Thiess achieves milestone winning first contract in the Americas

Australia-based mining contractor Thiess has been awarded its first contract in the Americas, agreeing to a $137 million deal for the Encuentro Oxides open pit copper mine in Chile. The four-year deal, which will be delivered in partnership with Emeco, will see Thiess commence pre-strip operations at the site beginning July 1 2015.

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For Thiess, the newly awarded deal will also serve as a catalyst to expanding its presence in North and South America, building on experience through previous operations in Asia, Africa and Australia.

“This project, the first venture for Thiess’s New Markets division, marks a significant milestone for Thiess as a global mining business,” said CIMIC Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Marcelino Fernandez Verdes.

“Through Thiess’s expert contract mining capabilities we plan to further diversify into new, reliable markets, including those in the Americas, to service the needs of clients such as Antofagasta Minerals (AMSA).”

According to Thiess Managing Director Michael Wright, the company will seek to leverage the Encuentro project to further grow and develop their presence globally.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with AMSA on their Encuentro Oxides Project. This announcement reflects positive alignment between Thiess’s global mining capabilities and the South American marketplace. We will seek to leverage this project as a first step for further growth in Chile and globally.”

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“Expanding Thiess’s strong mining service capabilities into the Americas, and leveraging our strong base in Australia and Asia, allows us to offer mining solutions to clients in the resource rich regions of North and South America, in addition to Africa where we currently work,” said Wright.

Located in the Antofagata region of Chile, the Encuentro Oxides mine is expected to produce an estimated 50,000 tons of copper cathode per year. Production is slated to commence sometime in 2016.

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