Tag: Local

BIG BUCKS FOR A LITTLE BANG

Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) has funded a new Singleton Public Library Little Bang Science program to inspire local preschoolers to think critically and have a lifelong interest in STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The library used a HVO community grant to purchase Little Bang Discovery Club kits, the Big Bang Book of Science […]

ALL SMILES FOR NEW THERAPY HORSES

Three retired stallion horses from Glencore Coal’s pastoral operation, Colinta Holdings are now calling the paddocks at the Upper Hunter Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) near Muswellbrook home. Mello, Bucky and Billy recently retired from stock work at Colinta’s Singleton agricultural operation and managers Karen and Matthew Moore thought they were the perfect temperament […]

RUGBY LEAGUE STARS BACKING MINING JOBS

Some of our best and most popular rugby league players have thrown their support behind the mining industry in a bid to promote the benefits mining jobs have on local communities and the economy more broadly. The star-studded lineup includes Harry Grant, who grew up around Yeppoon, Ben Hunt, who grew up at Dingo, Tamika […]

NSW MINES RESCUE TAKES HOME TOP TRAINING PROVIDER TROPHY

NSW Mines Rescue has been celebrated as the ‘Large Training Provider of the Year’ at the 2024 NSW Training Awards, held on Friday September 13. This accolade highlights the organisation’s excellence in vocational education and training within the industry. The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of […]

MIND BLOWING

Every athlete aims to get to the top of their sport, whether it’s the World Cup for soccer, the NRL Grand Final or the CrossFit Games. For Tamworth’s Georgia Pryer, she is still speechless that she made it to the US to compete against the fittest in the world at the CrossFit Games. The 24-year-old […]

R U OK?

R U OK? Day is held every year in September and is an opportunity for everyone to start a conversation with those around them who may be struggling. This year on September 12, our industry got behind R U OK Day, doing everything from presentations and toolbox talks to BBQs and morning teas. Most importantly […]

BUCKLE UP IT’S TIME TO TEE UP!

What could be better than spending a day on the golf course? Playing golf alongside motorsport legends all while raising money for a good cause! On November 3, the inaugural Dyson Family Foundation Charity Golf Day will be held at Rydges Resort in the Hunter Valley and it promises to be an unforgettable day. The […]

YOU’LL NEVER FEEL MORE RELAXED

I don’t know many people who don’t enjoy a massage, whether it is something intense like a remedial massage or a hand massage at the nail salon. But have you ever heard of a Japanese Head Spa? As the name suggests the head spa gained popularity in Japan and thanks to the power of social […]

STRATFORD COAL MINE CRITICAL TO ENERGY SECURITY

In the September edition of @ The Coalface, we took a closer look at Idemitsu’s renewable energy plans for their Muswellbrook Coal site. This month we’re looking at Yancoal’s Stratford Renewable Energy Hub that has been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the NSW Government, regarded as potentially being a big part of the […]

PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

Starting a new job or traineeship, particularly at a mine site can be both a daunting and exciting experience. Dreampath Recruitment in Muswellbrook is taking some of that daunting feeling out of the recruitment process for Indigenous employees helping them walk in more comfortable and confident. Dreampath is a partnership between Blackrock Industries and Protech […]

SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

Last month, BHP Mt Arthur Coal held two Future Jobs Expos at The Melt in Muswellbrook as part of its commitment to preparing its employees for life after the mine closure in 2030. The expos were an opportunity for employees and contractors to connect with education providers, career consultants and experts in workplace transitioning and […]

SPECTACULAR SKILLS

Ten teams battled it out at the Hunter Valley Mines Rescue Open Cut Competition in Singleton in September, but there could only be one winner… Mt Thorley Warkworth was crowned the overall winners of the competition, led by Captain Morgan Creagh with teammates and Scott Tuckerman (Vice Captain), Jason Knox, Alan Watt, Mitchell O’Brien, Nicholas […]

SUPPORTING CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Whitehaven Coal has partnered with VIVA Energy to contribute to the Walhallow Community infrastructure project, continuing the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. Whitehaven donated $20,000 and VIVA Energy added a further $10,000, boosting the efforts of the Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) to upgrade critical […]

CELEBRATING THE GOOD OLD DAYS

On Saturday November 9, the biannual Pelton/Ellalong Colliery Reunion returns. If you worked at Pelton prior to 1998, come along and catch up with old workmates and reminisce about the good old days. Pelton Colliery has a long and rich history. Surface operations commenced at the mine on 15 April 1916 and over the next […]

