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The Snowy 2.0 hydropower project has surpassed a significant milestone with the commissioning of its fourth tunnel boring machine (TBM), named Monica. The project is now over 70% complete. TBM Monica, designed for the Snowy Mountains' geological conditions, will commence tunnelling the 17km headrace tunnel through the Long Plain Fault Zone.

This milestone was marked by a ceremony attended by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, where local student Monica Brimmer provided instructions for the TBM's operation. Progress at the Lobs Hole worksite includes 46 completed permanent concrete pours, with shifts towards the fit-out of an underground power plant.

The excavation has removed over 733,000m3 of material, equivalent to 293 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The project employs more than 5,200 workers and has contributed over $300 million to the local economy.