The project entails a large open cut mine with the MACA contract worth US$230 million over seven years.
The plan is for mobilisation to start in August and pre-production mining in October.
MACA's appointment follows Emerald signing a credit agreement with Sprott earlier this week for a $60 million debt facility.
Okvau is forecast to produce an average of 106,000 ounces at all-in sustaining costs of $754/oz.
Emerald launched a two-tranche A$75 million equity raising in late January that's pricing new shares a 4c each.
Shareholder approval for the second tranche is being sought today, with Emerald also planning a 1-for-10 share consolidation for the circa 4 billion shares it has on issue.
Shares in Emerald were at 3.8c in midday trade, capitalising the company at $115 million.
