Leading underground mining contractor PYBAR has been awarded a four-year contract (with one-year extension option) by AIC Mines to provide underground development services at the Eloise Copper Mine Complex in northwest Queensland, Australia. The Eloise complex includes the existing Eloise Mine and Jericho deposits.

With revenue of A$149 million, the contract scope involves delivering the 3 km underground link drive for Jericho from the Eloise decline, which is 125 m below surface, as well as 600 m of development for stockpiles.

PYBAR General Manager James Glover said: “PYBAR has been working at AIC Mines’ Eloise Copper Mine since 2020 and we’re proud that this is our third contract at the Eloise Complex, and our second with AIC. This win is testament to our strong operational performance, reliability, and commitment to the safety of our workforce. We look forward to continuing our strong delivery for our client, AIC Mines.”

Thiess Group Chair & CEO Michael Wright said: “We congratulate PYBAR on this contract win, their first since joining the Thiess group of companies on 31 May 2024. This underground mining contract is a further example of the Thiess Group’s progress in our strategy to diversify our services and commodities portfolio. We really look forward to supporting PYBAR with their growth ambitions across Australia and beyond.”

Additional equipment mobilisation for the Eloise Mine will start in July 2024, with works having commenced on the Jericho development earlier this month.