Radiologically Contaminated Sites

Maralinga Rehabilitation of Former Nuclear Test Sites, South Australia

In 1994 Thiess was awarded a $108 million contract to remediate radioactive contamination at the Maralinga atomic weapons testing site in remote western South Australia.

During the 1950s numerous above and below-ground nuclear tests were conducted at the site, resulting in widespread radioactive contamination.

Site remediation involved recovery and on-site containment of 450,000 cubic metres of plutonium contaminated soils and exhumation and burial of 82 radioactive waste debris pits.

In completing the project Thiess Services developed and applied numerous innovations, including extensive modification of mobile plant used for earthworks to ensure the health and safety of personnel.

Thiess Services was awarded the Case Earth Award for this project in 1998.