Thiess recently announced that it has secured an A$300 million expansion contract from PT Harum Energy Tbk at the Mahakam Sumber Jaya (MSJ) coal mine in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, running through until March 2026. The company will now also operate in an adjacent area to the current mining operations.

The contract scope expands the current mining operations, including load and haul, drill and blast, haul road maintenance and rehabilitation. Thiess Group Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said: “As a long-standing partner of Harum Energy since 2008, we are very pleased to have been entrusted with this expansion at MSJ. This presents opportunities for our project team to continue delivering successful outcomes for our client and the local communities, through an absolute focus on sustainable, technology enabled mining operations.”

Thiess Group Executive, Asia Cluny Randell said: “We are excited to take on this new challenge and continue our strong partnership with Harum Energy, where we’ve been working together at the MSJ mine. Our team’s expertise and commitment to safe and efficient mining, and our focus on the communities where our people work and live, will ensure the ongoing success of this project.”

But there is more to this news. As part of the global commitment to be at the forefront of sustainable mining, Thiess is planning to implement its first autonomy program in Indonesia at the MSJ mine. This will be through an autonomous drilling operation where ongoing improvements in safety, production and emission reductions are anticipated.

In line with Thiess’ commitment to diverse and inclusive workplaces, the company says it will also work to increase female participation at MSJ mine by expanding its female operator training program for local women interested in joining the mining industry.