Thiess Indonesia has commenced the project ramp up for the Tabang Coal Processing Facility for client, PT Kaltim Supar Coal. The US$30 million construction project is an alliance agreement with the client where Thiess Indonesia is responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction of the first generation coal processing plant in East Kalminantan.

The project commenced in February 2008 with planning, site preparation and equipment mobilisation. The construction scheduled is a 14 month period. Upon completion of the construction, Thiess Indonesia will continue to support the facility with operations and maintenance works.

This project is part of a strategic alliance Thiess Indonesia signed with White Energy for a period of five years to develop Binderless Coal Briquetting plants in Indonesia. White Energy currently has joint venture contracts in place to produce a targeted 13MTof its patented binderless coal briquettes per annum.

Under the terms of the strategic alliance, Thiess Indonesia will provide engineering design, procurement and construction services for the development of Binderless Coal Briquetting plants based on White Energy's designs. In addition, Thiess will provide White Energy with ongoing operation and maintenance services at those plants. This will allow White Energy to leverage Thiess' specialised labour force and expedite growth. As one of the largest EPC contractors and mining contractors in Indonesia, Thiess is the ideal partner for White Energy to roll out its patented coal upgrading technology.