BOGGABRI ROOS HISTORIC FINAL

The Boggabri & District Rugby League Football Club First Grade side played their club’s first finals series and decider since 1964 against the Moree Boars in September. While they didn’t take out the Group 4 Rugby League first grade premiership, they showed just how big of a heart they have. The Roos led the grand […]

REMEMBERING THE COST OF COAL

There are 1,793 names on the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall at Aberdare in the Hunter Valley. All 1,793 of those people lost their lives in the Northern Districts coal mines since 1801.  Loved ones, lodge and union members, Federal and State politicians, mining organisations and members of the public gathered at the Jim Comerford Memorial […]

WESTERN WINNERS

Mines Rescue teams from Springvale (photo below) and Moolarben (photo above) took first place honours at the Western Mines Rescue competition held on Friday, 30 August 2024. Seven teams from mine sites across the Lithgow, Mudgee and Gunnedah mining regions competed at the annual event which included both underground mines rescue exercises and emergency response […]

OPINION: The Liberal Nationals are coming for your pay rise

Recent reforms under Same Job Same Pay laws are set to deliver long-overdue pay increases to labour hire workers across Australia. However, the Liberal National Party (LNP) has made it clear that these advancements are under threat if they come to power. While the Mining and Energy Union has been actively working to secure fair […]

SURVIVOR COMES TO SINGLETON

Stretch your creativity and harness the power of teamwork in a battle for survivor supremacy as Singleton Council hosts the first ever Singleton Community Survival Challenge on Monday 14 October. In what promises to be a fun and exciting evening of entertainment, everyone’s being encouraged to form a team or register as an individual to […]

TERRIFIC TURN OUT

Around 1500 residents and families turned out to Boggabri Showground for Whitehaven Coal’s annual Community Open Day. Whitehaven also marked the occasion with a special presentation to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The event brought together people from as far as Coffs Harbour and Tamworth to enjoy an exciting day of free activities, kid’s rides, […]

MY MINING LIFE – JODIE STANLEY

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Jodie Stanley, and I am quantity surveyor that specialises in tax depreciation schedules. I work for a privately owned local company called Central Queensland Quantity Surveying (CQQS) and the best part is that it is a family-owned business. When did you start in the […]

GOING PURPLE FOR PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Bravus Mining and Resources has unveiled the newest, and biggest, Peer Supporters for the industry leading mental health program run at its Carmichael mine near Clermont. Bravus Mining and Resources Health and Safety Manager Graeme Furnell said two of the operation’s fleet of 200-tonne CAT 796AC mining trucks had been fitted with trays painted in […]

FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR CQ RESCUE

For just the second time in CQ Rescue’s history, a naming rights partnership has been granted with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA). BMA is the founding sponsor of the rescue helicopter service and has now stepped up to become the naming rights partner ensuring the service stays in the air helping anyone who needs it wherever […]

AN EXPLORATION OF PALETTES

Who said there is nothing to do up here in the mining regions! I recently had the pleasure of joining an Art Trail and Foodies Tour in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, just west of Mackay. Organised by Artist Connect Inc., this experience made for a memorable day, filled with artistic exploration, culinary delights, and a […]

RESCUE RECRUITS TAKE OFF

In the heart of Central Queensland, CapRescue continues to be a beacon of hope and help, providing vital aeromedical and search and rescue services to the community. The team’s latest additions, Sam McLean and Cameron Stewart, bring unique experiences and enthusiasm to their roles, strengthening the already robust lineup of skilled professionals. Sam McLean, a […]

CRIME STOPPERS QLD CELEBRATES 35 YEARS

Crime Stoppers Queensland, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, has celebrated 35 years of service. The milestone coincides with the annual Crime Stoppers Day and is a testament to the efforts of staff, volunteers and the supportive community, contributing to the safety and security of Queensland. For 35 years, Crime Stoppers Queensland has received […]

CLERMONT CELEBRATES GOLD AND COAL

Recently, @ The Coalface attended one of Central Queensland’s iconic events, the Clermont Gold and Coal Festival. This annual celebration, which has been an important part of the community since 2000, offers a unique blend of history, culture and entertainment that highlights the rich mining heritage of Clermont. The festival’s primary purpose highlights the significance […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – SARINA & DISTRICT ATHLETICS CLUB

