PRESS RELEASE: Under the four-year contract, Thiess will continue to provide mining services at the QCoal Northern Hub which comprises the Sonoma, Sonoma North, Drake and Jax mines.

The scope of works includes mine planning, drill and blast, overburden removal and coal mining at the Northern Hub, which produces hard coking and thermal coal.

Michael Wright, CEO of CIMIC Group, said: "Thiess has a long-standing partnership with QCoal and the Thiess team has provided expert planning and optimum mine sequencing to deliver consistent outcomes for our client. This extension builds on our relationship with QCoal and enables us to drive greater efficiencies at the project."

Douglas Thompson, executive, mining and mineral processing at CIMIC Group and managing director at Thiess, said: "We're proud to continue our work at the QCoal Northern Hub where we have a proven track record of delivering innovative and low-cost mining solutions. We also look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Collinsville community with whom we have worked closely with for more than 20 years."

Thiess has a long history operating in Collinsville, having operated the Collinsville coal mine from 1996 to 2013, and first commencing operations at QCoal Northern Hub in 2007.

In that time Thiess has secured long-term employment for locally-based employees.

Thiess will commence works under the new contract in July 2018.