Mining company Saracen Mineral Holdings (ASX:SAR) said it had awarded all the contracts for its Carouse Dam gold ore operation, and will be ready to commence drilling in December.

Saracen said it had awarded the mining equipment hire and maintenance contract to Emeco, while Rock on Ground will conduct the drilling and blasting.

The explosives themselves will be sourced by Downer EDI and Blasting Services, while IES Resources will haul the ore.

The company said all the selections were made after an exhaustive tender process.