Thiess wins FMG autonomous install contract

CIMIC Group’s Thiess has been awarded a contract to install autonomous haulage system technology at Fortescue Metals Group’s Christmas Creek iron ore operations in the Pilbara.

Under the 18-month contract, Thiess will convert at least 65 haul trucks to the system, along with various sub-component installs on ancillary equipment.

The contracted work includes the installation of the system onto Fortescue’s Komatsu 930E and Caterpillar 789D.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Last year, Thiess won a $650 million mining services contract extension at Fortescue’s Solomon hub.

As part of that contract, Thiess has assisted the iron ore miner in upgrading its autonomous fleet at Solomon.

Fortescue first installed AHS technology at the Solomon hub in 2012, with its autonomous fleet now totalling 70 trucks at the site.

The first autonomous trucks began operating at Christmas Creek this year.

“We are pleased to continue working with Fortescue to deliver autonomous systems to its mining fleet,” Thiess managing director Douglas Thompson said.

“Our work at Christmas Creek builds on our strong record of delivery for Fortescue at their Solomon Mine, where we assisted in the upgrade of their autonomous fleet.

“Our team is thrilled to work with Fortescue in leading mining innovation and delivering solutions that are firsts for our industry.”

Shares in CIMIC were up 0.81 per cent at $47.36 each at 1.30pma AEDT, while FMG shares were 0.59 per cent higher at $4.28 each.