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TAKING CONSTRUCTION TO A NEW DIMENSION • 16CELEBRATING MINING MILESTONES • 18
TACKLING THE ELECTRICITY PRICE CHALLENGE • 24
VDP PIPE AND POWER WORK COMPLETE • 10
I was recently appointed Managing
Director of the company and have
an experienced group of executive
managers supporting me.
Our business across construction,
mining and services is solid with
record work in hand of $22 billion.
We enter the New Year with an 80
per cent secured order book and
a 19,000-strong workforce.
In construction we are delivering
exceptional projects for our clients
including roads, bridges, busways,
railways and tunnels in Brisbane,
Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and
the Hunter Valley. We are gaining
traction in the resource-rich
states of Queensland and Western
Australia, supporting our clients in
the LNG and CSG markets with our
core building and civil capability.
In our mining business we secured
major contracts in India, Indonesia,
Queensland, New South Wales,
Western Australia and South
Australia. Combined with our focus
on coal in the eastern states, we
are actively diversifying and are
back in the iron ore business in
Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Our Thiess Sedgman Joint Venture
provides additional value through
the delivery of fi rst-rate coal
handling facilities.
BRUCE MUNRO
MANAGING DIRECTOR, THIESS PTY LTD
In services, together with our
joint venture company Silcar,
we are taking the lead role in
deploying optic fi bre for the
National Broadband Network in
Queensland, New South Wales
and the Capital Territory. We are
also a key partner in some of
the industry’s best performing
alliances in the waste, water
and energy sectors.
The challenges of this year have
infl uenced a series of business
performance reviews. We are on
a path to strengthen business
development decision-making,
improve the rigour of our risk
management, drive an unwavering
commitment to excellence in
delivery and support our most
critical asset – our people.
Our team is performing across 233
projects nationwide and overseas,
encouraging a better Australia by
building cities, linking communities
and delivering Australian resources
to the world.
I look forward to working with
you, our clients and partners, as
we continue to renew our focus on
performance, innovation, fl exibility
and passion for what we do.
2011 HAS BEEN A YEAR OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGE AT THIESSON A NUMBER OF FRONTS.
BRUCE MUNRO• 25-year career with Thiess
• Strong track record in running complex
businesses in Australia and across Asia
• Past roles with Thiess include
Chief Executive Mining and
Executive General Manager Asia
2 DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012
Directions is published by Thiess Pty Ltd. It is published with due care and attention to accuracy. If you do fi nd information that is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, please contact us.
Head offi ceLevel 5, 179 Grey StreetSouth Bank Queensland 4101T: +61 7 3002 9000F: +61 7 3002 9689
Copyright Thiess Pty Ltd 2011. All rights reserved.
DIRECTIONS • SUMMER 2011–2012
12 Thiess family pledges support for museum
14 Bridging technique helps protect wetlands
16 Taking construction to a new dimension
CONSTRUCTION
18 Celebrating mining milestones
19 Work ramps up in India
20 Next-generation mining technology
MINING
22 Rochedale landfi ll receives industry accolade
23 Garlanja JV kicks fi rst goal
26 Innovation improves productivity and safety
SERVICES
TACKLING THE ELECTRICITY PRICE CHALLENGE By Matthew Dodson, Thiess Services Smart Grid ManagerPAGE 24
THINK PIECE
MELAK COAL MINE
19 Thiess Indonesia awarded US$500m contract extension
VICTORIAN DESALINATION PLANT
COVER The Reverse Osmosis building takes shape
OPPOSITE The green roof receives its fi rst planting
Richard Kelleway has been appointed
Executive General Manager, Thiess Services.
He replaces Michael Wright who has taken
over the role Executive General Manager,
Australian Mining.
Richard joins the company after
lengthy careers with fi re protection and
security business Tyco, ABB Australia,
consulting civil and environmental
engineering group CMPS&F and UK fi rm
John Taylor & Sons.
Awarded a Bachelor of Civil Engineering
(Honours) qualifi cation, he was recognised
by the Institute of Engineers Australia
as one of Australia’s top 100 infl uential
engineers in 2010/11.
Richard stepped into the position
in October.
Sue Palmer has been appointed
Chief Financial Offi cer (CFO) following
the retirement of long-serving Thiess
employee Don Argent.
Mr Argent spent 30 years with Thiess
and played an instrumental part in its
growth from a family-run business to
Australia’s leading construction, mining
and services company.
“Thiess has made a superb contribution to
Australia – everywhere you go you see the
bridges, tunnels, roads and infrastructure
that have led to the development and
prosperity of Australia,” Mr Argent said.
