ACS, with its Australian subsidiary Thiess, extends a mining contract in Chile for 100 million euros
The ACS Group, a Spanish multinational corporation, has been awarded an extension of a mining services contract in Chile through its Australian subsidiary, Thiess. The contract is worth almost 100 million euros, or 155 million Australian dollars, and will involve work at the Llano project in the Sierra Gorda district of Antofagasta, the capital of the Atacama Desert mining area in northern Chile.
The services will be provided for Minera Centinela, a joint venture between Antofagasta Minerals and Marubeni Corporation. The contract will cover mining operations, maintenance, and asset management services at the copper mine and will start in March 2023.
Thiess has been in Chile for seven years and with the extension of this contract, it will strengthen its relationship with Minera Centinela. The company is committed to making Llano the most sustainable project in the Americas by implementing measures to increase efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. Thiess CEO, Michael Wright, has stated that the company is focused on the long-term and building strong partnerships with local suppliers, while also prioritizing the hiring of local workers and doubling the presence of women.
This contract extension is a significant win for ACS Group and Thiess, as the mining industry continues to play a crucial role in the Chilean economy. Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper and a leading producer of other minerals such as lithium, molybdenum, and silver. The mining industry in Chile has been attracting foreign investment for many years, and this contract extension is another example of how multinational corporations are actively participating in the country’s economic growth.
The mining industry in Chile is subject to strict regulations aimed at protecting the environment and the rights of workers. As a result, companies operating in the country must comply with high standards of sustainability and social responsibility. Thiess has demonstrated its commitment to these standards by partnering with local suppliers and prioritizing the hiring of local workers, including women, which is especially important given the historically low participation of women in the mining industry.
Overall, the contract extension for the Llano project is a positive development for the ACS Group and Thiess, as well as for the mining industry in Chile. It represents an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, implement sustainable practices, and contribute to the country’s economic growth while respecting the environment and the rights of workers.
