Australian miner Thiess, which is 60% owned by Cimic, has won a three-year, US$1.5bn (A$2.3bn) contract extension to expand Jellinbah Group’s Lake Vermont coal mine near Dysart in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

Thiess will continue to provide site engineering, equipment management, rehabilitation works and train load-out. It will also operate the Jellinbah Group’s handling and preparation plant.

Thiess’ existing contract was due to expire in 2026 and instead will be extended to June 2028.

The company originally won a contract for the construction of the mine infrastructure in 2007.

Michael Wright, Thiess’ chief executive, said: “For nearly two decades, Thiess has worked with the Jellinbah Group to safely enhance and expand Lake Vermont Mine’s operations – driving efficiency, productivity and cost effectiveness through commodity cycles.”

Rae O’Brien, Thiess’ chief executive in east Australia, said: “We’ve grown to be part of the local Dysart community, with a strong focus on local employment, local procurement and ongoing partnerships with local schools and organisations such as the BMA CQ Rescue helicopter service and the Hear & Say Foundation.”