MT Arthur Coal general manager David Boshoff has hailed a new $1.2 billion contract with Thiess, labelling it “absolutely good news” for the Muswellbrook mine – and the Upper Hunter economy.
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CIMIC Group’s global mining services provider officially secured the five-year deal on Monday, increasing its fleet size from five to six.
It builds on Thiess’ existing agreement and expands the scope of the company’s operations to include additional services as mine operator of the southern end of the Mt Arthur Coal operations – the Ayredale pit.
Under the new contract, Thiess will perform mine design, planning and scheduling services, drill and blast operations, overburden removal and coal mining.
The scope of works is also expected to create up to 300 permanent, locally-based roles to meet their contract requirements, according to Mr Boshoff.
“BHP has ensured clauses are included to deliver maximum local community benefit,” he said.
“Thiess advised that it will recruit for a range of roles to service this contract, including operators, maintainers, mine planners and support staff.
“Some of them are already employed – and many will transition into the new contract.
“But, Thiess can now go ahead to reach its full complement in early 2019.”
Thiess has a strong presence in the Hunter Valley, where it has operated since the 1940s.
It provides mining services at three mines, operates two maintenance workshops and contributes significantly to regional employment.
Mr Boshoff said the new contract was awarded after a review of commercial options identified an opportunity to increase mining in the southern area of the pit, which due to its unique geology requires specialised skills in terrace mining.
“Thiess has an intimate knowledge of that region, having worked on site at Mt Arthur Coal for a number of years.
“And, it will increase its presence in the coming months ahead of the contract commencement.”
CIMIC Group chief executive officer Michael Wright admitted it was the third successive contract that Thiess had secured with BHP at Mt Arthur Coal.
“It recognises our team’s specialist mining capability within the Hunter Valley’s complex geology and our team’s ability to work flexibly with our client,” he said.
That sentiment was backed up by CIMIC Group executive mining and mineral processing and Thiess managing director Douglas Thompson.
“We have a proud history in the region and working with BHP,” he said.
“We’re pleased to continue our work at Mt Arthur Coal’s southern operations and support local jobs, suppliers and businesses.
“We look forward to contributing to the success of the Mt Arthur Coal operation.”
