Sedgman has started work on an A$18.5 million design contract for a Coal Handing and Preparation Plant (CHPP) at Aston Resources’ Maules Creek project. The contract relates to the first phase of the project in the Gunnedah Basin of New South Wales where Aston Resources is preparing to commence operations in late 2012. Maules Creek is one of Australia’s largest coal deposits and full ROM production rate from the mine is expected to be 13 Mt/y.
Sedgman Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nick Jukes said Sedgman was also in negotiations with regards to contracts for later stages of the project. “We are very pleased to be working with Aston Resources and their management company on this very exciting project,” Jukes said. “We have already commenced engineering design work and procurement activities for the CHPP and will continue with this work in the coming months, as well as continue with negotiations for the supply, construction and commissioning of the CHPP.
“Sedgman is a global leader in the design, construction and operation of coal handing and processing plants and we have more than 50% market share of CHPP projects in Australia. We have the expertise and skills that will enable us to be a long-term service provider to the Maules Creek project.”
The design contract is Sedgman’s third significant contract win announced since January when the company announced $31 million in contracts at Mongolia’s UHG coal mine. In February the company announced a A$145 million coal plant expansion contract with Joint Venture partner Thiess in central Queensland.