Tag Archives: Michael Wright

Thiess named preferred mining services provider for Rex’s Hillside copper-gold project

Base metals, Mineral project development, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , ,

Thiess says it has been named preferred mining services provider for the Hillside copper-gold project on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia.

Rex Minerals Ltd, owner of the project, has notified Thiess of its intention to enter into exclusive negotiations to finalise the terms of a five-year mining contract.

Subject to a contract being concluded, which Rex says is expected to occur by the end of the year, Thiess is expected to deliver mining services and operate and maintain mining fleets to support the greenfield copper operation.

Rex says it plans to mine the open-pit orebody in five stages with selective ore mining and stockpiling. Average total rock movement from the open pit is expected to be 60 Mt/y.

Thiess, Rex says, has shown genuine willingness to join the company and drive down project costs, including:

  • Developing appropriate and flexible mining equipment options;
  • The early integration of personnel to assist with the project planning including optimal mine infrastructure area (MIA) layouts, and;
  • Use of Thiess’ proven HSE systems to further de-risk the project with a planned commencement in early 2023.

Thiess Executive Chair & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “We are delighted to be taking the next steps towards a partnership with Rex Minerals on the Hillside project. In line with our strategy to diversify our commodities and services, we are positioning Thiess at the forefront of sustainable mining. We share Rex Minerals’ belief in the significant contribution that metals make to a renewable future, and to the local communities and broader economy.”

Thiess Executive General Manager for Australia West, Spencer Jose, said: “We look forward to collaborating with Rex Minerals, the Narungga People, local businesses and the community to deliver safe, strong operational performance and sustainable outcomes for all of our people and stakeholders.”

Mining services are expected to commence in July 2023, subject to finalisation of contracts.

Thiess targets WA hard-rock mining sector expansion with MACA offer

Automation, Base metals, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , ,

Thiess looks like gaining further market share in the key hard-rock mining market of Western Australia after having a bid accepted for fellow mining contractor MACA.

The all-cash offer to acquire 100% of the shares of the company at A$1.0251/share represents a 42.2% premium to the MACA one month volume weighted average price as of July 25, 2022.

MACA’s Board has unanimously recommended that its shareholders accept the offer in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding, and continuing to conclude, that the offer is favourable to MACA shareholders.

Thiess says it intends to operate MACA in materially the same manner supported by MACA’s workforce, brand and assets, and to continue its highly regarded community partnerships.

The proposed acquisition of MACA by the Thiess is consistent with its diversification strategy, with a particular emphasis on increasing its presence within metals and minerals hard-rock mining operations in Western Australia, it says.

To this point, the company’s Western Australian hard-rock mining exposure has consisted mostly of work with BHP’s Western Australian nickel assets, in addition to a recent contract award at the Covalent Lithium Joint Venture project.

MACA has exposure to the state’s iron ore sector thanks to contracts with Fortescue and BHP; the burgeoning gold segment through contracts with Regis Resources, Ramelius Resources, Capricorn Metals and Red 5; and nickel and lithium exposure from the Ravensthorpe mine and Pilgangoora project, respectively.

Thiess also said in its Bidder Statement that it sees “a significant opportunity to combine the operational capability of both companies to continue enhancing service quality, particularly in relation to technical solutions such as deploying autonomous machinery or reducing the carbon emissions of mining services on project sites”.

Back in March, MACA announced a partnership with SafeAI to form an MoU to retrofit a mixed fleet of 100 mining trucks across multiple locations with autonomous mining technologies.

Michael Wright, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Thiess, said: “We believe our offer is an attractive opportunity for MACA shareholders as it provides certainty of cash, a strong premium and an ability to achieve liquidity for their entire MACA shareholding. We are pleased to have the support of the MACA Board for our Offer.

“The proposed acquisition of MACA is an important part of Thiess’ strategy to diversify its operations across commodities, services and geographies. Thiess has a high regard for MACA’s service quality, and we believe our industry experience positions us well to enhance MACA’s value proposition to clients and employees. We recognise and intend to maintain and grow MACA’s strong brand and presence in the Western Australian market. Thiess also looks forward to supporting MACA to meet the evolving needs of its client base through promoting further investment in low emission and technology-led solutions.”

Thiess receives A$450 million contract extension from QCoal

Coal technology, Mine operation news, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Thiess says it has been awarded a A$450 million ($310 million) contract extension by QCoal to continue operations at the QCoal Northern Hub, which comprises Sonoma, Cows, Drake and Jax mines, located near Collinsville, Queensland, Australia.

Commencing in July 2022, the three-year contract will see Thiess continue to provide full mining services including statutory control of the site, all mining activities, maintenance and asset management, and rehabilitation works.

Thiess Executive Chair and CEO, Michael Wright, said: “We are proud of our long association with QCoal which has included a joint focus on mining efficiency, sustainability and ongoing rehabilitation works. This extension reflects our team’s track record of safe and consistent delivery of mining services for QCoal. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with QCoal for the next three years and beyond.”