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Sarina & District Athletics Club. After two years of inactivity the Club has triumphantly returned, thanks to the unwavering support of local volunteers and businesses. The Club’s rejuvenation in 2024 was no small feat. With a fresh committee at the […]

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. This year, over 3,000 men will lose their battle with prostate cancer – that’s 10 fathers, brothers, sons, friends and workmates today alone. September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of the disease and raise much-needed funds to […]

FALLEN MINERS TO BE REMEMBERED

The 1,509 Queensland miners who have died on the job will be remembered at the state’s biggest memorial event for mining tragedies this month. On 19 September each year, the industry comes together to commemorate those lives lost on the same day as the state’s worst coal mining disaster at Mount Mulligan, where 75 miners […]

LET’S GET LOUD ABOUT COAL

For too long the coal industry has been quiet about its contributions, despite the undeniable fact that our country is built on the back of it. Now, a new voice for the coal industry has come on the scene and its already being heard right across Australia. Coal Australia is a not-for-profit membership organisation recently […]

RACING GONE WILD

Lake Macquarie’s Taylor Gill started racing go-karts when he was 7 years old. Speed ahead to 2024 and he’s on his way to winning the FIA Junior World Rally Championship in Europe. The 20-year-old has already entered the history books as the first Australian to ever win a Junior World Rally Championship event coming in […]

BEING PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

12-year-old Tully and her dad Nelson are preparing to hit the road in ‘Margot the Tarago’ to join a convoy of 70 teams as part of the Lunchbox Rally, travelling through regional NSW to raise money for the Cancer Council. You would have heard of the Shitbox and the Mystery Box Rally before – they […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: DEANNA FAULKS

Helping out in her community is nothing new to Deanna Faulks, in fact you could even say it’s a family tradition! In 2015, Deanna began volunteering with the NSW Rural Fire Service Wingen brigade and since then has become a valued member of the organisation. However, Deanna’s volunteering work began long before, first volunteering with […]

HANGING UP THE HARD HAT

Tim Miller’s career in the mining industry spanned more than four decades, starting back in 1980. His entry into the mining industry was typical for his generation, it wasn’t a matter of what you knew, but who you knew. “I grew up in Lithgow and once out of school I got a desk job with […]

NOTHING BUT CLASS

On Monday 14th October, men and women will gather at the Branxton Community Hall for the Wear White & Teal High Tea for Ovarian Cancer to raise money for the insidious disease. It’s a cause close to the hearts of many, which is why the event is the recipient of this month’s @ The Coalface […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER: Newcastle Hi-Tensile Bolt Company

Tell us about the business. Newcastle Hi-Tensile Bolt Company (NHTB) is a fastener and industrial supplies specialist located in Newcastle, servicing Australia. We are a comprehensive fastener source and supplier to thousands of companies spanning the construction, manufacturing, mining, engineering, automotive, rail, civil and maritime industries. We are also open to the public, and with […]

PEABODY HOPS TO HELP

Peabody’s Metropolitan Mine has contributed $220,000 to a breed-to-release program to help reintroduce the endangered Southern Stuttering Frog into the Royal National Park and across the Illawarra region. These frogs are believed to have been geographically extinct in the national park for over 15 years and once thrived in coastal areas of NSW, but their […]

A CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY

The annual Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Community Forum is right around the corner, and this year I have the pleasure of facilitating the event and trying to fill the very big shoes of the former facilitator, Di Sneddon. First held in 2012, the Community Forum is for everyone. It is an opportunity for stakeholders to […]

LAUNCHING LOCALS

Whitehaven Coal’s commitment to employing locals is continuing to deliver benefits, with the first of 10 local trainees at its Narrabri Coal Operations (NCO) Coal Handling and Processing Plant (CHPP) securing a full-time role after completing a tailored traineeship program on site. Sam Cameron, a 25-year-old Narrabri local who was a baker in town before […]

TAKE A SPIN WITH THE SERVICE

This October, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s (WHRS) Base to Base Challenge will conclude with a one-of-a-kind event for the Service’s mining supporters. “Our Base to Base virtual fitness challenge was born out of the covid lock downs and throughout the month of October, participants are encouraged to walk, run or ride their chosen kilometres, […]

SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

On October 30, A-Plus Contracting and Poly Welding are sponsoring a Safe Work Month Seminar in Singleton, and they are inviting you to be a part of the conversation. The seminar features a lineup of speakers equipped to tackle some of the hard conversations around safety, including industrial manslaughter, psychosocial hazards and managing complacency. Kathy […]

