Thiess secures $700m worth of work packages for Eva Copper Project

Thiess has announced that it has signed a $700 million alliance agreement with Harmony Gold Mining Company Pty Ltd for the delivery of several work packages at the Eva Copper Mine Project in Queensland. 

The scope of the agreement includes bulk earthworks, workshop construction and mining services over a five-year period. 

This comes just weeks after Final Investment Decision was announced alongside the completion of the updated Feasibility Study for the $2.3 billion project. 

“The Eva Copper Alliance Agreement aligns Thiess and Harmony strategically and operationally – enabling us to set new benchmarks for sustainable, efficient copper development at what will be the largest copper mine in Queensland. 

“Thiess’ strategy to diversify our commodities portfolio is further progressed with this copper contract award, a critical metal that enables the world’s transition to low emissions energy,” Thiess Group Executive Chair and CEO Michael Wright said. 

“We’re pleased to be returning to the Northwest region, the land of the Kalkadoon people, where Thiess has delivered multiple projects across the past 60 years. 

“Our alliance with Harmony is underpinned by our deeply aligned values, particularly in supporting local procurement, new-to-industry and Indigenous workforce development, community engagement and a steadfast commitment to safety – we look forward to working together to drive employment, skills development and community partnerships that will endure beyond the mine life,” Thiess Group Executive – Australia East Rae O’Brien said. 

Early stage works are already underway, and Thiess is leveraging off the strengths of its companies to carry out bulk earthworks and civil works since May of this year. 

Once construction is completed, Thiess will begin providing mining services – from June 2026 through to June 2031 – including drill and blast, mine planning, technical services, mining operations and mobile equipment maintenance across multiple open pits at the Eva Copper Mine operations. 

“The Eva Copper Alliance consolidates Thiess and Harmony’s strengths in a single framework – incorporating technical expertise, industry experience, and shared values with common objectives. Employees from both companies are working as a single, integrated project delivery team dedicated to operational excellence. 

“We are aligned on a strong safety mindset, transparency, and a commitment to deliver the project successfully. Thiess brings established systems, proven processes, expertise in bulk earthworks and mining services supported by an available fleet that can mobilise quickly,” Harmony Gold Mining Company Chief Development Officer Johannes Van Heerden said. 

The Eva Copper Project is located about 75 kilometres north of Cloncurry and 95 kilometres northeast of Mount Isa. 

Set to become Queensland’s largest copper mine, it is projected to produce around 60,000 tonnes of copper annually over its 15-year mine life. 

The Eva Copper Project is also expected to generate 1,450 jobs including 1,000 jobs during construction and 450 jobs once the mine is up and running. 

Source: Thiess; Harmony Gold Mining Company Pty Ltd; Australian Mining