The scope of the $29m deal includes providing drill, blast, and conventional mining services over a 19-month period. Around 50 people will be employed as part of the contract.

Works on the contract is due to start in the coming month, Watpac said.

Watpac Civil and Mining general manager Russell Hall said the group was looking forward to commencing work with Hanking Gold.

"Our collaborative approach with mine owners enables us to deliver a broad range of mining and heavy civil works tailored to each unique operating environment and supported by best-practice safety and management systems."

Watpac CEO Martin Monro said: "While the outlook for the resources sector has been mixed, Watpac Civil and Mining have continued to perform well over the past 12 months, and the announcement of this contract with Hanking Gold is an example of the team’s efforts to maintain a healthy forward work book."

Hanking Gold, a member of China Hanking Holdings, is an international mining firm with more than two decades mining experience in China, Indonesia and Australia.

The company acquired the Southern Cross Operations from miner St Barbara in January 2013.