LIFE-SAVING PARTNERSHIP

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) has been operating throughout northern NSW for almost 50 years, free of charge for anyone who needs it thanks to more than 850 volunteers, fundraising and sponsorship. It costs $40 million each year to keep the four yellow and red helicopters in the skies above NSW with its lifesaving […]

LIFT OFF

Yancoal’s Yarrabee Coal Mine and CapRescue will continue flying high for three more years as ‘Lift Off Partners’. The mine will fund $30,000 annually over the three years, ensuring CapRescue can continue to offer approximately 300,000 Central Queensland residents access to lifesaving emergency helicopter rescue services. Operations Manager for CapRescue, Kirsty Wooler was delighted to […]

EUNGELLA’S ARTISTIC HAVEN

After a scenic drive through the lush rainforests of Eungella in the back hills of Mackay, I found myself at Cedar Gallery, a hidden gem nestled by Broken River. This unique spot offers a delightful blend of local art, history, and a taste of Eungella’s rich heritage, all set against the stunning backdrop of the […]

IMAGINATION CAN TAKE YOU ANYWHERE

School holiday activities designed to nurture children’s creativity and promote problem-solving skills are a key component of Anglo American’s commitment to driving thriving communities. Aiming to bridge the gap in access to local holiday programs in Moranbah, Moura and Middlemount where it operates mines, Anglo American has been providing activities since 2022 to boost well-being […]

HAVE YOUR SAY ON HEALTHCARE

Mining and FIFO workers are being encouraged to take a survey and help shape the future of healthcare in their region. More than 930 North Queenslanders have already had their say through the Joint Regional Needs Assessment (JRNA) survey, which is open until 16 August 2024. Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Chief Executive Officer […]

CELEBRATING NAIDOC 2024

This year’s NAIDOC celebrations, hosted by Barada Barna, were a vibrant display of community spirit and cultural pride across Moranbah, Dysart, Coppabella and Middlemount. Under the theme “Blak, Loud and Proud”, the events honoured the resilience and heritage of Indigenous cultures. “Blak, Loud and Proud” encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering individuals to […]

SKILLS AND THRILLS

Investigation, creation and innovation were all on display at two specialist workshops held at Redeemer Lutheran College in Biloela in July. Students from Years 7, 8 & 9 discovered more about the practical application of physics in a Heavy Hydraulics workshop, while the Year 10 students became Tradies for a Day, completing a series of […]

FAMILY COMES FIRST

Metallurgical coal company Vitrinite paused production for the afternoon on Saturday July 27 to host their fourth annual Family Day. Close to 150 dads, mums, grandparents, and kids of all ages gathered to enjoy an afternoon filled with amusement rides such as jumbo slides, dodgem cars, rock climbing walls, and teacup rides. The event also […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION – LISA JAMIESON

Lisa Jamieson is an extraordinary community champion whose dedication and tireless efforts have left a lasting mark on the Mackay region. With a Mechanical Engineering Degree, a Master of Business Administration, and over 30 years of experience in project management, Lisa has held various roles throughout her career, shaping her approach to volunteering. For the […]

ROOTED IN HISTORY

A 120-year-old bottle tree has found new roots at the entrance of New Acland Mine. Likely planted before Australia officially became a nation, the bottle tree was moved from the old Acland Silverleigh Road piggery site. The delicate project spanned two days and included a specialist arborist who oversaw the relocation of the 25-foot-tall bottle […]

ETHAN IS ON A ROLL

Ethan Bachmann is a dedicated and talented ten-pin bowler who has made a name for himself in the sport, overcoming a significant challenge in his young life. “After having knee surgery when I was six and a half years old, I was limited to what sports I could do,” shared Ethan. “I always wanted to […]

SPEAK UP EVEN IF YOUR VOICE SHAKES

Josh Jones was an apprentice at Dawson South when his best mate was killed on the job, and he was severely injured. Nine years later, Josh has found the courage to talk about what happened to help other miners be safer at work. Josh started his apprenticeship in 2012 and was sent to a different […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – SOUTHERN CROSS INDUSTRIAL GROUP (SCIG)

Tell us about the business. SCIG are a locally owned business which has significantly grown from our early days servicing equipment, to now pioneers in the importing and manufacturing of machinery for the mining, agriculture and civil industries. We have doubled in size over the last few years but still run the business from Mackay. […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – LIVINGSTONE YOUTH ACTION GROUP

