Tag Archives: Michael Wright

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.”

Thiess to play major role in Debswana Jwaneng diamond mine Cut-9 project

Diamond mining, Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Mining project news, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Thiess, through Majwe Mining Joint Venture (Majwe), has secured a A$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) contract at Debswana Diamond Co’s Jwaneng Mine Cut-9 project in Botswana.

Majwe, a JV between Thiess (70%) and long-term local partner Bothakga Burrow Botswana (30%), will provide full scope mining services over nine years, including drill and on-bench services, mine planning, equipment maintenance, load and haul, and mining operations, it said.

This new volume-based contract follows Majwe’s successful completion of the Cut 8 project at the diamond mine in November 2018.

Michael Wright, CEO of CIMIC Group, the owners of Thiess, said: “This new contract strengthens Thiess’ presence in Botswana and builds on our operational and technical teams’ solid performance at Jwaneng since 2011.

CIMIC Group Mining and Minerals Executive and Thiess Managing Director, Douglas Thompson, said: “I am pleased to be extending our long-term relationship with Debswana Diamond Company and Majwe, delivering scalable and innovative solutions that are tailored to our client’s production and expansion needs.”

Last month, Basil Read Mining Botswana, a wholly owned subsidiary of Basil Read Mining, entered into an agreement with Thiess Botswana and Bothakga Burrow Botswana to sell its 28% interest in the Majwe JV to the two firms.

Jwaneng, reportedly the richest diamond mine in the world by value, produces more than 10 Mct per year of diamonds.

The most recently completed Cut-8 project, which took the 2.5 km by 1.5 km mine from a depth of 400 m to 650 m, ensured continuous production until at least 2024.

Cut-9, meanwhile, is expected to extend the life of mine to 2035 and yield an estimated 53 Mct of rough diamonds from 44 Mt of treated material, Debswana said.

Debswana will invest approximately $2 billion over the life of the project, with the company’s shareholders approving the budget for 2019 so that the next phase of work can commence.

At its peak Cut-9 is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs, the majority of which will be held by Batswana citizens.

The high level CEEP key performance indicators for the Cut-9 project include, but are not limited to the establishment of an Apprentice and Artisan Training Centre, a Component Rebuild Centre, which is expected to mature into a self-sustaining business within three years from the launch of the project, and additional local business development initiatives.