b'PROJECT STORIESAgainst all odds In the heart of Western Australias north-eastern goldfields lies Mount Keith,a vast open-pit nickel mine that has become a symbol of resilience and partnership.More than twenty years ago, Thiess entered a three-year of Western Mining, Thiess and technology providers, wealliance with Western Mining Corporation (acquired bywere able to safely and effectively operate the mineBHP Nickel West), continuing the companys foray intoin this tough environment.metalliferous mining.Safety wasnt the only focus. The alliance between ThiessThis partnership transformed the Mount Keith Pit into aand Mount Keith was also deeply committed to supportingmonumental operation, driving the pit over 600 metresthe local community. Partnering with Carey Mining Services,deep and moving more than 95 million tonnes of materialan Indigenous-owned corporation, the team ensured that their annually. The mine operated around the clock with over labour hire reflected a strong commitment to empowering500 dedicated employees working together to ensure the regions First Nations workforce.its continuous success.The alliance worked so well that it became hard for the But before Thiess arrived, the Mount Keith mine faced workforce to distinguish who was employed by which entity, some dark daysnamely the tragic loss of two miners inRobert adds. The seamless collaboration between Thiess,two separate incidents. The sites challenging geotechnicalBHP and the local partners wasnt just about efficiency conditions made the operations demanding, even withit was about unity.the innovative use of radar and other controls to manage geotechnical risk. Through innovation and a shared commitment to safety and community, Mount Keith became more than just a mine. It The conditions were very difficult, says Thiess Estimatingstands as a testament to what can be achieved when industry Manager Robert Moore. But by combining the expertise and local partnerships come together in pursuit of progress.83'