New CFO Sue Palmer has worked in
commercial, fi nancial and IT roles for
organisations including CS Energy, Incitec
and PricewaterhouseCoopers during a
career spanning three decades.
For the past nine years she has held senior
fi nancial and commercial roles within
Leighton Contractors and Thiess.
Sue said she was looking forward to the role,
which includes representation on the Thiess
Board of Directors.
“In fi nancial terms, 2011 has been the most
challenging year in our history,” she said.
“However, with 80 per cent of work in hand
for the year ahead we are in an extremely
strong position.”r Argent said.
worked in
IT
for the year ahead we are in an extremely
strong position.”
worked in
roles for
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VIDEOS VISIT THIESS.COM.AU/NEWS4 DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | INSIGHT
THIESS INDUCTEDINTO HALL OF FAMEThiess has been inducted into the Queensland
Business Leaders Hall of Fame. The honour
is in recognition of the company’s outstanding
contribution to infrastructure development
in Australia and for its pioneering of
international trade.
Managing Director Bruce Munro accepted the
award on behalf of the company at a gala dinner
in Brisbane in September.
For more information and to see the video, visit
www.halloff ame.slq.qld.gov.au/hof/2011_inductees/thiess
The Hunter River Remediation Project
has won two prestigious awards in the
space of a fortnight.
In October, the project was awarded
the Environmental Excellence Award
at BHP Billiton’s annual HSEC Awards
held in London.
This recognition adds to previous
award wins including the National
Safety Council of Australia’s Innovative
Environmentally Sustainable Work
Practices award and the United
Nations Australia World Environment
Day Environmental Best Practice
Program award.
Thiess Services was the principal
contractor on the $405 million Hunter
River Remediation Project for client
BHP Billiton.
5
Our strategies range from ongoing systems
improvements through to behavioural-based
safety initiatives and the development of our
health, safety and environment (HSE) culture.
For example, we constantly work to identify our
critical risks and to ensure that our systems fully
address these risks. While systems are important,
we also understand that leadership behaviours are
pivotal in achieving great safety outcomes.
A strong team focus where everyone
understands their individual responsibilities and
works together to ensure the work environment
remains safe. To be truly successful, teams need
to communicate openly, to speak up if they have
any concerns and to get actively involved in the
management of safety.
Our safety record is among the best
when we compare our performance with
similar organisations. However while we
are proud of our achievements, we will
never be satisfi ed until we achieve our
goal of ‘everyone safe every day’.
Motivating a team requires great leadership. Our
supervisors and managers must work together to
set high standards and ensure we live up to those
standards. This can be achieved by walking the
talk, being visible among our staff and workforce,
promoting and rewarding positive behaviours, and
encouraging feedback and listening to our people
to ensure the whole team is involved in achieving
a safe workplace.
REINFORCINGA SAFETY-FIRST CULTURE Q&A WITH DAVID BOND,
GROUP MANAGER HEALTH & SAFETY
How would you describe Thiess’ safety record?
What strategiesdoes Thiess havein place to ensurepeople’s safety?
What makes a working environment safe?
What is the key to motivating your team to keep safety as the number one priority?
6 DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | INSIGHT
The Thiess Sedgman Joint Venture (TSJV) has
won an $85 million contract to build a coal
handling and preparation plant (CHPP) at the
Codrilla coal mine, in Queensland’s Bowen Basin,
owned by Macarthur Coal.
Operations at the Codrilla mine south-west of
Mackay, which is majority-owned by Macarthur
Coal, are expected to begin in 2012 subject to
fi nal regulatory approvals.
The CHPP’s capacity will be 600 tonnes per hour.
The TSJV’s work is to commence in late September
2011 and expected to be completed in 2013.
Thiess’ General Manager of Industrial Projects
Paul Grabham said the contract is big vote of
confi dence in the TSJV.
“It’s another great example of the strength Thiess
and Sedgman working together bring to CHPP
projects,” Mr Grabham said.
Sedgman Managing Director and Chief Executive
Offi cer Nick Jukes said the company had a long
association with Macarthur Coal, having designed
and built CHPPs at the Coppabella mine in 1999,
at Moorvale Mine in 2003 and at Middlemount
Mine in 2007.
AT THIESS, WE ARE STRIVING TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL OF ‘EVERYONE SAFE EVERY DAY’.
Thiess operates across a diverse range of
projects, sectors and countries. To meet this
challenge Thiess has identifi ed and agreed
on the minimum standards we expect to see
wherever we go, regardless of the projects
we work on or the countries we operate in.
These standards are visible in our Health and
Safety Management Plans, our Critical Safety
Controls and our procedures and protocols.
