Mastermyne is now well positioned to win an extension of the Moranbah North umbrella contract from next year up to 2016 and is in the box seat for an extension of an outbye services contract to 2017 with BHP Billiton’s Westcliff colliery in New South Wales.
The company’s tender pipeline now stands at $1 billion, versus $728 million at the end of FY2012, managing director Tony Caruso told its annual general meeting.
“The Moranbah North drivage contract has been extended for a further 12 months from November,” he said.
“The underground division is in discussions on several new underground projects. In the current climate, where clients are taking a more measured approach to new work, we do not expect to have confirmation of the outcome on these projects until Q1 calendar 2013.
“The Mastermyne group business model will prove to be resilient in the current phase. At this stage, we are forecasting growth for FY2013.”
The Moranbah North drivage project scope includes development of mains and gateroad headings including fault drivage, stoneworks for overcasts and underpasses and conveyor chambers.
The Moranbah North umbrella works contract includes the conveyor installations and recoveries, development support, diesel maintenance, ventilation, longwall relocations, secondary support, roadworks and general outbye works.
The Westcliff project scope includes the installation of secondary support, outbye services, recovery of pipes, stone dusting, construction and spraying of ventilation devices, and provision of supplementary labour for development and longwall panels including tradesmen.
Mastermyne’s pipeline of predominantly brownfield projects remains solid, supported by the strong tendering activity and the increased business development discussions, Caruso said.
Mastermyne chairman Peter Slaughter said the high cost issues in the Australian coal sector provide the company with an opportunity to assist its clients meet the challenges of a lower pricing scenario.
“In adjusting to these circumstances we have been able to suggest meaningful savings to some clients on our own initiatives,” he said.
“It is fair to say that this activity helps stand us in good stead as our actions are aligned with clients’ needs.”
Mastermyne had seen an increase in some larger tender opportunities and a continuance of smaller ones at usual levels, he said.
