The contract is an extension of the current relationship between McAleese and Norton and the work was won through a competitive tender process.

The work starts on Wednesday and comprises the loading and hauling of around 3.6 million tonnes per annum of ore, as well as road maintenance.

Mark Rowsthorn, CEO of parent company McAleese Group, said the company was pleased to have reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with Norton.

“Cornerstone to the successful proposal from McAleese Resources has been its commitment to safe and innovative operations,” he said.

“To complement its existing fleet of maxi quad road trains first introduced in 2012 and to deliver even greater haulage capacity, McAleese Resources will invest in additional quad road trains that utilise eight-wheel drive prime movers coupled with larger capacity quad trailers.

Rowsthorn said McAleese had also introduced several safety and operational system improvements across the resources business.

“These have included the introduction of IVMS [in-vehicle monitoring systems] and EBS [electronic brake safety systems] in all of its trailing equipment.

The company employs more than 150 people in the Kalgoorlie region, operating 45 units to service Goldfields mines.