CIMIC Group‘s global mining company Thiess has been awarded a $137 million operations contract at the Encuentro Oxides open pit copper mine in Chile.
According to the company’s announcement, operations at the site have already commenced, with the 4-year project to be delivered in partnership with local mining equipment supplier Emeco Holdings.
“This project, the first venture for Thiess’s New Markets division, marks a significant milestone for Thiess as a global mining business. Through Thiess’s expert contract mining capabilities we plan to further diversify into new, reliable markets, including those in the Americas, to service the needs of clients such as Antofagasta Minerals (AMSA),” said CIMIC Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Marcelino Fernández Verdes.
Antofagasta’s Encuentro Oxides deposit is located within the Centinela Mining District. Antofagasta expects the mine to produce an average of approximately 50,000 tonnes of copper cathode per year. First production is expected in the second half of 2016.
“Expanding Thiess’s strong mining service capabilities into the Americas, and leveraging our strong base in Australia and Asia, allows us to offer mining solutions to clients in the resource rich regions of North and South America, in addition to Africa where we currently work,” said Thiess Managing Director Michael Wright.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with AMSA on their Encuentro Oxides Project. This announcement reflects positive alignment between Thiess’s global mining capabilities and the South American marketplace. We will seek to leverage this project as a first step for further growth in Chile and globally.”
This contract is Thiess’ first project in the Americas.