They are all supported by internal training and
development initiatives, along with a rigorous
auditing program that includes both internal
and third party audit protocols.
Are safety standards consistent across all the regions Thiess operates in? How do you maintain a consistent approach to safety?
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | INSIGHT 7
THE Thiess graduate intake for 2013 will open on
1 January next year, giving the next generation
of young achievers the opportunity to grow their
skills and prepare for an exciting career in our
construction, mining and services industries.
All graduates are supported by experienced
leaders and are exposed to key projects across
our business.
Acting Executive General Manager People,
Safety and Environment Mark Vining said the
two-year program provided challenging and
practical on-the-job learning.
“We’re looking for people who want to grow
with us and develop their skills so they can
be the best they can be,” Mr Vining said.
“In 2013, we expect to have our largest ever
intake of graduates with more than 100 people
who have recently fi nished university joining
our team.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of
an innovative and passionate team.”
PATRICK TOOMEY (Mining Engineer Collinsville)
As a graduate mining engineer, I have been working for
Thiess since August 2010 and have enjoyed every minute
of it. I have seen fi rsthand why Thiess is considered to be
one of the best contracting companies in the world. The
knowledge base available within Thiess is the most
important asset any company can off er a graduate new
to the industry. The best thing is Thiess has an abundance
of experienced and knowledgeable staff working as a team
to produce the highest standards in quality of work.
JOSEPHINE ZAMMIT (Civil Engineer Lotus Glen Expansion Project in Mareeba,
Far North Queensland)
Being an employee of Thiess is like being a part of a large
family. The encouragement and support provided by your
colleagues prepare you for the challenges that arise during
those early years and beyond. The graduate program allows
me to establish friendships and network opportunities.
It also helps me gain a better understanding of how the
company came to be what it is today and the high standards
expected from us.
AApppppplliiccaattiioonnss ccaann bbee sssuuubbbmmmiiitttttteeeddd ooonnnllliiinnneee aaatttwwwwww.tthhhiiieessss.ccoomm.aauu///ccaarreeeerrss//gggrraadduuaatteess
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | INSIGHT8
Thiess Services environmental
trainee Amma Reed (pictured)
has been off ered a place on a
Federal Government Indigenous
Leadership Program.
The Department of Families,
Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Aff airs (FaHCSIA)
has been running the three-
day program, which develops,
fosters and supports leadership
development, since 2004.
Participants learn more about
themselves, meet new people,
make new friends, share ideas
and experiences, develop new
skills and gain unique experiences
to foster their leadership potential.
Amma was part of the inaugural
Thiess’ Indigenous Pre-Employment
Program in 2010.
LAWRENCE WOOD (HR Offi cer Corporate)
The Thiess Graduate Development Program has been
an incredible foundation for my career with the company.
I’ve had the opportunity to gain exposure into the diff erent
business areas, work on one of the largest infrastructure
projects in Australia and then rotate into a corporate
environment. The program has provided me with the skills
and knowledge to step into challenging roles while allowing
me to travel and work interstate. It has provided me with the
opportunity to shape my career and abilities, and learn in
a culture that values support.
SALAM AL-MULLA (Mechanical Engineer VDP)
The Thiess Graduate Development Program is an excellent
transition into the workforce. Unlike conventional graduate
programs, Thiess off ers a structured program that allows its
graduates to experience several rotations in their specialised
fi eld, proving to be both challenging and benefi cial in many
ways. The graduate modules held twice a year also provide
an excellent means of networking with other graduates
and managers within the company, delivers priceless
opportunities and have been a great deal of fun.
Thiess has shown its pioneering
spirit at Brisbane’s largest annual
show, known as the Ekka, raising
almost $20,000 for the Royal
Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Over 10 days, nearly 10,000 Thiess
$2 showbags were sold with all
profi ts going directly to the iconic
Australian charity.
Russell Ousley, RFDS (Queensland
Section) General Manager of
Marketing and Fundraising
thanked Thiess for the initiative.
“Every dollar will go towards
ensuring that the Flying Doctor
will be there to respond when the
call comes in - providing that vital
lifeline to people in rural and remote
locations,” Mr Ousley said.
From August 11 to 20, more than
100,000 people visited the Thiess
stand, riding the mining truck
simulator, marvelling at the world’s
largest truck tyre and bringing
their kids to meet Filbert the Thiess
Services environmental warrior.
Thiess graduates also used the Ekka
as an opportunity to network with
each other at a dinner to celebrate
the completion of a training module.
