Summary:Thiess secures two five-year mining services contracts in Mongolia, covering Oyu Tolgoi underground mining and Ukhaa Khudag CHPP asset management for the Mongolia mining market....
Thiess Mongolia mining contracts, Oyu Tolgoi underground mining and Ukhaa Khudag CHPP asset management
Thiess has secured two five-year mining services contracts in Mongolia, strengthening its position in one of the world's fastest-growing mining markets. Under the agreements, Thiess will deliver underground mining services at the Rio Tinto-managed Oyu Tolgoi Mine and provide asset management services for Energy Resources at the Ukhaa Khudag (UHG) Mine. For mine operators, mineral processors and slurry pump buyers serving the mining sector, such long-term mining contract services signal sustained demand for reliable equipment and maintenance — explore processing and slurry handling solutions at www.xoslurrypump.com.
Oyu Tolgoi underground copper mine tunnel with mining equipment,
Two five-year contracts in Mongolia
Since establishing operations in Mongolia in 2007, Thiess has developed strong in-country capability and delivered mining and maintenance solutions across a range of projects nationwide. The new awards extend long-standing partnerships with Oyu Tolgoi and Energy Resources and reinforce Thiess's long-term commitment to clients, communities and the country.
Table 1: The two Thiess mining services contracts
Contract | Client | Scope |
|---|---|---|
Oyu Tolgoi | Oyu Tolgoi (Rio Tinto-managed) | Underground mining services |
Ukhaa Khudag | Energy Resources | CHPP asset management services |
Oyu Tolgoi: world-class underground mining
At the Oyu Tolgoi Mine, Thiess, through the Thiess-Khishig Arvin Joint Venture (TKAJV), will provide underground mining services including underground development, ground support installation and block cave infrastructure construction. The project supports the continued development of one of the world's largest copper-gold operations and is expected to create more than 110 new roles over the next few months. The workforce is projected to grow to almost 800 people by the end of the contract term, making it Thiess's largest underground mining operation globally. The award builds on Thiess's presence at Oyu Tolgoi, where it has operated since 2016 through the TKAJV.
Table 2: Oyu Tolgoi underground mining services scope
Service | Detail |
|---|---|
Underground development | Advancing mine access and development headings |
Ground support installation | Bolts, mesh and support systems for stability |
Block cave infrastructure | Construction for the block cave mining method |
Ukhaa Khudag: CHPP asset management
Under the agreement with Energy Resources, Thiess will provide Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) asset management services at the Ukhaa Khudag Mine. The scope includes asset management, supply chain management, technical support and planning services to support efficient, reliable operations. The award extends Thiess's long-standing relationship with Energy Resources and reflects a shared commitment to safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Strategic significance for Mongolia
Executives welcomed the awards. Thiess Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright noted the contracts reflect Thiess's focus on growing from its core while expanding across services, commodities and geographies, adding that the company is proud the contracts will create new career opportunities as the workforce grows. CIMIC Group President Roberto Gallardo said long-term contracts with leading clients are central to Thiess's strength and to CIMIC's natural resources strategy, and that Mongolia remains a key market for Thiess.
Mongolia's mining sector has become a strategic focus for international contractors. The South Gobi region hosts world-class copper and coking coal deposits, and expansion plans continue to draw investment in both greenfield and brownfield projects. Long-term service contracts like these provide the revenue visibility that supports local hiring, skills development and supply chain investment.
What this means for the mining supply chain
For the wider mining supply chain, these contracts illustrate the growing trend toward specialist contract mining and asset management. As Thiess expands its largest underground operation globally, demand rises for mining equipment, underground development machinery and reliable material handling — from ore conveying and pumping systems to durable slurry pumps that move abrasive mine water, tailings and concentrates. Reliable equipment and maintenance will be essential to keep operations running safely and efficiently in the demanding conditions of underground and open-pit mining.
The contract terms also signal confidence in Mongolia's operational environment. With Thiess's workforce in Mongolia projected to grow to almost 800 people, the company is investing in local talent, training and safety systems. For equipment suppliers, this means sustained demand for low-maintenance machinery designed for harsh conditions — a factor that will shape procurement decisions across the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thiess's two five-year mining services contracts in Mongolia cement its position in the Mongolia mining market and deepen its footprint in copper and coal. The Oyu Tolgoi underground mining award makes it the company's largest underground operation globally, while the Ukhaa Khudag CHPP asset management role extends its services portfolio. As contract mining grows in Mongolia, reliable equipment suppliers and service partners will play an increasingly important role in delivering safe, efficient and sustainable production.
