Idemitsu Australia Resources (IAR) has awarded BGC Contracting a $700 million five-year contract – which is scheduled to begin in 1 December 2017 – to deliver mining and equipment maintenance services at the Boggabri open-cut coal mine in New South Wales.
According to BGC Contracting Chief Executive Officer Greg Heylen, this contract is the company’s biggest win in NSW in recent years, which also endorses the company’s confidence in its potential growth in the State.
“In addition to the size of the contract, it is a significant strategic success as we seek to expand nationally into new locations and commodities, particularly in coal.
“I am confident that our collaborative approach of working closely with our clients will ensure that Boggabri mine can maximise its performance,” Mr Heylen said.
Mr Heylen added that BGC is going to be committed to supporting those who are currently employed at the mine as well as the local community.
“Recruiting locally is good corporate citizenship and an important factor to ensure the safety of people on the project, the retention of valuable skills and the smooth transition of services. These are our highest priorities,” he said.
IAR Chief Operating Officer Steve Kovac said that BGC’s track record in creating long-term partnerships with its bulk-commodity clients best fits the approach IAR is looking for.
“BGC Contracting has demonstrated a very clear understanding of our strategy for an integrated, lean management team with shared business goals. Our businesses have a good cultural fit which allow us to develop a strong, mutually beneficial relationship well into the future.
“Having the support of a partner with the capacity and willingness to work collaboratively will deliver improved operational performance, which is paramount to the continued success of the mine,” Mr Kovac said.
Mr Kovac has confirmed that IAR is also committed to sourcing the required personnel for the project from the current workforce as well as from the local Boggabri and surrounding communities. Mr Kovac said: “The current workforce will have the opportunity to continue working with us at Boggabri Mine into the future, if they choose to be part of the process.
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Source: BGC Contracting and Australian Mining