Thiess signs new China mining partnership
- 17 July 2025
Thiess, the world’s largest contract miner, says a memorandum of understanding with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) will enable the two companies to jointly develop autonomous, electrification and decarbonisation solutions for mines.
Australian-based Thiess describes XCMG as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing manufacturers of mining equipment. The Chinese company last year signed a “global cooperation framework agreement” with mining major Rio Tinto and initial US$110 million contract to supply equipment to the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea. Earlier this year BHP said it was partnering with XCMG for delivery of mining fleet solutions “across our global operations”.
Thiess’ MoU with XCMG follows its recent formalisation of a partnership in Australia with China’s EACON Mining Technology, which has deployed about 1500 autonomous trucks at mines and quarries in China over the past seven years.
“Building on Thiess’ 90 years of proven experience managing one of the world’s largest mixed mining fleets, we will leverage XCMG’s innovative technology and equipment to drive greater value for our clients,” said the contractor’s assets and autonomy group executive, Ryan Kirkwood.
The XCMG partnership was another milestone supporting newly launched Thiess Asset Services, which was focused on delivering “client-focused assets and technology solutions, providing clients with flexible options to boost productivity, lower total cost of ownership and reduce carbon footprint”.
It set up a “foundation of collaboration [that combined] XCMG’s expertise in mining equipment, automation and electrification with Thiess Asset Services’ proven operational capabilities, skilled global workforce and established network of machine and component rebuild facilities”.
Heming He, managing director of XCMG Australia, said XCMG and Thiess were forging a unique partnership to “accelerate decarbonisation and capital optimisation for new energy solutions”.
“This partnership will accrue benefits of XCMG’s long history of smart manufacturing and Thiess’ unparalleled knowledge of mining operations. With key initiatives identified, this relationship will flourish rapidly,” he said.
Thiess is a platinum sponsor of this year’s International Mining and Resources Conference & Expo (IMARC) at ICC Sydney from October 21-23.
