Full circle: Thiess Rehabilitation restores Muswellbrook mined land 80 years after Thiess pioneered open-cut operations

Our origins in the Hunter Valley began in 1944 when the Thiess Brothers broke ground on open-cut operations at Muswellbrook Coal Mine – fittingly, 80 years later Thiess Rehabilitation is making significant progress with technology-led post-mining land restoration works for the site’s current owner Idemitsu Australia.

Over the next 12 months, 156 hectares of post-mining land will be restored, with the site returned to a mix of native ecosystems and improved pastures over 180 hectares.

Since mobilising to site in July 2023, we have safely and successfully deployed a dozer and excavator fleet to move 7.3 million cubic metres of mined earth – enough to fill over 1,500 Olympic-size swimming pools, and celebrated 479 days reportable incident-free at the end of October 2024.

Other milestones include the completion of six blasts on the highwall to create a final landform that is sustainable and complements the landscapes of the surrounding region. Civil works were progressively delivered on areas undergoing rehabilitation to support a post-mining landform that delivers both vegetation and pasture land uses. Over the next year, 2.8km of rock-lined drains, 19km of contour banks, and 16,000 tonnes of compost spreading will be delivered.

Thiess Rehabilitation Group Manager Jonathan Miln said: “Given Thiess’ legacy at Muswellbrook Mine, Thiess Rehabilitation is pleased to be able to contribute to the successful rehabilitation of the Muswellbrook site and meet Idemitsu Australia’s approved mine rehabilitation objectives.”

In 2024, Thiess celebrates 90 years – having grown from humble beginnings in rural Queensland nine decades ago to be at the forefront of sustainable mining and infrastructure services, with operations across eight countries and three continents, with more than 15,000 employees.

Reflecting on these achievements, Thiess Group Executive Strategy, Sustainability and Safety Shankar Gopalan said: “Since 1934, Thiess has remained focussed on delivering great value to our clients. Our long-term commitment extends beyond continuity – it encompasses embracing change, fostering innovation, and nurturing enduring relationships with all stakeholders.

“Thiess stands poised at the forefront of this transformative era, ready to continue our legacy of excellence while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the global energy transition.”

For more about Thiess Rehabilitation and its land rehabilitation services, visit thiessrehabilitation.com
Read more about Thiess’ 90 years at thiess.com/thiess90