July 11, 2012
Downer EDI was this morning named as the new long-term operator of the Meandu coal mine at Tarong, replacing Thiess which has been the mine contractor since 2008.
A Stanwell Corporation statement said the decision had been made following “a competitive and rigorous six-month tendering process”.
Thiess had originally been contracted to operate the mine, which is owned by Stanwell, until December 2011 but was granted a $185 million one-year extension late last year.
Stanwell said Downer EDI would officially commence as the Meandu Mine operator in January 2013 but would “transition the operations” in the coming months as part of a long-term rolling contract.
The company would “work as a priority on employee transition issues” at the mine.
Stanwell General Manager Mining Operations Bob Rutten said the appointment of a long-term mine operator would provide certainty for the workforce and ensure the ongoing delivery of cost competitive coal from the mine to the adjacent Tarong power stations.
“Meandu Mine has a long-term future with reserves to provide fuel to the Tarong power stations until at least 2031,” Mr Rutten said.
“A long-term contract provides stable employment, sustained local economic activity, and flow-on benefits for the South Burnett community.
“The contract has been negotiated to deliver positive outcomes for both Stanwell and Downer EDI, and commercial and operational benefits for the mine.
“We look forward to working closely with Downer EDI to maximise the value of Meandu Mine and further establish the mine as a safe, responsible and commercially focused operation.”
Downer EDI is a contract miner that has been operating for more than 90 years and has an established presence in Queensland.
Stanwell said that in the five years since assuming ownership of the Meandu Mine, it had invested in the long-term future of the mine.
“Over the past two years, we have purchased five new Komatsu 850E dump trucks, a new 360 tonne excavator and support equipment such as dozers and graders, to upgrade our mine fleet to improve efficiencies,” Mr Rutten said.
“More than 60 people have attended the training centre at Meandu Mine, and 47 of these trainees have moved into full-time positions at the mine.
“In early 2013, a dragline shutdown will involve 227 on-site and 30 off-site contractors and run for about 108 days. It is part of a $74 million program to keep the dragline working efficiently to support our long-term operations at the mine and the power stations.”
