He told a Bowen Basin Mining Club luncheon in Mackay that the company wanted to forge alliances with suppliers and contractors that exhibited those qualities.

“Innovation, efficiency and leveraging the significant skill sets in businesses around the Bowen Basin is incredibly important to Thiess,” Thompson said.

“Ours is a cyclical industry, and you have to adapt your business to the market or be doomed to repeat the past.

“Creating value and sustainable innovation is the only way to stay competitive in the market – so if suppliers can help us do that, we can create a lasting partnership.”

Thompson said Thiess had identified three keys to doing business: building trust and relationships; being honest about creating value; and finding ways to lead the market.

Bowen Basin Mining Club director Jodie Currie said many Bowen Basin mining businesses contributed to the state’s coal export industry.

“Some of our members are industry and world leaders when it comes to doing their jobs more efficiently,” she said.

“We should absolutely be making an effort to change the conversation around the importance of the mining industry.

 

“When major projects are delayed by frivolous activist-led legal challenges, our members lose out on security and economic opportunity.”