Thiess and the IRF, which it co-founded two decades ago, will focus on river cleanup and sanitation in the Kedang Pahu region, near Thiess' Melak operations.

In what is described as "a pioneering pilot project," Thiess is building new toilets and bio-septic tanks at three schools in Lambing Village.

The pilot project will also have an education component to raise awareness around sanitation practices and river health, bolstering community awareness.

"By uniting with the IRF, Thiess takes a significant step towards addressing the global challenge of clean water and sanitation," the company statement read.