Contract award
Thiess wins two five-year mining services contracts in Mongolia
By Staff Writer | 23 October 2026
Thiess has been awarded two five-year contracts in Mongolia: underground mining services at the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine, and asset management for Energy Resources at the Ukhaa Khudag mine.
The awards were announced in a release published on 22 October 2026. No contract values were published. Thiess has worked in Mongolia since 2007, delivering mining and maintenance work on a range of projects in the country.
Oyu Tolgoi underground mining services
At Oyu Tolgoi, which is managed by Rio Tinto, Thiess will provide underground mining services through the Thiess-Khishig Arvin Joint Venture. The scope covers underground development, installation of ground support and construction of block cave infrastructure.
The release describes Oyu Tolgoi as one of the largest copper and gold operations in the world, and says the contract will support its continued development. Thiess expects to create more than 110 new roles over the next few months, with the workforce projected to grow to almost 800 people by the end of the contract term. On that basis the company says Oyu Tolgoi will become its largest underground mining operation anywhere.
Thiess has operated at Oyu Tolgoi through the joint venture since 2016, and the release says the award builds on that presence.
Ukhaa Khudag asset management
Under the second contract, Thiess will provide asset management services for the coal handling and preparation plant at Energy Resources' Ukhaa Khudag mine. The scope includes asset management, supply chain management, technical support and planning services to keep the plant operating efficiently and reliably. The award extends an existing relationship between Thiess and Energy Resources.
What the companies said
Michael Wright, executive chair and chief executive of Thiess, said the contracts reflected the company's focus on growing from its core business while widening its range of services, commodities and geographies.
These awards demonstrate the trust our clients place in Thiess and reflect the strength of our long-standing partnerships with Oyu Tolgoi and Energy Resources, as well as the capability of our team. Our success is built on our global expertise, our local people and our local capability, and we're proud these contracts will create new career opportunities as our workforce grows.
Michael Wright, Executive Chair and CEO, Thiess
Roberto Gallardo, president and executive director of CIMIC Group, said the contracts confirmed the importance of the client relationships and natural resources capability of Thiess within the group.
Long-term contracts with leading clients are central to Thiess' strength and to CIMIC's natural resources strategy, and these awards in Mongolia are a clear example of that in action. Mongolia remains a key market for Thiess, and these contracts reinforce our long-term commitment to our clients, communities and the country.
Roberto Gallardo, President and Executive Director, CIMIC Group