Europe’s largest lithium production project

ACS Group has expanded its partnership with Germany-focused Vulcan Energy, the world’s first sustainable lithium and renewable energy business, and will have an end-to-end role in developing its lithium production and processing infrastructure. 

The Lionheart Project has been awarded EU Strategic Project status under the Critical Raw Materials Act, recognising its transformative potential for Europe’s clean energy future and lithium independence. 

Juan Santamaría, CEO of the ACS Group and HOCHTIEF and Executive Chairman of CIMIC, stated: “The Lionheart Project is a flagship initiative for Europe’s clean energy future – combining lithium production with renewable energy generation. It is a strategic, high-impact project that aligns with our Group’s global capabilities in energy infrastructure.” 

Relive the ACS Group’s most outstanding moments of 2025

The year 2025 marked a turning point for the ACS Group, as it consolidated its technological evolution and positioned itself as a global benchmark in next-generation infrastructure. 

In the latest edition of ACS News, we highlight the most significant milestones achieved throughout the year. 

Turner and SPC have begun construction on the first project in New York City to incorporate progressive design and construction. 

Turner and SPC are moving forward with the construction phase of the Battery Park City Resilience project. As part of that, the Battery Park City Authority announced a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC) for the $1.7 billion Battery Park City Resiliency Project (BPCR), the first project in New York City to use the progressive design-build model. 

The PLA will support thousands of union careers while expanding opportunities for participation by Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB). In addition to securing cost-efficiency for the complex, multi-year project, the PLA will ensure family-sustaining wages, promote local hiring and expand career pathways to the middle class for youth, apprentices, women, and veterans. A joint venture team of Turner Construction Company and SPC Construction will deliver BPCR through a progressive design-build effort, further managing cost and risk in a transparent, flexible framework.  

BPCR will provide risk reduction to property, residents and assets within Battery Park City and beyond through the creation of an integrated coastal flood risk management system that runs from First Place, north along the Esplanade, across to the east side of West Street/Route 9A and terminating above Chambers Street at a high point on Greenwich Street. The project will break ground this fall.  

Turner to Develop the New One Health Hospital in Memphis

In Memphis, Regional One Health has announced plans for a new hospital campus in the city’s historic Edge District, a once-in-a-generation investment designed to expand critical services and strengthen community access to care. 

The projected scope includes a Bed Tower, Trauma and Burn, Women and Infants, an expanded emergency department, Post-Acute Services, Oncology, and modernized ancillary service suites, reflecting a shared commitment to building a healthier future for the Mid-South. 

Memphis Healthcare Builders, a joint venture leading construction management for the landmark project, includes Turner, Flintco, Nickson General Contractors, and Fifer & Associates. This partnership unites national expertise with local excellence to deliver one of the most impactful healthcare projects in Mid-South history. 

A59 in Duisburg, Germany

HOCHTIEF will deliver a key project in the Ruhr region: the expansion of the A59 motorway to six lanes over a two-kilometre section, along with the upgrade of the associated A40 motorway interchange. 

Juan Santamaría Cases, CEO of ACS Group: “We are delighted that we can use our experience to help improve transportation infrastructure in the Ruhr region with this major project. 

With a contract value of approximately €450 million, the Berliner Brückenzug project has been awarded to a joint venture led by HOCHTIEF. Construction will be carried out without interrupting traffic, with works scheduled to begin in January 2026 and completion expected in autumn 2029. 

New critical minerals contracts

Underground mining services provider PYBAR, and mining engineering specialist MACA Interquip Mintrex, both part of the Thiess Group, have secured contracts with Larvotto Resources at the Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project in New South Wales. 

The PYBAR contract includes 20km of underground development over four years, providing a full-service mine development solution. The scope of work includes decline and lateral development, rehabilitation, ground support installation and haulage activities across the Hillgrove mine areas of Metz, Garibaldi and Clarks Gully underground zones. 

MACA Interquip Mintrex (MIQM) has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract, which covers design, engineering, refurbishment and upgrades to the mine’s processing plant. 

Located near Armidale, the Hillgrove mine was a pioneer in early metals mining and is now preparing to restart, with redevelopment focused on efficient and sustainable production for the long term. The mine has potential to supply about 7% of global antimony demand, alongside its gold production.  

In addition, Thiess has secured an alliance agreement with Harmony to deliver multiple packages of work at the greenfield Eva Copper Mine Project in the Cloncurry region of Queensland, Australia. This includes bulk earthworks, workshop construction and mining services over five years, with the mining scope valued at approximately A$700 million. 

UGL will develop a battery facility for Neoen and Tesla

UGL has been selected by Neoen Australia and Tesla Energy to deliver Neoen Australia's Goyder Battery project in South Australia – a cutting-edge large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 226 MW / 866 MWh 
 
UGL will prepare the site and deliver critical high-voltage infrastructure, including a 275kV substation, control and switchroom facilities, earthworks, and footings, as well as provide testing and commissioning support. 

Perth Airport

CPB Contractors has been selected by Perth Airport (PAPL), as part of the Skyway joint venture alongside BMD, to construct its new runway and associated taxiways. 

The project involves construction of a new three-kilometre, 45-metre-wide runway, and is a critical step forward in Perth Airport’s $5 billion transformation which will create greater passenger capacity and operational efficiency.  

ACS Group and HOCHTIEF Chief Executive Officer and CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria said:  

“These upgrades will set the benchmark for the development of Perth Airport’s new parallel runway and will play a vital role in supporting economic growth across Western Australia and nationally. Our expert team at CPB Contractors prioritises local employment, skills creation and sustainable construction ensuring long-term value for communities.” 

Port of Immingham

DRAGADOS has secured Stage Two of the contract from Associated British Ports (ABP) to construct the new Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal (IERRT) at the Port of Immingham in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. 

The Port of Immingham, the largest port in the UK by tonnage, handles approximately 37 million tonnes of cargo annually. This project aligns with the government's objective to strengthen the United Kingdom's position as a leading power in Ro-Ro cargo trade for the country's economy.  

Abertis strengthens its leadership and will control 100% of the Vallvidrera and Cadí tunnels in Catalonia

Abertis has reached an agreement with the French company Crédit Agricole Assurances to complete the acquisition (by purchasing 49.99% of the company) of Túnels de Barcelona i Cadí, which operates the access highway to Barcelona via Vallvidrera from Sant Cugat del Vallès (Vallvidrera Tunnel) and the route connecting the regions of Berguedà and Cerdaña (Cadí Tunnel). This is a 46-kilometer asset that generated revenues of €69 million in 2024 and is consolidated and integrated within the portfolio of Autopistas, Abertis’ subsidiary in Spain. 

With this new acquisition, Abertis increases its presence in Catalonia and strengthens its position in a strategic market like Spain, where it continues to pursue growth by taking advantage of emerging opportunities. This transaction, along with the latest acquisitions made this year, marks another milestone in the Group’s strategy to maintain a diversified and balanced portfolio, with a mix of strong currencies and stable regulatory frameworks.  

HOCHTIEF built the Straka Academy, the seat of government of the Czech Republic

New York’s Lincoln Center is home to the world’s first concert hall dedicated exclusively to jazz and was built by Turner

CIMIC constructed the 30-story skyscraper at 177 Pacific Highway, distinguished by its sustainability features