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Livingstone Youth Action Group (YAG), a dynamic group dedicated to empowering the youth in the Livingstone region. The Livingstone Youth Action Group and the creation of their new Youth Room was made possible in 2023 when they received a grant […]

PORT WARATAH SHINES PURPLE FOR HOMELESSNESS

Port Waratah is supporting those experiencing homelessness throughout the month of August. Until Sunday August 22nd, the Port Waratah Carrington Shiploaders will be illuminated in purple to recognise National Homelessness Awareness Week and help raise community awareness. Port Waratah isn’t stopping there, also announcing they are the principal Event Sponsor of this year’s Hunter Homeless […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER: COXONS GROUP

Tell us about the business. Coxons is Australia’s leading cooling component repair and maintenance specialist. We are the go-to for radiator scheduled maintenance, overhauls and rebuilds for heavy mobile equipment to maximise fleet availability and reliability. We are also the exclusive, national distributor of the MineCool range of quality OEM-alternative aftermarket cooling products, compatible with […]

COMMUNITY GIFT: SOUPZ ON

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Soupz On, an organisation run by Wayne and Rosie Dowling which has been providing those less fortunate with a hot meal and friendly chat for ten years in Cessnock. Soupz On provides free hot meals two nights a week for those […]

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

First year Hunter Valley Operation’s (HVO) apprentice Lilly-Jane Williams is an inspiring and talented trail blazer at work and on the football field. The 16-year-old Singleton resident says she is living her dream of working as a plant mechanic. Her other passion is rugby league, and she also dreams of one day playing NRLW. “I’m […]

SCOOT ALONG FOR EX-SERVICEMEN

Scootaville is a charity ride that tours outback NSW and QLD to support two wonderful charities, Legacy which cares for the families of hurt or missing veterans and The Air Force Association which cares for homeless veterans. The annual event started as ‘Scootabor’, a ride on 50cc bikes across the Nullabor in 2014, organised by […]

READY, SET, WORK!

Fifty-three first-year apprentices are now skilled and ready for the next phase of their apprenticeships after completing the Zeal Futures Work Readiness Program. The Work Readiness Program (WRP) is designed to provide new workers employed in high-risk industries with core safety and trade skills prior to commencing on site. With young workers considered more at […]

SOME MARRIAGES NEED A HARD HAT…

Adelaide got more than she bargained for when she started dating Elliott Earnshaw from Singleton. Not even a week into their relationship Elliott asked Adelaide if she would take part in a Wife Carrying competition. Originating in Finland, Wife Carrying is very much like it sounds… Men carrying wives (or girlfriends or friends or sisters) […]

FUTURE COAL SITES STATE SIGNIFICANT

Idemitsu’s Pumped Hydro Project for the former Muswellbrook Coal site and Yancoal’s Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar Project have been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure due to their ability to help maintain the state’s critical energy security if they’re approved. Coal mining ceased at Muswellbrook Coal in late 2022 after 115 years of operation in […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: KATHRYN HAMILTON

Kathryn Hamilton may not have been born in Narrabri, but it is the place she now calls home, cementing herself within the community thanks to her tireless volunteer work on numerous community organisations. “I grew up in Inverell but moved to Wee Waa for my very first teaching appointment. That was around 60 years ago,” […]

NO ORDINARY DAY AT THE PUB

When Jayson Field decided to spend a couple hours at the pub with his mates, he could have never known that decision would result in saving a person’s life, and that the flow on effects of that day would potentially save many more lives in the future. Jayson is the Fire Officer at Centennial’s Myuna […]

PARTY TIME FOR PWCS

Port Waratah has celebrated an important milestone for the business, the 40th anniversary of its Kooragang Coal Terminal operations. Coal loading operations in Newcastle expanded to Kooragang Island in 1984 with the opening of Stage 1 of the Kooragang Coal Loader. The Official opening of Kooragang Coal Terminal by the Premier, Mr Neville Wran, was […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – EMERALD SHOW SOCIETY

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Emerald Show Society Inc., a respected institution with a rich history in the central Queensland mining community. To shed light on their enduring impact, we spoke with Yvonne O’Neill, General Manager of the Emerald Show Society, who shared insights into […]

CHILDCARE BOOSTED BUT MORE PARTNERS NEEDED

Waitlists at Moranbah childcare centres have halved, with 27 new childcare workers recruited through the efforts of the Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA). The CLA began two years ago, funded by BMA and initiated by Smart Transformation, after a review locally found a lack of staff was limiting childcare availability in the towns of Dysart and […]

