Project data
Overview
Prominent Hill is a copper and gold operation located 650 kilometres north‑west of Adelaide and 130 kilometres south‑east of Coober Pedy in South Australia.
Thiess’ involvement at the site, which has now completed, spanned more than 20 years, dating back to 2005 when the business completed feasibility work for then‑owner Oxiana, followed by a six‑year mining and infrastructure development contract.
Thiess continued to support the operation through successive ownership and development phases, from Oxiana and OZ Minerals through to BHP.
In 2012, Thiess was awarded a further contract as OZ Minerals assumed ownership of the mine. Under this agreement and subsequent contract changes, Thiess managed all operational aspects of the Malu Open Pit, including blasting design, drilling, surveying, mine planning, geotechnical, geology and operational systems, until the closure of the open pit in 2018.
Throughout operations, Thiess and OZ Minerals worked closely to ensure strong local employment and supply opportunities for Aboriginal people in South Australia, including members of the Antakirinja Matu‑Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation (AMYAC). A five‑year demobilisation program from 2013–2018 included a social impact study to understand closure‑related effects on local employees, particularly AMYAC members. This work helped inform a subsequent ROM and stockpile rehandling tender process.
In 2018, Thiess and Anangu Mining secured a $112 million contract to deliver ROM and stockpile rehandling services, designed to reduce closure impacts and build long‑term capability for Anangu Mining. Under this five‑year agreement, Thiess continues to support the growth of Anangu Mining’s plant and labour capability, providing opportunities for local communities across Coober Pedy and Port Augusta.
In August 2024, Thiess secured a contract extension at Prominent Hill to continue delivering ROM services and stockpile management. The agreement included ROM management, crusher feed, ore storage, stockpile management and ore transportation. The extension reflected Thiess’ strong safety and operational performance and reinforced the partnership with the Antakirinja Matu‑Yankunytjatjara (AMY) people.
In 2025, underground mining specialist PYBAR, part of the Thiess Group, was awarded a contract to complete raise‑boring works at Prominent Hill, including excavation of ventilation raises and inclined ore passes to support the expansion of the Malu orebody and the Wira Shaft.
At the completion of Thiess's contract in September 2026, AMY Nominees Pty Ltd was awarded BHP’s largest ever standalone contract with a Traditional Owner business in South Australia. This landmark achievement is part of Thiess' last legacy at Prominent Hill.
