VIENNA-- Austrian construction company Strabag SE (STR.VI) and
Australian mining company Rio Tinto have signed an agreement for a
long-term partnership in research and development of Rio Tinto's
new tunnel- and shaft-drilling systems, Strabag said Friday.
MAIN FACTS:
-From 2012 to 2014 in the first phase of the two-phased
partnership, Strabag will test and help to optimize Rio Tinto's new
technology in tunnel and shaft drilling systems at selected
construction sites worldwide.
-Currently tests are being conducted at a mine in Australia and
are planned for a mine in the U.S. in Salt Lake City. Further
testing sites are under consideration, Strabag added.
-After successful completion of the test construction sites, the
partnership will move into the second phase: For five years,
Strabag will exclusively carry out all of Rio Tinto's construction
projects using the new systems.
-Strabag said it is a new entry for the company into the
"mechanical propulsion in the mining industry" business
segment.
Write to the Vienna Bureau at nicole.lundeen@dowjones.com
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