Thiess awarded $2.3b Bowen Basin project

Thiess has entered a $2.3 billion agrement to extend operations at Jellinbah Group's Lake Vermont coal mine in Queensland.

Leighton Holding's mining services arm Thiess has won a $2.3 bibasalt rock dust used in concrete making blocksllion contract to extend operations at Jellinbah Group's Lake Vermont coal mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin.

The six-year agreement will increase production from four million tonnes to eight million tonnes a year and continues Thiess' responsibility at Lake Vermont for mine operations and maintenance.

"Thiess is very proud to continue its involvement at the Lake Vermont mine where we've been working with the Jellinbah Group from the very beginning to plan, build and operate the mine," Thiess managing director Bruce Munro said.

Executive general manager of Thiess' Australian Mining Michael Wright said the extended operations would bring opportunities for the people of Dysart, located 20 kilometres from Lake Vermont Mine.

The mine currently employs 350 people.

"The contract is reward for their performance, their daily commitment to the safety of our people and to meeting our clients' objectives," Mr Wright said.

"We are mobilising ultra-class mining fleets to meet the increased production requirements and we are truly excited by the opportunities this brings to the people of the Dysart area."

Jellinbah Group chief executive Greg Chalmers said the continuation of Thiess as the mine's long-term operator ensured its on-going delivery of competitively priced coal.

"We look forward to working closely with Thiess to maximise the value of Lake Vermont and continue the mine as a safe, reliable, responsible and productive operation," Mr Chalmers said.