See a video of the Thiess team in action at the Ekka at: www.thiess.com.au
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | INSIGHT 9
FROFROFROFROFROFROFROFROFROFROMMMMMMMMMM an empty paddock in
September 2009, construction
of Victoria’s Desalination Project
is now well advanced. The project
includes not only the largest
desalination plant in Australia, but
also two supporting projects which
are signifi cant in their own right.
They are the 84-kilometre water
transfer pipeline and the 87-kilometre
underground power supply for the
plant, which are both now complete.
The fi nal section of pipe was
recently installed, capping off
the combined eff orts of more than
550 Thiess Degrémont Nacap staff
who connected 6770 sections to
complete a pipeline stretching
from the desalination plant site
at Wonthaggi to Berwick. With a
diameter of 1.9 metres, the pipeline
will be capable of transferring up
to 200 GL of drinking water per
year from the desalination plant
to Melbourne and regional
communities.
The pipeline traverses through
mostly productive agricultural
land and installing it as quickly and
safely as possible, while minimising
disruption to landholders and
surrounding communities along
the corridor of the pipeline, was
a high priority.
The team also faced the challenges
of installation during winter months,
negotiating areas of diffi cult terrain
and accommodating periods of
record rainfall including unseasonal
summer fl ooding.
“We adopted a fl exible approach
during the winter period, focusing
our eff orts to drier areas and
maximising productivity during
spells of good weather,” Project
Manager Graeme Tait said.
Also completed is the installation
of the 220 kV power transmission
system. This includes three heavily
insulated cables laid in conduit
and shielded by concrete. This
challenging project will deliver
a dedicated source of power to
the plant, 100 per cent off set by the
purchase of renewable energy cert-
ifi cates. Testing and commissioning
of the transmission cables and
supporting infrastructure is now
underway to ensure all necessary
quality and safety standards are met.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VIDEOS VISIT THIESS.COM.AU/CONSTRUCTION
10 DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION
» The architect’s vision
for the project is now
clear with the ‘green
line’ clearly visible
» A sweeping bridge
connecting the
reverse osmosis
and administration
buildings is in place
» More than 40,000
plants have been
installed on the
green roof of the
reverse osmosis
building
» Commissioning of
the 72 dual media
pressure fi lters
(DMPFs) and
other parts of the
desalination plant
are underway
» Landscaping and
revegetation works
are underway to
create the 225
hectare coastal park
that will surround the
desalination plant
All 29 buildings that make up the desalination plant are heading into their fi nal stages of construction.
11DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION12
GLEN THIESS, grandson of Bert Thiess, has pledged
support for the establishment of a National Construction
Museum to preserve and display the history of iconic
Australian infrastructure achievements.
Mr Thiess says the family is committed to seeing the
construction industry’s history gathered in one place
for the nation’s benefi t.
Bert’s widow Vera has pledged a substantial donation
towards the proposed museum which would become
home to Bert’s internationally signifi cant collection of
Caterpillar crawlers and other antique equipment.
Some of the tractors in Bert’s collection are the only
existing examples of their type and the family is
committed to having it preserved and displayed for
future generations to appreciate.
In a signifi cant step forward for the proposed museum,
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale has pledged his support
and has identifi ed a potential site in the city’s historic
railway workshops precinct.
Mayor Pisasale’s enthusiasm has been warmly
welcomed by Glen Thiess.
“We know Canberra is interested in the idea but I really
want the museum and Bert’s collection to stay up here
and while the Ipswich site could be ideal, we know
there’s still a lot of work to be done to get it off the
ground,” Mr Thiess said.
Thiess has been a major part of Queensland’s and
Australia’s construction history with pivotal roles in
many nation-building projects including the legendary
Snowy Mountains Scheme and currently Airport Link.
Former Thiess chairman and managing director Martin
Albrecht is a driving force behind the museum proposal
and while Thiess would feature prominently, he stresses
the museum would celebrate the achievements of
Australia’s entire construction industry.
THIS SPREADA collection of photographs taken throughout Thiess’ 77-year history.
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION 13
BRIDGING TECHNIQUEHELPS PROTECT WETLANDS
LAUNCHING a kilometre of concrete over
sensitive wetlands is an engineering feat
that’s providing signifi cant environmental
benefi ts for the Seaford Rail Project in
South Australia.
Believed to be the longest incrementally
launched bridge in the Southern
Hemisphere and the only incrementally
launched bridge in Australia started from
both ends, the 1.2-kilometre Seaford rail
viaduct is being constructed across the
Onkaparinga River south of Adelaide.
A long span technique, which has been
chosen over more traditional short segments,
will minimise the construction footprint on
the Onkaparinga Valley wetlands.
With typical spans of 52.3 metres, the
solution minimises the disruption
associated with transporting andplacing
large quantities of materials within the
fl oodplain, and fi ts in well with the
environment.
