From the time raw coal is dug out of the ground until its sold to the market there is a whole lot of processing involved, so much so there’s even a society for it!

In 1966, the NSW Coal Preparation Society was formed, followed by the establishment of the Queensland Branch one year later. In 1989 the two branches amalgamated to form the Australian Coal Preparation Society (ACPS), a not-for-profit organisation with the role of educating and training people in the technology of coal preparation and assisting the Australian industry in maintaining world’s best practice.

Peter Alexander works for Weir Minerals but has been a volunteer on the Queensland ACPS Committee for almost a decade, but even before that he was a member.

“I’m currently the secretary of the Queensland Committee, but we go to an AGM next month where I think my excuses have run out and I’m going to nominate to take on the chairperson role,” Peter said with a grin.

ACPS’ main focus is on education and training. They run seminars and specialist symposia, field trips and workshops, and provide comprehensive courses. They also hold a national conference biannually where professionals from across the globe come together to share their expertise.

Peter said there are many ways for people to get involved, through membership, training courses, contributing to its publications, or attending events such as technical meetings.

“We hold technical meetings multiple times every year in both NSW & Queensland and these events provide an opportunity for people to come along and freely share information and resources.

“In Queensland we have meetings in Mackay, Rockhampton, Emerald, Blackwater, Middlemount, Toowoomba and Brisbane. Because we have such a big geographic spread, we really cater these technical meetings to suit. Which basically means up north we will be more focused on practical learnings and hands-on advice and in Brisbane it may be more theoretical.

“We also have the annual John Sedgman Memorial Lecture in July and next month in Rockhampton from September 11 to 12 we are running a two-day technical symposium.”

Currently, ACPS has over 600 members and membership is open to anyone.

“I would have to say the number one reason to join is for the networking. The technical meetings are a good way to stay abreast of the new technology in the market and how it’s being applied at different sites. What the results have been, pros, cons and lessons learned, stuff like that.

“If you are in a leadership position, it’s not only about keeping up to date with everything in coal processing, but it’s also about encouraging younger people to come through. Having them go through the training courses and attending some of the sessions strengthens their understanding, which will ultimately benefit the business.

“We also have a big batch of textbooks on coal processing which are updated every few years so you can stay up to date with the technical side of the coal processing business.”

Peter said they also run a lot of social days, such as the annual Chairpersons Dinner, golf days, race days and are planning even more of these in the future.

“And membership costs are very low! In fact, if you’re a student it’s free!”

One of the main goals that ACPS is focusing on this year is getting the word out and especially engaging with the younger generation which is not only important for them but for the future of coal processing.

“I remember when I was a student, I went to an open day and they had a lecturer there from chemical engineering. He had a Perspex tube that was full of water, sand and rocks and he shook it up and down and then he held it out so it was completely vertical and very slowly the stuff in it settled.

“He shook it up again but this time he tilted it 45° and everything settled much more quickly. Then he said, ‘if you want to understand more about why that happens, sign up for chemical engineering’ and that was enough for me.

“We are hoping to reach those students who are also naturally curious and who enjoy STEM subjects and show them the possibilities there are in coal processing. Taking a busload of students to a site or a laboratory or OEM’s workshop and let them see what it’s all about.”

If you would like to learn more about APCS (or to find out the answer the lecturer’s question) head to www.acps.com.au.