Major global mining contractor Thiess says rebuilding mine haul trucks at a dedicated centre on Batam Island, Indonesia, “resets the usage clock” on the vehicles, extending their productive service life by 40,000-to-60,000 hours and updating the machines.
Thiess says it has shipped the first five rebuilt Caterpillar trucks to Perth, Western Australia, and has five more enroute “to support the ongoing demand for hauling fleet”.
“Since opening in January 2024 the team has completed 12 trucks with six more near completion,” it said.
“A total of 31 trucks are expected to be completed and exported by the end of the year.”
Thiess general manager of Batam Engineering Daryl Albury said the company had partnered with Batam State Polytechnic and vocational schools on the island to provide work experience programs and sponsored local youth to take part in its Balikpapan Training Centre apprentice program.
Thiess CEO Michael Wright said truck and component rebuilds improved machine productivities and included product and technology updates to improve machine reliability and mining efficiencies “at lower costs for our clients”.
“The centre also serves as an incubator, allowing us to explore decarbonisation and alternative fuel technologies, with future opportunities to offer these services to our clients,” Wright said.
“Our rebuild team has successfully developed innovative solutions such as building diagonal stairway control boxes from piece parts, helping circumvent global supply chain issues.”