“A launched solution means fewer piers
and confi nement of major construction
activity away from the valley fl oor.
Furthermore, a single span will be used
over the river itself,” Project Director Eric
Richards said.
A Thiess McConnell Dowell Joint Venture
is constructing the $290 million Seaford
Rail Project on behalf of the State
Government’s Department for Transport
Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI). It will
provide a 5.7-kilometre extension of the
dual track rail line from Noarlunga Centre
Railway Station to the Seaford District
Centre, signifi cantly improving public
transport rail services in Adelaide’s
expanding southern suburbs.
As the most complex part of the overall
project, the viaduct will be one of a very
small number of continuous span rail
bridges in the world, having a length of
more than one kilometre. With a required
design life of 150 years, it is a future-
focused solution.
The 364-strong Seaford team is on track
to complete construction of the project
in late 2012.
Scan using free QR Reader appon your smart phone to play video.
PLAYVIDEO
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION14
Construction work underway on the Seaford Rail Project.
VIADUCT LENGTH NO. OF PIERS NO. OF SEGMENTS TOTAL CONCRETENEEDED
TOTAL STEELREINFORCEMENT MAX. VIADUCT
LENGTH
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION 15
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION1616
WHEN Thiess teamed up with one
of the world’s leading Building
Information Modelling (BIM)
consultants, there was no doubt
a technological revolution was in
the pipeline.
BIM is the complex intertwining
of sophisticated virtual 3D models
and the hard engineering data
behind every aspect of the design.
The rapidly evolving fi eld of
BIM Management is the craft of
incorporating as much project
information as possible in the
one multi-layered virtual model.
Thiess and leading Perth based
BIM specialists PDC Consultants
have teamed up with the goal of
developing the technology for
their mutual benefi t.
PDC Consultants is the owner
of iConstruct Pty Ltd, the creator of
iConstruct – software that enables
disparate models and data packages
to be brought together in the one
virtual model.
Thiess’ BIM Manager Andrew Miller
says the technology is producing a
revolution for design and construct
(D&C) delivery.
“We not only have the three
dimensional visual representation
of a project, we also have the fourth
dimension which is time and the
fi fth dimension which is cost,”
he said.
“Embedded in the model is the
hard data required by the various
disciplines on the project.
“It’s not just a visual representation
but a full project manual.”
Thiess Queensland Senior Design
and BIM Manager Paul Nunn says
BIM is playing a critical role in the
so-called fi fth dimension of cost.
“BIM allows us to add value to
a design through what we call
‘optioneering’ which gives us the
ability to modify a design and cost
the change immediately compared
to a week or more in the old 2D
world,” he said.
iConstruct BIM Development
Manager Rob Lawson believes
a quantum shift is coming in
the use of BIM.
“The more user-friendly and the more
available this technology becomes,
the more useful it’s going to be.”
I SEE A DAY IN THE NEAR FUTURE WHEN PROJECTS WILL BE VIEWED VIRTUALLY, THROUGH AUGMENTED REALITY GOGGLES WHILE WALKING AROUND KEY ASPECTS OF THE DESIGN ONSITE
PLAYVIDEO
Scan using free QR Reader app on your smart phone to play video.
ABOVE Spearheading Thiess’ BIM development, Andrew Miller (on left) and Paul Nunn
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | CONSTRUCTION 1717
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VIDEOS VISIT THIESS.COM.AU/MINING
Thiess is celebrating 15 years of operations
at the Collinsville Coal Operations in Central
Queensland and the Mt Owen Coal Mine in
the New South Wales Hunter Valley.
Thiess began its operations at Collinsville
in 1996 referred to as ‘the MIM days’.
From 1 July 2003 Xstrata became the
mine owners.
To mark the event, a BBQ was held at the
workshop and long-term Thiess employees
received miniatures of the heavy equipment
they operate as gifts.
Thiess began mining at Mt Owen in October
1996 and in addition to operating the mine,
the company designed and constructed the
mine infrastructure, and supplies the mobile
plant and equipment.
In December last year, Thiess was awarded
a billion dollar extension to operate Xstrata-
owned mine until the end of 2015.
MININGMILESTONES
LEFT Loading coalat the Mt Owen Complex
ABOVE Collinsville Coal Mine
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | MINING18
Work on developing the massive Pakri Barwadih
coal mine in north-east India is well under way –
almost a year after the $5.5 billion contract
was signed.
Thiess Minecs, a 90 per cent owned subsidiary
of Thiess, is delivering the project for client
NTPC, India’s largest electricity generator.
