 months of that decision.

“The Revolver team is driving hard towards targeted FID on the Dianne copper mine project,” Revolver Resources (ASX:RRR) managing director Pat Williams said.

“Financing discussions have progressed, and are now in the advanced due diligence and documentation negotiation phase. In parallel with our financing workstream, key contract awards and site works continue to prepare critical Dianne infrastructure for the commencement of full-scale construction activities.”

Related: Dianne mine proponent in $2.6m capital raise

The copper operation, about 260km north-west of Cairns, is expected to cost $19.7 million to bring online and would produce about 14.3kt grade-A copper cathode over a four-year period of production.

It is expected to create about 40-45 jobs in construction and 30-35 in ongoing operations.

Revolver views the Dianne project as offering a near-term, strategic opportunity to generate cashflow to pursue broader company growth initiatives.

This includes further exploration at the broader Dianne project and at Revolver’s Osprey copper project, about 220km north of Mount Isa.

Upgrade works on the 10km Dianne site access road have been completed in the wake of the Far North Queensland wet season.

This means that the road is now traversable by heavy haul trucks, supporting the next phase of development activities at Dianne.

The company has also ticked off refurbishment and expansion works on the existing Dianne accommodation village, giving it the capacity to support an initial 25 personnel during construction activities.

Contractor CEMACC is set to deliver equipment to site in coming weeks including a 70t hydraulic excavator, 50t hydraulic excavator, D9 dozer, 140 grader, four 45t articulated dump trucks, and water and support trucks.