The Thiess-Khishig Arvin joint venture (TKAJV) has secured a new contract to provide mining services at the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold underground project in Mongolia.
Through the new three-year agreement, the Thiess-Khishig Arvin JV will return to underground mining services at the Mongolian site, following its earlier successes with the construction of the 6.5km twin declines.
Under the contract, the JV will be responsible for executing underground ground support and development work, with a workforce of over 300 Thiess employees allocated to carry out these tasks.
Located in the Umnugovi province, the Oyu Tolgoi project involved an investment of more than $7bn.
It is co-owned by Rio Tinto, which holds a 66% stake, and the Mongolian government which owns the remaining 34% interest. Rio Tinto oversees the operation on behalf of the owners.
The open pit mining at the copper and gold project commenced in 2011, followed by the start of copper concentrate production at the site’s copper concentrator in 2013. The concentrate is said to be the largest industrial facility ever constructed in Mongolia.
The existing infrastructure at the Oyu Tolgoi project is designed to support mining operations for decades into the future.
In March 2023, the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine commenced underground production, establishing it as a high-performing, integrated copper operation that combines both surface and underground mining.
At its peak production, the Mongolian copper and gold project is estimated to produce 500,000 tonnes per annum of copper.
Thiess executive chair and CEO Michael Wright said: “Securing this contract not only reaffirms our strong relationship with Oyu Tolgoi – it also demonstrates our commitment to excellence in service delivery, and our ongoing commitment to Mongolia, where we’ve operated since establishing in 2007.
“Our track record of safe and reliable underground performance has been key to earning the trust of our client and stakeholders, and we look forward to building on this success as we re-enter the main mining operations at Oyu Tolgoi.”
