Regis Resources McPhillamys Gold Project is proposed to be built about eight kilometres north east of Blayney.

It is currently being assessed by the state government before being referred to the Independent Planning Commission which will approve or reject the mine plan.

In Regis' latest newsletter special projects manager Tony McPaul said they were keen to start work. He said the company was planning for the start of construction.

"Rest assured, we're not getting ahead of ourselves here and all of this planning is subject to getting approval for the project," he said.

"But if we do get the go-ahead we want to be able to start as soon as possible, to get the jobs and other benefits flowing into the local economy," he said.

Mr McPaul said it was standard practice in mining and other large projects to prepare tenders and order equipment ahead of a final decision being made.

He said the mine would create 480 jobs during construction and another 260 jobs during operations.

Mr McPaul said it would also provide a $67 million boost to the local economy.

He said the company was committed to using local people and local services wherever possible.

"The Regis 'locals first' policy will ensure the local community benefits from this project," he said.

"We won't have a fly in, fly out workforce," he said.

Mr McPaul said Regis had begun discussions with job and training organisations in the region.

"[We] will continue to explore options and opportunities while the project goes through the assessment process."

The mine is in the later stages of the assessment process.

Early environmental studies, consultation and public exhibition periods have been completed.

The company said people had asked them about the future of native animals at the mine site.

"We will go to great lengths to protect any koalas or other wildlife which might be in areas impacted by project activities," the company statement said.

"Prior to any tree clearing being done, a wildlife 'spotter/catcher' will inspect the area and carefully remove any wildlife from an area that is about to be cleared.

"Any wildlife removed will then be relocated to suitable habitat in an area not being cleared. This may be onsite or on one of the Regis offset areas (such as the company's Aziel property at Blayney).

"During clearing operations, spotter/catchers will be present to relocate any other animals identified during the actual clearing [process]."

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