b'PROJECT STORIESPower through partnershipFrom its inception as a greenfield site to a 15-million-tonne-per-annum mine,the story of Ukhaa Khudag Coal Mine (UHG) in Mongolias Gobi Desert is oneof collaboration and growth.Over the past sixteen years since Thiess and Energy Innovation is at the heart of UHG and Thiess combined Resources began working on the extremely remote mine success. Among other exciting projects, discussions are site, Thiess has helped carve the way for some of UHGs mostunderway to potentially make UHG the first autonomous significant milestonesincluding completing the initial boxopen-cut project in Mongolia.cut, mining 100 million tonnes of coal and completing oneof the longest mobilisation operations in the world. Cutting-edge technologies, such as operator training simulators, have been crucial, especially in a country where experienced Its a partnership built on a solid foundation, according tooperators were once scarce. Lachlan says Thiess dedication UHGs Project Manager Lachlan Minett, who says a relation- to sustainability has set a new standard in Mongolias mining ship-style approach to business has been the secret behindindustry, balancing economic success with environmental their ability to go the distance.responsibility.We approach it as all working for the UHG project, similarFor Lachlan personally, guiding the site through difficult times to an alliance, he says. And it must be working. This deeplywhile maximising returns through periods of prosperity has integrative approach has led to multiple contract extensions,been career-defining. It has been a privilege to be able to including the most recent in 2024. contribute to the success of this project.138'