The team has completed the mine planning
and preliminary design of the mine infrastructure
facilities, and site and project offi ces have been
established in nearby towns.
NTPC is undertaking land acquisition works
which are being supported by Thiess’ community
engagement and development strategy.
The Pakri Barwadih contract is one of the largest
ever awarded by NTPC and the fi rst of six mines
they plan to develop to provide low cost coal
for their power stations.
WORK RAMPS UP IN INDIA
PT Thiess Contractors Indonesia
has signed a US$500 million
contract with PT Bayan Resources
Tbk which extends the existing
contract by three years for the
further development and operation
of the Teguh Sinar Abadi and
Firman Ketaun Perkasa Coal Mines,
near Melak in East Kalimantan.
The extension sets a production
target of 5 MT of coal and
70 MBCM of overburden per
annum. The agreement will
start on 1 January 2012 and adds
approximately three more years
to the current contract period.
“Thiess is pleased to continue
the strong partnership forged
with the Bayan Group. This is
further evidence of our ability
to build and maintain long-
term relationships with clients
in Indonesia,” Thiess Managing
Director Bruce Munro said.
“Delivery of targets is a key factor
of our success in Indonesia.
The Thiess Indonesia Team looks
forward to participating in the
expansion of the Melak Coal Mines
as a key contributor to the Bayan
Group’s coal operations in Indonesia,”
Thiess Indonesia President Director
Roy Olsen said.
THIESS INDONESIA AWARDED US$500M CONTRACT EXTENSION
RIGHT Dr Raman Srikanth,Chief Executive Thiess India
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | MINING 19
New technology which provides mine operators
with real-time feedback will be rolled out to
a number of Thiess sites in the near future.
The iVolve PAMS production, maintenance
and productivity tracking tool sources key
mine site information in minutes so crews
know immediately how they are performing.
Systems and Technology Specialist Steve Dayne
said the program displays truck and excavator
movements, as well as haul rates, on mine
sites’ screens as well as in Australian Mining’s
Brisbane offi ce.
“The monitoring allows us to see where the fl eet
is placed and the haulage rates for each piece
of equipment,” he said.
“It helps the shift coordinators keep an eye on
production levels and pre-empts maintenance
requirements.”
KEY BENEFITS• In the event of an emergency crew members can quickly be located• Data used for motivation, support and encouragement
KEY BENEFITS• Provides real time data check• Increases tyre life• Improves safety• Boosts productivity
A trial of leading-edge tyre monitoring systems
on Thiess-operated mine sites is saving time,
money and tyre life.
The Rimex TyreSense system and Michelin’s
Earthmover Management System (MEMS)
are being trialled respectively on the Thiess
fl eet of Caterpillar 797s at the Burton Coal
Mine and T282 trucks at Curragh North in
central Queensland.
The systems monitor tyre chamber
temperature and pressure via sensors
and hardware installed in the vehicles.
The information is then communicated
through iVolve or mobile phone technology.
Critical information on low pressure or high
temperatures in tyres can be quickly relayed
to key maintenance staff to enable an early
response and avoid potential damage.
Tyre Manager Clinton Harding said there is
once again huge global demand for off road
tyres and quality stocks are hard to procure.
This means every tyre saved could be used
on new fl eet.
“We were looking for a company-wide solution
and although it’s early days, the trial results
look promising,” he said.
“This is indicative of our approach to innovation
and it has fl ow-on eff ects to the client such as
increased productivity.”
TYRE SYSTEMSPAVE THE WAY
NEXT-GENERATION
20 DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | MINING
ROPE SHOVELIN FULL SWINGAustralia’s fi rst T495HR Bucyrus electric rope shovel
owned by client Wesfarmers is now up and running
at the Curragh North project in Central Queensland.
A specialist trainer from the United States spent six
weeks on site training the team on how to use the
shovel which works in conjunction with a fl eet of
Thiess-owned Liebherr T282C ultra class trucks.
Using the shovels, the team can now move 45,000
BCM in a 12 hour shift and can load the 360 tonne
trucks in four buckets in two minutes.
BLADEPROVES ITSELFIN SPADES
Thiess is working with an industry
partner on perfecting the
ground-breaking ‘Spade Blade’
which is operating at the Lake
Vermont and Tarong coal mines
in Queensland.
Together with Gessner Industries,
Thiess has been honing the
design of the blade which has
increased production rates and
reduced fuel loads.
Australian Mining Manager of
Technical Services Ben Willey
said the blade design increased
productivity and reduced
operating costs, provided
more options for strip mining
overburden removal and could
supplement dragline operations.
“We are also using the iVolve and
Automated Positioning Systems
productivity tracking tools to
monitor the blade’s performance
remotely and gather data to build
analysis models,” he said.