Thiess Executive General Manager for Australia, Shaun Newberry, said: “We’re excited to continue our work at the QCoal Northern Hub where we have consistently provided innovative and low-cost mining solutions. Thiess has been part of the Collinsville community since 1995 and we are delighted to remain a significant regional employer and contributor to the local economy.”

Thiess to return to Central Kalimantan with new mining, rehab and port management contract

Coal technology, Mine operation news, Mining services, , , , , , , , , ,

Thiess says it has been awarded a life-of-mine contract to provide mining, rehabilitation and port management services by PT Kapuas Tunggal Persada and PT Tempirai Inti Energi in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Thiess will operate the adjacent Kapuas Tunggal Persada (KTP) and Global Bara Mandiri (GBM) mines and will deliver turnkey operations, including mine design and planning, drill and blast, overburden removal, load and haul, asset maintenance and management, haul road maintenance, water management, rehabilitation and port operations, it said.

Commencing from July 2022, with revenue of A$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) over eight years, this contract marks Thiess’ return to Central Kalimantan.

Thiess Executive Chair & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “We’re excited to work with our new client who shares the same passion for sustainable mining practices and outcomes as we do.

“This new contract is an opportunity to continue our record of delivering excellence for our clients in Indonesia, with a clear focus on safe, responsible production and industry leading rehabilitation.”

Thiess Executive General Manager Asia, Cluny Randell, added: “This contract is recognition of our team’s ability to deliver long-term performance and productivity gains for clients.

“We look forward to working together with our client and the local communities to deliver long-term social, environmental and economic value.”

A day earlier, Thiess confirmed that its mining services contract at Peak Downs Mine in Queensland, Australia, had been extended for another five years by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Located southeast of Moranbah, Peak Downs is an open-pit mine producing high-quality steelmaking coal and is one of Australia’s largest mines by recoverable coal reserves.

Under the contract, Thiess will continue to operate and maintain mining equipment to move additional overburden at the mine and support BMA’s production requirements over the next five years. Starting from July 2022, revenue to Thiess is worth over A$700 million.

Thiess to deliver mine planning and engineering services to Tata Steel

Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , ,

Thiess says it has entered into a business cooperation agreement to deliver mine planning and engineering services to Tata Steel.

Under the agreement, the contract miner will also collaborate with Tata Steel to deliver competitive integrated business solutions to the global mining industry.

Tata Steel is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers, providing fully integrated steel operations – from mining to the manufacturing and marketing of finished products.

Thiess Executive Chairman & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “With a shared focus on value creation and sustainability, this agreement is the foundation for a strong partnership and complements our efforts to diversify our services and accelerate our growth across commodities and geographies.”

Tata Steel Vice President (Raw Materials), D.B Sundara Raman, said: “We have been in the mining business for more than a century providing various exploration and mine planning services to our captive mines for sustainable mining. We are pleased to start offering our mine technical services commercially through Tata Steel Industrial Consulting to the mining industry outside Tata Steel.

“This agreement with Thiess will complement our capabilities and capacities to raise the standards of such services in India in particular and internationally in general for more scientific and sustainable mine development.”

Tata Steel will work closely with the Thiess India Engineering Hub, which provides technical support to Thiess’ global operations, including geotechnical and mine engineering, technology service delivery, business process automation and learning & development services.

Thiess wins three-year extension at Harum Energy’s Mahakam Sumber Jaya mine

Coal technology, Explosives and blasting, Mine operation news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , ,

Thiess says it has been awarded a three-year contract renewal to provide mining services at Harum Energy’s Mahakam Sumber Jaya coal mine in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Under the contract extension, commencing from April 1, 2023, Thiess will continue providing mine design and planning, drill and blast, overburden removal, load and haul, asset maintenance and management, rehabilitation, water management and haul road maintenance services.

Thiess Executive Chairman & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “Thiess is proud to continue its longstanding relationship with Harum Energy at MSJ, where we’ve worked with our client to deliver sustainable mining services since the mine was developed in 2008.

“This contract enables us to continue our record of delivering certainty for our client, with a clear focus on safe and sustainable production and rehabilitation.”

Thiess Executive General Manager – Asia, Cluny Randell, added: “This contract renewal is great recognition of our team’s ability to partner and grow together with our client and deliver long-term performance and productivity gains for Harum Energy.

“We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with our client and the community of Kutai Kartanegara, where we’ve worked together during COVID-19 to provide vaccinations for the local communities.”

Thiess to deliver mining services to Mount Holland lithium mine JV

Energy minerals, Explosives and blasting, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Thiess says it has been awarded a four-year contract by Covalent Lithium to deliver mining services at the Mount Holland lithium mine in Western Australia.

Covalent Lithium is a joint venture between Wesfarmers and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM), one of the world’s largest lithium miners.

Under the contract, Thiess will deliver drill and blast services, mining of overburden and ore, and equipment maintenance with a strong focus on community development and environmental protection, it said. Thiess commenced mobilisation and early mining operations in January.

