b'PROJECT STORIESFrom grit to greatnessSince 2017, Thiess has been a trusted partner at BHP Mt Arthur Coal Operation, oneof Australias largest coal mines, in New South Waless Hunter Valley, but the journeywas born of humble beginnings.As Asset Manager Tony Gilmour recalls, it all started with a simpleThe teams dedication led to the largest coal mining contract dry hire request for a R996 Liebherr excavator to support BHPin Thiess history. Thiess made history again in 2023 with their with a priority digging operation. Thiess responded to the requestlargest-ever through-seam blast, safely firing 3 million bank promptly, and this was the start of a relationship with BHP Mt Arthurcubic metresthe equivalent of 1200 Olympic swimming pools. Coal that has continued to grow. Shortly after came the requestThe meticulously planned blast was executed flawlessly; incident for Thiess to expand its service to a topsoil removal scope. free and environmentally sound.The team worked out of demountable buildings, withThe site team wasnt afraid to challenge itself and do things maintenance activities done on a dirt pad, Tony says. differently, John proudly adds.Those were gritty days, but what began as topsoil removal quicklyAt the core of this success story is more than just technical expanded. Before long, Thiess found itself taking on overburdenexpertiseits a transformative culture. The Mt Arthur South removal and launching Mt Arthur Coal Southa transformativeIndigenous and Inclusive Employment (MASITE) program has effort that grew to include nine excavators and 700 employees. played a pivotal role in reshaping the Mt Arthur Coal South sites cultural landscape. This initiative encourages local Indigenous Within a year, the operation had boomed. Thiess secured aand Torres Strait Islander women to pursue careers in the $1.2-billion dollar contract, giving it full responsibility for theresources sector, fostering an inclusive workforce.southern end of the mine. The scope was extensive, covering everything from mine design and planning to drill and blast,In 2024, Thiess was named winner in the Excellence in Diversity scheduling and coal mining. Programs and Performance category at the Women in Resources National Awards, sponsored by BHP. Thiess Group Executive, In April of 2024, Thiess secured an extension until 2030 worthAustralia East Operations, Rae OBrien says, Im incredibly $1.9 billion, and will continue to support BHPs productionproudof the team at Mt Arthur Coal South for the work theyve requirements, working with them and the local communityputinto developing the MASITE program.towards the planned mine closure.Since March 2021, they have had 167 participants in the program; The project evolved from something small into one of the largest109 women and 79 First Nations people. Female participation on within the business, says John Hamson, former Project Managersite has increased by 6.5 per cent, and Indigenous and Torres Strait at Mount Arthur South and current Project Manager at MountIsland peoples participation has increased by 10.5 per cent.Pleasant Operation. It raised the bar and showed what wecould achieve as a company. The people within this project are the best that I have ever worked with, says John. This site has raised the bar for Thiess on how projects should be operated, and what can be achieved.124'