YOU CAN BUILD ANYTHING WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION

In June, the Mackay Community Foundation presented its 2024 grants to eight deserving non-profit organisations, each dedicated to making a difference in the community. The presentation ceremony showcased the incredible work these organisations are doing and highlighted the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering positive change. The grant recipients for 2024 included CQUniversity, Kidney Support Network, […]

MY MINING LIFE – TIM FROST

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Tim Frost and I am a Production Process Technician (a fancy way of saying machine operator). I am also a member of Mines Rescue and also a Trainer /Assessor in a wide range of skillsets. When did you start in the mining industry and […]

PILOT PROGRAM LIGHTS THE WAY FOR A CAREER IN MINING

A pioneering Moranbah program designed to equip local talent with cutting-edge electrotechnology skills is creating career pathways into the mining industry while fostering thriving communities. Anglo American partnered with Moranbah State High School (MSHS) and Major Training to deliver the electrotechnology course in the region. The course provides an entry-level understanding of electrical systems, circuitry […]

RESTORE YOUR MANA

After returning from Germany with a jet lag hangover that could rival the worst of them, it was time for me to experience some major R&R. Airlie Beach seemed like the perfect escape, and thanks to a shout-out on Facebook, I found myself headed to Mana Skin Body & Soul. Mana Skin Body & Soul […]

A MAMMOTH OPPORTUNITY

A mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin is about to be re-born with Coronado Global Resources starting up an underground Bord and Pillar Operation on the Mammoth seam – the surface of which had been mined over a century ago. Subject to contract finalisation and regulatory approvals, the Mammoth Underground operation at Curragh Mine complex will […]

Supplier Insider – iScope

Tell us about the business. iScope is guided by the motto of “Eliminate the Unknown”, aiming to define risk, safety, costs and time frames to high-quality standards through our specialised services. We offer a range of services including welding supervision, welder training and testing, welding inspections, systems management, auditing, technical support, structural repair procedure design […]

SAFETY AND BLASTING IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A top-notch list of 26 finalists has been announced following a record-breaking 70 entries for the 2024 Queensland Mining Awards. This year’s Awards mark a decade of spotlighting the best of Queensland’s resources industry and the peer-judging process has again uncovered some hidden gems: the great stories that industry needs to tell of innovation, improvements […]

TAKING ON THE GREAT WALL MARATHON

On May 18, fifteen participants from Mackay representing Tri-ActiV8 embarked on the challenge of a lifetime at the Great Wall Marathon in China. The team tackled various distances, two participants competed in the 8.5km Fun Run, one in the 21km race, and 12 took on the full 42km marathon. Selena Corness, a volunteer and participant […]

HEROES DON’T WEAR CAPES, THEY WEAR HI-VIS

The Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has a long and steadfast history of ensuring the safety of miners across the state. Founded in 1909, the first Mines Rescue brigade was established on the Ipswich coalfields, with the first permanent Mines Rescue station built there in 1923. As the mining industry expanded, further brigades were formed […]

MINE DUST DISEASE AT HEART OF RESEARCH

The University of Queensland (UQ) is undertaking a three-year research project investigating miners returning to the workplace after being diagnosed with early-stage dust lung disease. The University has been granted $600,000 from the Miles Government to undertake research that will involve interviewing several people in the industry to determine what workers in mining and the […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: ED OLDENBURG

Not for profit organisation Little Wings has been operating in Queensland for just over a year, flying sick children in rural areas to hospitals in the city to get the medical care they need. 290 children have been helped thanks to volunteer pilots like Ed Oldenburg. Little Wings provides air and land transport for children […]

A PIC IN TIME – BRIDGING THE PAST

The summer of 1974 remains etched in the memories of Moranbah residents, a testament to the community’s resilience and ingenuity. Cyclone Wanda brought record floods to many areas of Queensland, including Moranbah, causing significant disruptions. This iconic photo, shared by Mark Hollands on the “Moranbah’s Good Old Days” Facebook page, sparked a wave of nostalgia […]

OPINION: QLD miners make history in Same Job Same Pay decision 

Hundreds of labour hire workers at Batchfire’s Callide mine at Biloela in Central Queensland are in line for a pay rise after the Fair Work Commission made the historic decision to issue the first order under new Same Job Same Pay laws.  Workpac production operator and MEU member Josh Stevens is one of hundreds of […]