Thiess Executive Chairman and CEO, Michael Wright, said: “We are very pleased to be selected by Covalent to undertake mining at the Mount Holland mine. This award recognises our team’s ability to deliver sustainable mining solutions and deliver enduring value for our clients across diverse commodities.

“We look forward to working with Covalent Lithium to safely position their operations for optimal efficiency, productivity and cost performance, and contribute strongly to a clean energy future.”

The Mount Holland Mine produces lithium-bearing ore that is concentrated and refined to produce lithium hydroxide, a mineral used to enable electric vehicles and battery-based energy storage systems. EPC contractor, Primero, is currently constructing the Mt Holland concentrator to process ‘run of mine’ ore at a rate of circa-2 Mt/y and produce an output of circa-400,000 t/y of spodumene concentrate to feed the company’s integrated lithium hydroxide conversion refinery situated in Kwinana.

Thiess banks Anthill copper project work, extends BMA Caval Ridge contract

Base metals, Equipment maintenance, Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Thiess has secured a new contract with Austral Resources to provide mining services at the Anthill copper project in Queensland, Australia.

This three-year contract, which follows Thiess being named preferred mining services contractor at the project in October, will see Thiess firstly assist to develop the mine, and then undertake mining operations at this new copper project in the Mt Isa region.

Thiess Executive Chairman and CEO, Michael Wright, said: “This contract reflects Thiess’ ability to deliver value for our clients, providing competitive and sustainable mining solutions across a diversified portfolio of projects. We will bring a strong focus on the local community as we mobilise and undertake this exciting new copper project.”

Shaun Newberry, Thiess Executive General Manager Australia, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Austral Resources to tailor solutions specific to the needs of the Anthill operation. We look forward to contributing our experience, technical expertise and focus on safe, reliable and productive operations to create long term value for our client and the community.”

On the same day as making this announcement, Thiess confirmed a 12-month contract extension by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) that would see the contractor continue mining and maintenance services at the Caval Ridge Mine in Queensland, Australia.

Thiess’ involvement at the Caval Ridge Mine extends back to 2012 when it supported the development of the mine complex, including constructing and commissioning the mine’s coal preparation plant (with Sedgman), the rail loop and mine infrastructure. Thiess has delivered mining operations, since 2017 under successive contracts.

This award follows Thiess securing a 12-month contract extension to provide mining services for BMA at Caval Ridge’s neighbouring mine Peak Downs earlier in the year.

Thiess to continue mining at PT Wahana Baratama Mining coal mine in Indonesia

Coal technology, Mine operation news, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Thiess says it has secured a three-year A$220 million ($164 million) contract renewal to continue providing mining services at PT Wahana Baratama Mining’s coal mine in South Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Having operated at the project since 2007, Thiess will provide full mining services for Wahana, which is owned by Bayan Resources, including mine planning, environmental and water management, drill and blast, and mining and pit hauling services, it said. The contract renewal commences from November 2021.

Thiess CEO and Executive Chairman, Michael Wright, said: “This extension builds on our long-term partnership with Wahana and recognises Thiess’ ability to deliver sustainable and competitive mining solutions tailored to their operational needs.”

Thiess Executive General Manager Asia, Cluny Randell, said: “We’re proud to continue delivering value at Wahana, a unique operation where Thiess has mined two adjoining mines for two different clients. Our team is focused on continuing to optimise resource recovery and extending the mine’s reserves to deliver long-term value for Wahana.

“Alongside this, we’re looking forward to building on our COVID-19 vaccination efforts, extending our employee and family vaccination program into the community next month.”

Bayan Resources says the Wahana Baratama mine currently produces around 1-2 Mt/y of high calorific value bituminous quality coal.

Thiess set to operate and maintain two mining fleets at Austral’s Anthill copper project

Base metals, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , ,

Thiess says it has been selected as preferred mining services contractor for Austral Resources’ Anthill copper project, near Mount Isa in Queensland, Australia.

Austral has notified Thiess of its intention to enter exclusive negotiations to finalise the terms of a three-year mining services contract. Under the scope of works, Thiess will operate and maintain two mining fleets, undertaking mining services to support Austral’s copper production requirements.

Thiess CEO and Executive Chairman, Michael Wright, said: “Thiess has a long history operating in the Mount Isa region dating back to the early 1960s, and we’re very pleased to be back. With our selection as preferred contractor, Austral Resources has recognised our team’s specialist mining capability and our flexible approach to meet the needs of their mine.

“This project is very important to Thiess as we continue to diversify our business across commodities, mining regions and services. We are positioned well to support Austral Resources and the local community, with the right equipment, technical capability and operations team.”

The Anthill project is around 80 km northwest of Mount Isa and will extend copper production from the existing Lady Annie Operations.

Austral says CSA Global completed an updated mining study in April 2021 on Anthill resulting in a JORC 2012 compliant ore reserve of 5.1 Mt grading 0.94% Cu containing 47,700 t of copper. This study outlined that ore will be mined from two pits over a 40-month period. Total recovered copper from the heap leach process will be 40,400 t over a 44-month period.