PRESS RELEASE: This new five-year contract builds on Thiess' existing agreement and expands the scope of Thiess' operations to include additional services as mine operator of the southern end of the Mt Arthur coal operations (the Ayredale and Roxburgh pits). Under the new contract Thiess will perform mine design, planning and scheduling services, drill and blast operations, overburden removal and coal mining.

Michael Wright, CEO of Thiess' parent company CIMIC Group, said: "This is the third successive contract that Thiess has 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."

Douglas Thompson, CIMIC Group executive mining and mineral processing and Thiess managing director, commented: "We have a proud history in the region and working with BHP. 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."

The scope of works will create up to 300 permanent, locally-based roles.

Thiess has a strong presence in the Hunter Valley, where it has operated since the 1940s. Today it provides mining services at three mines, operates two maintenance workshops and contributes significantly to regional employment.