Wedoany.com Report-Dec.24, BUMA Australia Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama under PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk, has secured a multi-year contract extension valued at approximately A$740 million with Blackwater Operations Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Whitehaven Coal Mining Limited.

The Blackwater Mine is said to be one of Australia's biggest open-cut metallurgical coal sites.

The agreement extends pre-strip mining services at the Blackwater Mine in Central Queensland's Bowen Basin through to June 2030. Located about 20 kilometres south of the Blackwater township, the site is one of Australia's largest open-cut metallurgical coal operations. It spans an 80-kilometre strike length across multiple pits and serves as a significant contributor to the local economy.

BUMA Australia, along with its predecessor operations, has provided mining services at Blackwater since 2012. The company currently employs around 390 permanent personnel and applies extensive experience to manage the site's complex geological conditions.

BUMA Australia CEO Johan Ballot said: "This extension underscores Whitehaven's confidence in BUMA Australia to deliver safely and efficiently at scale across one of Queensland's largest metallurgical-coal operations. Our understanding of site conditions, strong local team, and consistent results enable us to sustain productivity while contributing to the long-term success of the Blackwater Mine."

The company maintains high safety standards and utilizes advanced monitoring systems, including third-party and proprietary technologies, for predictive maintenance and real-time fleet optimization.

BUMA International Group director Iwan Fuad Salim said: "This renewed partnership with Whitehaven strengthens our portfolio of Tier-1 operations and reinforces BUMA's reputation for delivering sustainable, world-class performance. It enhances the Group's earnings visibility and cash-flow stability through long-term partnerships with high-quality clients, while supporting our broader growth and diversification strategy."

Beyond core operations, BUMA Australia supports community initiatives in Central Queensland, including job creation, skills training, and a dedicated First Nations employment program.

In July, BUMA Australia secured a two-year contract extension with the BHP and Mitsubishi Alliance to continue mining services at the Goonyella Riverside Mine, also in Queensland's Bowen Basin.

This latest extension solidifies BUMA Australia's position as a reliable long-term partner in Australia's metallurgical coal sector, ensuring continued operational efficiency and economic contributions to the region.