“We are planning to roll out the
blade to other Thiess mine sites
in the near future.”
Mr Willey said elements of the
Thiess ‘model mine’ are now
becoming a reality through the
use of such technology.
MINING TECHNOLOGY
KEY BENEFITS• Loads in less time• Reduced cycle times• Less stress on dozer components• Reduced fuel usage per cubic metre moved• Loads with less demand in hard conditions• Penetrates beyond the capabilities of standard blades
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | MINING 21
WINNER2011 NATIONAL LANDFILL
EXCELLENCE AWARD
WINNING ALLIANCEThe Brisbane Waste Innovations Alliance
(BWIA) between Thiess Services and
Brisbane City Council manages the landfi ll
and transfer stations which have won a
number of industry awards in the past.
AWARDIn recognition of various initiatives
the Alliance has implemented
including being the fi rst landfi ll to
introduce composite liner technology
and the fi rst to acquire a 55-tonne
Caterpillar 836H compactor.
Approximately
6.5 million tonnes of
waste processed since
opening in 1993
BWIA is rehabilitating
degraded land and
creating future public
space
Performance and
effi ciency are of the
highest standards
– achieved an average
compaction rate of
1.016 tonne/m3
Managed approximately
the same amount of
waste accepted in a
year within just four
weeks during the
Queensland fl oods
The Brisbane Tip Shop
allows people to pick up
a bargain on recycled
items, reduces the
amount of waste going
to landfi ll and gives
proceeds to the
Endeavour Foundation
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THIESS-SERVICES.COM.AU
ROCHEDALE LANDFILLRECEIVES INDUSTRYACCOLADE
FAST FACTS
22
GARLANJA JV KICKS FIRST GOAL
A JOINT venture which fosters the employment
and training of an Aboriginal workforce in
Western Australia has been awarded its fi rst
ever contract.
The newly-formed Garlanja joint venture (JV)
combines Thiess’ construction and services
expertise with the local knowledge and skills
of Aboriginal-run, Pilbara-based plant hire
company, Hicks Civil & Mining (HC&M).
Rio Tinto recently awarded the JV a $30
million contract to undertake landfi ll
remediation and relocation works at its
Cape Lambert Port B expansion project
in Western Australia’s north-west.
Garlanja JV Chairman and Thiess Manager
Support Services WA Trevor Dobson said
the initiative was in response to requests for
contractors to advance Aboriginal-based joint
venture operations.
“We have a proven track record in providing
Aboriginal people with a range of learning
opportunities and employment pathways,”
Mr Dobson said.
“Partnering with and supporting Aboriginal
enterprises brings the support and expertise
we can off er to a new level.”
HC&M Managing Director Peter Hicks’ heritage,
established relationships in the region and
extensive contracting experience made him
an ideal business partner for Thiess.
“We were delighted that Peter agreed to
partner with us and assume the role of
JV Manager. We rely heavily on his local
knowledge, expertise and the fl exibility he
off ers as a small contractor,” Mr Dobson said.
“In return, our senior staff provide operational
and mentoring support so that Peter can
remain focused on business development.
It’s a ‘win win’ situation.”
Mr Hicks couldn’t agree more.
“Going forward, I believe we can grow into an
entity that will set new benchmarks for project
delivery and provide employment and training
opportunities for Aboriginal people and
businesses.”
ABOVE HC&M Managing Director Peter Hicks (right) with Garlanja JV Project Manager James Pearce and the team
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | SERVICES 23
ENERGY prices in Australia are set to double in
the years ahead but the question is why and what
can we do about it?
In the 1980s the science of climate change
became recognised by governments, commerce
and industry. The framework for a response –
the Kyoto Protocol – was established in the
1990s and signed by Australia in 2007. Targets
were also established for emissions reductions
by 2020 and 2050.
In 2011, the Australian Government assigned
a value to carbon emissions, initially through
a carbon tax at $23 per tonne and migrating
to a market-based mechanism by 2015.
While the carbon tax is attracting the majority
of the media focus, the real driver of increased
electricity prices is network charges. Both energy
provider AGL and consulting fi rm Port Jackson
Partners predicted recently that electricity prices
will increase by between 80 per cent and 100
per cent in the next fi ve to six years.
