Iron ore mining contract for Western Desert in Northern Territory

Thiess makes a return to iron ore mining having secured a A$135 million three-year contract with Western Desert Resources at its Roper Bar project, a remote greenfield iron ore mine in Australia’s Northern Territory. Thiess has been working with Western Desert Resources for some time, providing on the ground mobilisation and project support since November 2013. The contract has just commenced, with Thiess leading the mining operations.

Thiess Managing Director Bruce Munro said he was delighted to be returning to mining in the region. “Our offering to Western Desert Resources is based on our ability to provide both safe and efficient operations to our client,” he said. “We are very pleased with the flexible relationship that’s been developed and look forward to a successful and long-term partnership.”

Central to the relationship developed between Thiess and Western Desert Resources is a joint vision and commitment to providing opportunities to Indigenous Australians.

Thiess’ Executive General Manager of Australian Mining Michael Wright said the focus from the very outset was to ensure both parties worked together to deliver optimal outcomes for local communities.

“We have a shared strategy with Western Desert Resources to offer Indigenous Australians training and employment opportunities, and this includes a partnership with Rusca Bros Mining, which has a well-established connection with local communities,” Wright said.

The Roper Bar iron ore project is located approximately 600 km southeast of Darwin, with iron ore to be exported from the Bing Bong loading facility.

The project initially involves an open pit operation with a production output of 1.5 Mt/y of ore in its first year and increasing to 3 Mt/y by year three. Associated infrastructure includes a 165 km private haul road to transport direct shipping ore (DSO) to an existing loading facility, on-site workers accommodation and processing facilities.

Initial results indicate the orebody contains a higher grade DSO and a lower grade ore that will undergo initial processing or beneficiation prior to shipping. Under the project’s Mining Lease Application, up to 24 Mt of iron ore will be produced over a nine year period.