Since 1993, PT Thiess Contractors Indonesia has played a pivotal role in the development of the Kideco Coal Mine in east Kalimantan, undertaking more than US$287 million of work.

Current works, to end of 2003, involve the removal of 36.5 million cubic metres of overburden between near vertical, multiple seams of coal. Mining in these conditions in an area of high wet season rainfall has presented numerous challenges. A total of 2.5 million tonnes of processed coal is to be hauled 36km to the port site for the year, using 100 tonne capacity tandem trailers.

Project Manager Carl Brennan said Thiess had enjoyed a successful and long-term relationship with PT Kideco Jaya Agung and is proud to have been at the forefront of mine development at the site. "Our works at Kideco have, over the years, provided us with good levels of repeat business and a solid base from which to more broadly grow our business in the region and the skills of our people", Carl said.

Safety will remain a priority with site training of the 700 strong workforce playing an important role in achieving and maintaining safe production levels.

Major equipment used on the project includes six, 360 tonne and 240 tonne excavators loading 32, 150 tonne and 100 tonne haul trucks. Support equipment comprises 13 dozers ranging from D10 to D7 size, with five Cat 16h graders for the grading of multiple waste dump haul roads.

Thiess initially commenced operations at Kideco in May 1993 under a plant hire contract, before later securing an extension to undertake coal hauling works. In 1997, Thiess was awarded a six years interburden and coal hauling contract valued at more than US$221 million.