Where we’ve come from
In 2004, founder Colin Ritson purchased two Caterpillar 637 scrapers and set them to work on an urban development project in Sydney NSW. From there, the operation moved to agricultural earthworks projects in central western NSW. As more scrapers were added to the fleet, CPH (then known as Champion Plant Hire) took on civil works as a sub-contractor to Abigroup on the Wodonga Bypass (Hume Highway) project and the Karuah to Buladelah (Pacific Highway) project.
CPH’s growing reputation for customer service and as a reliable and cost-effective contractor then created an opportunity to work as a sub-contractor to Leighton Contractors on the South West Transport Corridor (Centenary Highway) project in Brisbane.
The next chapter of company growth began with a move into the coalfields of Queensland’s Bowen Basin. Beginning at BMA’s Goonyella Riverside Mine, CPH initially carried out topsoil and rehabilitation works for HMP Constructions, followed by works on a tailings dam raise for Watpac. As CPH’s reputation for quality, hassle-free delivery grew, opportunities arose to contract directly to mining giants BHP and Thiess on mines including Lake Vermont, Peak Downs and Saraji. Today, CPH continues to focus on work in the Bowen Basin but welcomes opportunities in any location.
2004
Foundation
CPH is founded as Champion Plant Hire, with two 637E scrapers. Works are primarily wet hire around central west NSW.
2007
QLD Expansion
The first two 637G scrapers are purchased. The fleet moves into Queensland, starting in Brisbane for Leightons. Later, machines are moved to Bowen Basin, subcontracting to earthmoving contractors at BMA’s Goonyella Riverside Mine.
2012
Growth in the Bowen Basin
CPH moves from subcontract-only works to contracting directly to BMA. This marks the start of CPH’s rapid expansion in the Bowen Basin. Clients include BMA Saraji, BMA Goonyella Riverside, BMA Peak Downs and Thiess Lake Vermont.
By late 2012 the fleet has grown to sixteen scrapers and eight articulated dump trucks, along with graders, dozers, loaders, water-trucks and all the support equipment required for this fleet. A prime-mover and float is purchased, marking the start of CPH’s transport fleet.
2013
Rebranding
The company name is changed to CPH Mining & Civil, reflecting a broadened scope and industry focus.
CPH wins its most significant contract to date: the clearing and topsoil stripping of BMA’s then-new Caval Ridge Mine.
2015
Construction Projects
CPH wins its first construction contract: a tailings dam wall raise at Blackwater Mine. Two more construction contracts (Wilpeena Back Access Road and Deep Creek remediation) follow at Blackwater.
2016
Mine services grows
CPH commences mine services contract at Daunia Mine.
Construction contracts include GS1 Tailings Dam Raise and Kakadu Mine Water Dam – Dividing Embankment (both at Goonyella Riverside Mine) and Peak Downs ROM Bulk Earthworks.
2018
Major construction projects
Works include Saraji Mine Tailings Dam Raise, Saraji Mine Southern Pit Geometry Optimisation Project, Stage 1 and Saraji Mine Coolibah Pit Restart Phase 1.
2020
Focus on wet and dry hire
CPH focus moves from construction to mine services and wet and dry hire.
Works include mine services at Goonyella Riverside Mine and Broadmeadow Mine, wet and dry hire at Caval Ridge Mine, Peak Downs Mine, Saraji Mine and Daunia Mine and a dry-hire fleet for Whitehaven Coal’s Blackwater Mine Rehabilitation team.
Our promise
At CPH, delivering a contracted service is just the beginning. Every CPH project endeavours to deliver exceptional customer service through:
- A safety-first culture
- A genuinely collaborative approach to contract management
- A practical, hands-on approach to project delivery, with a focus on customer service
- Industry experience
- A reliable and ever-growing plant fleet.
- A skilled and diverse work force
What we believe in
For over 20 years, the core value of CPH remain unchanged.
Integrity. You can trust that we’ll do what we say we’ll do; we’re accountable and responsible.
Innovation. We look for ways to help your project run more efficiently and effectively, ensuring we deliver on our promises.
Zero Harm. You want everyone on-site to go home safely at the end of the day; so do we. You want to leave the planet in good shape for the next generation; so do we.