UP CLOSE WITH LIFESAVERS

Students from Scone Grammer School were treated to a visit from the region’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) in June, a service they often hear flying overhead but rarely get to see up close. The visit was part of the Westpac school landings program, giving students the opportunity to learn more about what the service […]

A SMASHING GOOD TIME

Are you feeling wound up? Frustrated? Need an outlet for any number of feelings? Well Sutton Estate is the place you need to go in Pokolbin to smash some wine bottles and plates and throw a nice, sharp axe at a wall. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when my boyfriend and I decided to […]

HELPING COMMUNITIES ROAR

Every community relies on its local Lions Club and in Gunnedah the Lions Club has been tirelessly raising money for the community for over six decades. So, this month we are giving them the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift, helping them to do what they do best – help others. Lions […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER: A-Plus Contracting & Poly Welding

Tell us about the business. A-Plus Contracting & Poly Welding are a civil construction company. Our services range from environmental management, civil projects through to poly welding and fabrication. With a professionally maintained, modern fleet of plant and equipment, together with out highly motivated and trained staff, we offer our valued client’s piece of mind, […]

QME: THE HEART OF THE MINING SECTOR

QME returns to Mackay in July, bringing with it a packed exhibition floor and seminar schedule. The Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) has been educating and exciting the resources sector for over 30 years and this trend is showing no signs of stopping. From July 23-25, over 300 exhibitors will pack the floor, with […]

MTW & GLENCORE HAVE GOT IT COVERED

The students, teachers and visitors to Milbrodale Public School are better protected under covered walkways, thanks to a joint donation from Yancoal Australia’s Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine and Glencore Coal Australia. With many people walking through the school gates daily, the school recognised there was a need to build a roof over the walkway […]

OPINION: NUCLEAR NO HELP TO COAL POWER WORKERS

Workers in NSW coal-fired power stations need job pathways much sooner than the 20-year timeline required to build nuclear power plants. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s proposal to build nuclear power plants on the sites of current and former coal-fired power stations comes with the suggestion that existing workforces could simply transition from coal to nuclear. […]

LITTLE WINGS CONTINUES TO SOAR

Not for profit organisation Little Wings started 12 years ago in NSW with just one plane and has now grown to four planes and flies across 71 regions in NSW, the ACT, QLD and even parts of the Northern Territory. Twelve years ago, the organisation started to provide services to children undergoing cancer treatment at […]

A MINER, AN OLYMPIAN AND AN MP, OH MY!

Dan Repacholi grew up in the outskirts of Melbourne going to the local shooting range with his father and brothers. He’s worked in the Hunter Valley’s mining industry, competed at four Commonwealth Games and five Olympics and is now the Federal Member for Hunter. Dan’s parents were both shooters. His dad worked as a quarantine […]

CHEERS TO A GIANT OF INDUSTRY

After over a half a century with The Bloomfield Group, Reg Crick has retired. However, the impact he has left on the company, its people, and the communities in which they operate will carry on for generations. In an industry with plenty of egos, Reg stands out for his kindness, intellect, intuition and humility. He […]

HELP KEEP OUR HISTORY ALIVE

The Coalfields Local History Association Inc. have launched a fundraising appeal to raise money for much needed improvements to the Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum in Abermain. The Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum has over 5,000 individual items on display which includes family history resources, household items, photographs, newspapers, maps, sporting items, farming items, military […]

DGI DONATES TOP-OF-THE LINE TRUCK CAB

Mines Rescue has received a significant boost to its training capabilities thanks to a generous donation from DGI Trading. The donation, a refurbished truck cab, has been praised for its exceptional quality and the positive impact it will have on training emergency responders. Matt Enright, Regional Manager Hunter Valley Mines Rescue said they couldn’t be […]

MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY UNDERGROUND

Des O’Connell has hung up his hard hat after more than 50 years working in underground mines in New Zealand and here in Queensland. The Kiwi followed in his father’s footsteps getting his first job underground at Strongman Mine on New Zealand’s west coast when he was just 16 years old in 1967. “I worked […]

BMX TAKES OVER MORANBAH

Moranbah BMX Club’s annual Weekend of Madness Carnival in May saw over 300 riders from all over Queensland descend on Moranbah. However, this event is much more than a BMX competition. Renee Cross, Moranbah BMX Club President, said that the Club has had a few rebuilding years since covid but the record turnout for the […]