TACKLING THE ELECTRICITY PRICE
CHALLENGE BY MATTHEW DODSON, THIESS SERVICES SMART GRID MANAGER
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | SERVICES24
[Port Jackson Partners Limited, Edwin
O’Young (2011), Australia’s Future
Electricity Price Environment]
With an eye to the future and a thorough
understanding of the broader context, Thiess
Services is partnering with electricity end-user
clients, utilities and governments to develop
cost-eff ective solutions in the areas of:
Electricity utility smart network capability
Fibre communications design and installation
Installation of intelligent devices in the network
Design and construction of state-of-the-art
substations and HV lines
Water utility demand management strategies
and programs
Integrated utility models for land developers
and governments
Distributed and embedded generation
Central energy plant
Hot and cold thermal storage
Thiess Services can develop a client-specifi c,
integrated solution to counter the expected
price rise.
The company’s focus on a smart network will help
customers reduce energy costs, while maintaining
or improving reliability through:
Providing information about optimal energy use
Reducing peak demand
Assisting customers to become more energy
effi cient, and
Enabling cleaner energy sources
This approach will deliver the outcomes that
customers and clients are ultimately looking
for: lower costs, a variety of delivery choicesand a
sustainable lower carbon future.
INCREASE IN RESIDENTIALELECTRICITY PRICES
Wholesale electricity
Network charges
Renewable costs
Retail and margins
Cents per kWh
Increase 2011 to ~2017
2007
7.1 7.4
14.9
7.59.7
16.9
16.0
20.4
36.3
1.30.8
0.9
2.5
3.6
2011 ~2017
A SMART NETWORK WILL HELP CUSTOMERS REDUCE ENERGY COSTS, WHILE MAINTAINING OR IMPROVING RELIABILITY
45%
12%
75%
100%
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | SERVICES 25
A desire to improve safety and effi ciency has
led to the development of a simple mechanical
innovation to remove debris build-up on
fi ltering screens protecting pump stations.
The ACE Alliance – a partnership between
Thiess Services and Melbourne Water – and
Lamb Engineering teamed up to develop the
automated screen cleaning mechanism, which
comprises a wire basket raised and lowered
on chains using a simple electric motor.
Thiess Services Capital Works Manager Peter
Giagoudakis said the mechanism was already
delivering tangible benefi ts.
“In the past, staff used rakes and other manual
methods to scrape debris off the screens and
lift it out of the channel.
“This work was very labour intensive and
potentially presented considerable manual
handling issues,” Mr Giagoudakis said.
“Since its introduction mid-year, we have
experienced increased productivity, a happier
workforce and eliminated potential safety issues.”
The mechanism took 18 months to design,
implement, refi ne, install and commission.
Melbourne Water currently has four of the
mechanisms installed at their Western Sewer
Treatment Plant. The mechanism is also being
evaluated for use at the Eastern Sewer
Treatment Plant.
INNOVATIONIMPROVESPRODUCTIVITY& SAFETY
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | SERVICES26
Thiess Services and Glenala State High School
are celebrating the success of a pilot traineeship
for Year 11 students.
Under the Queensland Department of Transport
and Main Roads TransFutures Program,
students from areas with a history of long-term
unemployment are encouraged to take up
traineeships in the transport and logistics industry.
Thiess Services embraced the pilot program
and six Glenala SHS students were trained at its
Rocklea Waste Transfer Station and Swanbank
Landfi ll Facility. The students now have the
opportunity to apply for a full traineeship with
the company.
The department’s Louise Perram-Fisk said the
program evolved because industry recognised
it needed to engage with youth in a more
meaningful way.
“This is an amazing opportunity that Thiess
Services has given to these students. They see
what it truly means to enter the world of work
with an amazing employer with obviously high
standards of safety,” she said.
Thiess Services Queensland Divisional Manager
Waste Management Chris White said the team’s
support was outstanding.
“They guided the students through the program,
showing them how the equipment works and
training them to make sure they understand
safety procedures and our protocols,” he said.
Year 11 student Hilary Waitoa said she was hoping
the opportunity would lead to a career as a
diesel fi tter.
“They’ve been really nice, really helpful and
always happy to answer any questions,” she said.
In addition to the program, Thiess Services has
donated a 4 x 2 Utility vehicle to the school to
help students obtain their provisional driver
license. The school’s resident police offi cer will
train the students who previously may have
struggled to get access to a vehicle.
CELEBRATING A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Glenala State High School’s Matthew Freshwater, Thiess Services’ Chris White, Hillary Waitoa and Louise Perram-Fisk from the TransFutures Program.
DIRECTIONS | SUMMER 2011–2012 | SERVICES 27
CORPORATE OFFICELevel 5, 179 Grey StreetSouth Bank QLD 4101Ph: +61 7 3002 9000
CONSTRUCTION
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MINING
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SERVICES
THIESS SERVICESThe Precinct 2Level 1, 10 Browning StreetWest End QLD 4101Ph: +61 7 3169 8300
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