California, US-based provider of professional technical and management support services AECOM Technology Corporation (AECOM) recently announced that it has won a US$12 million design contract from Rio Tinto Coal Australia.
The contract is part of the company's Kestrel mine extension project in Queensland's Bowen Basin. AECOM's responsibilities will pertain to the completion of the extension's design scope, including the remaining work required for the surface infrastructure.
The extension will provide new underground and surface infrastructure, which includes new mine access and conveyor drifts to surface, new coal-clearance systems, overland conveying, washplant upgrades, new surface facilities, and backbone infrastructure.
The Kestrel mine produces high-quality coking coal and thermal coal for export. The first coal shipment from the new mine extension is scheduled for 2012.