Tag Archives: Michael Wright

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.

Thiess extends relationship with MACH Energy Australia at Mount Pleasant

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

Thiess has been awarded a contract extension by MACH Energy Australia to continue providing mining services at the Mount Pleasant Operation in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.

The contract extension, which will commence in April 2022, will generate revenue of approximately A$920 million ($678 million) to Thiess over four-and-a-half years.

Having commenced operations when Mount Pleasant was a greenfield coal mine in 2017, Thiess is to continue providing full-scope mining services including drill and blast, overburden removal, coal mining services and rehabilitation.

Thiess Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, Michael Wright, said: “Since 2017, Thiess has provided expert planning and optimum mine sequencing to deliver exceptional outcomes for our client. This contract extension builds on our strong five-year relationship with MACH Energy at Mount Pleasant. We’re pleased to continue to drive long-term social, environmental and economic value for the Upper Hunter region.”

Thiess Executive General Manager Australia & Pacific, Shaun Newberry, said: “We’re proud to continue our work at Mount Pleasant where we have a proven track record of delivering industry-leading environmental practices. We also look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Muswellbrook community to ensure we deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.”

Thiess says it has a strong presence in the Hunter Valley where it provides mining services at three mines.

CIMIC’s CPB Contractors seals A$150 million contract for Rio Tinto in Pilbara

Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , ,

CIMIC’s CPB Contractors has been selected by Rio Tinto to deliver three separate packages of work at the miner’s Robe Valley iron ore operations, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The projects, worth approximately A$150 million ($103 million), include earthworks; construction of roads, bridges and pits; water supply infrastructure and drainage; fencing; and site establishment and demobilisation. The projects will be completed by the end of 2021, according to CIMIC.

Back in October 2018, Rio, together with joint venture partners Mitsui and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal, approved an investment of $1.55 billion to sustain production capacity at two projects forming part of the Robe River joint venture in the Pilbara. Around $967 million was set to go towards developing the Mesa B, C and H deposits at Robe Valley, with $579 million for developing Deposits C and D at West Angelas operation.

The investments were to enable Rio Tinto to sustain production of the Pilbara Blend and its Robe Valley lump and fines products.

CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer, Michael Wright, said: “CIMIC Group companies have a strong track record of delivering significant projects to the iron ore industry. With our decades of experience in the Pilbara we offer major mining clients certainty and confidence in construction, mining and industrial services.”

CIMIC’s UGL adds mining and rail work to roster

Equipment maintenance, Mining maintenance, Mining services, , , , ,

CIMIC Group company UGL has been awarded new rail and mining services contracts across Australia that are set to generate combined revenues of around A$260 million ($177 million).

In the mining services sector, UGL has been awarded contracts, of up to three years, to deliver multi-disciplinary services including mechanical and piping, electrical and instrumentation, painting and insulation services, the company said without naming the client.

In the rail sector, UGL has secured additional work from Transport for NSW in operations and maintenance, and manufacturing services as part of its membership of the RailConnect NSW joint venture. In addition, its expertise as a leading manufacturer of locomotives and rolling stock has resulted in a contract to build four new diesel locomotives for Pacific National.

CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer, Michael Wright, said: “CIMIC Group is Australia’s premier rail and mining services provider. Our end-to-end capability offered through our operating companies enables us to provide seamless, whole-of-life solutions for our infrastructure and resources clients.”

UGL Managing Director, Jason Spears, said: “We are extremely pleased to be recognised as a trusted and established partner to our clients in the rail and mining services sectors.

“These contracts reflect our strong ongoing relationships, and our reputation for the delivery of outcomes focused on safety, quality, technical innovation and expertise, and reliability.”