Aecom wheels US$12-M contract from Rio Tinto

Aecom Technology Corp. (ACM-N) is no stranger to Rio Tinto (RTP-N, RIO-L) subsidiary Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s Kestrel mine in Queensland’s Bowen basin. The technology consultants and mine designers had already provided a feasibility study for the project and detailed engineering services.

So the recent contract to expand the mine, worth US$12 million, doesn’t push Aecom too far beyond its expertise.

Aecom will provide new infrastructure underground and at the surface for the project, such as a new mine access and conveyor drifts to surface, new coal-clearance systems, overland conveying, wash plant upgrades, new surface facilities and backbone infrastructure.

The extension, which is expected to be completed in 2012, could extend the life of the mine by 20 years and increase mine capacity to up to 5.7 million tonnes per year.

The mine produces high-quality coking coal and thermal coal for export using longwall extraction methods. According to Aecom, the method produces higher resource recovery rates and uses lower volumes of roof support materials increasing the integrity of the roof.

“We take pride in the fact that we are applying sustainability principles to our work on this expansive project,” said John Dionisio, president and chief executive officer of Aecom, in a press release.

Rio Tinto Coal Australia operates the mine for Queensland Coal Ltd., which holds 80% and Mitsui Kestrel Coal Investment, which holds 20%.

Aecom employs 45,000 people worldwide and posted revenue of US$6.1 billion for 2009.