The agreement extends on Thiess’ 20-year involvement at the mine, which is located near Ravensworth in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. 

Marcelino Fernández Verdes, executive chairman and CEO at CIMIC, said: “This contract enables Thiess to further build on two decades of continuous association with the Mount Owen operations, and the mine owner Glencore. The award recognises Thiess’ ability to provide certainty of operations, whilst seeking out innovative ways to drive efficiency.”

Michael Wright, managing director at Thiess, added: “Our ongoing work at this geologically complex mine is testament to the relationship between Thiess and Glencore, and the expertise within our organisation. Thiess’ focus on providing innovative technical solutions and operational efficiencies, including the through-seam blasting approach we developed, is key to the ongoing value that we offer at Mount Owen.”

In 1995, Thiess was contracted to build the Mount Owen mine infrastructure, including the design and construction of the coal handling preparation plant, site office and workshop, fuel facilities, water supply roads and wash bays. On completion of construction, Thiess assumed responsibility for mining operations, which continues to this day. 

The Mount Owen deposit is renowned for its complexity, consisting of multiple seams of coal dipping at angles of up to 45° and mined in thicknesses between 0.4-4m. Thiess is currently mining at a depth of 270m, with production of 7.6Mt/y of run-of-mine coal.