In celebration of the centenary of coal discovery in the Ulan region, Glencore’s Ulan Coal Operation hosted a Family Day. The event welcomed over 700 attendees, including friends and family of Ulan Coal staff, employees, and contractors.
Visitors arrived at Ulan Surface Operations, where each family received a welcome pack. Children were given hi-vis work shirts to match their parents, with many eagerly donning their new gear right away.
The day featured interactive displays and demonstrations across Ulan Surface Operations, Ulan West and Ulan Underground. Each site offered tours, supplier stalls, and kids’ stations where children could create hand painted murals. These murals will be transformed into signage at each site as a keepsake from the event.
At Ulan Surface Operations, the public had access to the workshop area, showcasing large equipment like haul trucks, dozers, water trucks, and bobcats. Families could get up close to the haul truck and see what the view was like from the driver’s seat.
Site tours included visits to coal stockpiles, conveyor systems, rehabilitation areas, and the Coal Handling Process Plant. A highlight was the Dragline stop, offering a photo opportunity with the bucket.
Ulan West displayed underground mining equipment, including a recently overhauled Joy Continuous Miner, a longwall shearer, roof support, and an electric Specialised Mining Vehicle (SMV). Additionally, Ulan West contractor, UGM, was on hand to demonstrate the roof bolting process.
At Ulan Underground, families could tour the underground workings in an SMV, to experience their loved ones workspace.
The event’s success was bolstered by the participation of Ulan Coal’s suppliers, who engaged with the public through various stalls and displays. Local food vendors ensured that no one went hungry, rounding off a fantastic day for the Ulan Coal community.
Peter Ostermann, Ulan Coal General Manager, expressed pride in the coal mining industry and the event.
“It was wonderful to see our families come together and enjoy a day filled with fun and laughter, and to enjoy a connection to our workplace which everyone is so passionate about.”
