Thiess Pty Ltd has been awarded contracts in relation to the development and operation of the greenfields Wilpinjong Coal Mine, near Mudgee in central western NSW. Thiess has been providing mining services at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine since 2004.

Thiess' contracts will involve mining, coal beneficiation and handling, design and construction of mine infrastructure and a joint venture contract with Sedgman, for the design and construction of coal clearance and processing infrastructure.

Wilpinjong coal is a large coal deposit of quality thermal coal suitable for both domestic and export markets. Planned production is 5M tonnes per annum, with opportunity for future expansion.

The first coal is scheduled to be delivered early in 2007. Excel Coal will immediately commence application for approvals, whilst Thiess will commence design development of the infrastructure works.

* For long term contracts extending beyond five years, the total contract value shown includes the value of work completed to date plus five years worth of work in hand.