THE BEST OF 2021: Peabody

Wambo Coal

The past few years have thrown many challenges at the Wambo Coal team, and they’ve managed to overcome most to record a solid 2021 for the Peabody-owned underground operation.

Extremely challenging market conditions in 2020 and early 2021 prompted the scaling back of production at Wambo Underground, however a commitment to safety, hard work and healthier coal prices have allowed the continuation of mining through the later stages of 2021 into 2022. 

Despite tough mining conditions, Wambo’s smaller, focused team managed to exceed production targets, complete a longwall relocation, re-start a second continuous miner unit, all while maintaining the best safety performance on record.

From a technical perspective, 2021 saw Wambo’s Coal Handling and Preparation Plant undergo an upgrade to improve yield and coal recovery, providing the opportunity for increased production of high energy coal and improved quality and consistency for Wambo’s customers.

Their Community and Environment team had another successful year enhancing biodiversity within important offset areas and continuing work on the North Wambo Creek Diversion including the design and construction of four drainage chutes and re-profiling of batters and native revegetation establishment.

In November this year they welcomed another five inductees to the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame. These annual awards celebrate individuals, families and community organisations who have given their time and energy to the Singleton community or have excelled on the state, national or global stage in their chosen fields.

The Hall of Fame has now recognised 64 inductees since 2009, each person celebrated with their own personalised commemorative paver on the walkway at the Civic Centre. Peabody is proud of the success and longevity of the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame which is operated in partnership with the Singleton Council.

The Wambo Mines Rescue Team provided another reason for Peabody to be proud by taking top honors – again – at the 2021 Hunter Valley Underground Mines Rescue Competition. Team leader Captain Matt Bailey, a 29-year veteran of mines rescue has now led the Wambo team to victory an amazing eight times. Peabody’s outgoing Australian President Marc Hathhorn paid tribute to the team’s performance. “We congratulate the superb effort by Captain Matt Bailey, David Malone, Kurt Bereza, Chad Kuosman, Brett Stevens and Trent Humby for a superb effort. These men personify Peabody’s commitment to Safety and set a great example for our workforce worldwide.”