THEN & NOW – MINING & ENERGY UNION

Ever wondered how some people started and what led them to where they are now? This month we asked some of the Mining and Energy Union team to share their journey. Logan Muller – Operator and MEU Central Councillor Growing up in Moura, I’ve been surrounded by the mining industry for as long as I […]

MAKE A LIFESAVING DIFFERENCE TODAY

In the heart of Central Queensland, real lives depend on real heroes. With over 520 rescues conducted in 2023 alone, and a staggering 10,000 since its establishment in 1996, RACQ CapRescue remains dedicated to making a tangible difference. But to be able to support that many Queenslanders, RACQ CapRescue relies on the support of YOU […]

MY MINING LIFE – HELEN NEVILLE

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Helen Neville and I am a Dump Truck/ Water Cart Operator at Yancoal’s Yarrabee Mine. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I started in the industry in 2005 as a Laboratory Technician, testing coal. How different […]

LITTLE WINGS HELPING LITTLE PEOPLE

Not for profit organisation Little Wings started 12 years ago in NSW with just one plane and has now grown to four planes and expanded its reach into Queensland. The organisation provides air and land transport for children who are seriously ill or have a chronic illness and need a hospital more than three hours’ […]

YOU CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE THE STORY, BUT YOU CAN WRITE A NEW CHAPTER

Cameron Carr had a promising career in rugby league ahead of him until a car crash changed the trajectory of his life. Dark days followed until Cameron turned to rugby again, this time achieving success beyond his wildest dreams… in a wheelchair. Cameron grew up as the son of a State of Origin star. His […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – GLENDEN RURAL INTEREST GROUP

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Glenden Rural Interest Group (GRIG), established to support the community of the small mining town of Glenden. Glenden has faced significant challenges in recent years. Originally established to support the workforce of Glencore’s Newlands coal mine, the town faced potential […]

PRETTY IN PINK

The Uncoaler at Glencore’s Collinsville Open Cut Mine is now pretty in pink, an everyday reminder of the importance of breast cancer awareness. Alice Randell is the Safety Systems and Compliance Coordinator at Glencore’s Collinsville Open Cut Mine and for the last two years has been fundraising for breast cancer. It all started in 2023 […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: EILEEN DUNCAN

Middlemount has seen many faces, those of mining families building lives and those of workers transiently passing through. For the last decade, one of these faces has been unmistakably constant, Eileen Duncan’s. Her story is not just one of residence, but of deep-rooted involvement and leadership. Eileen moved to Middlemount ten years ago, finding it […]

POSTIE PILGRIMAGE 

A group of postie bike enthusiasts are gearing up to tackle 2,200-kilometres on the back of postie bikes across regional Queensland to raise money for Childhood Cancer Support (CCS). This will be the 11th year of the Annual Postie Bike Safari that has raised a total of $696,000 for various charities since it started. Between […]

ADVANCED APPRENTICES OUT IN REAL WORLD

The first cohort of BHP’s Advanced Apprentices have graduated with university qualifications, opening the door to some exciting career opportunities. BHP’s Advanced Apprentices program is part of the company’s Future of Work Program that seeks to strengthen economic resilience in regional communities through advanced apprenticeships, skills and training that are relevant to the needs of […]

GOOD HEALTH HEROES

Men’s Health Week is from the 10th to 16th June. It’s an important time to highlight men’s health and promote and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities. Men’s Health Week highlights the health challenges faced by men and aims to increase awareness of preventable health problems in men of […]

A SHOVELFUL OF FUN

The Moura Coal & Country Festival is coming up, and it’s your chance to try your hand at one of the most iconic parts of the weekend – the Queensland Coal Shovelling and Roof Bolting State Titles. If you’re planning on joining the thousands of people who will be flocking to Moura on August 16-17 […]

JACARANDA DAY TO BLOOM AGAIN

Goombungee’s stunning Jacaranda Day will bloom again, thanks to a two-year, $20,000 donation from New Acland Coal. New Hope Group’s latest sponsorship announcement means it has donated more than $300,000 to 30 local schools, community groups and sporting teams over the past six months. Rosalie Shire Historical Society President, Denise Iseppi said New Acland Coal’s […]

PROVIDING A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT, A SAFE LIFE

Imagine being a victim of domestic violence, facing fleeing your home and risking homelessness and your and your children’s safety. For 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 8 men, that is the reality. But there is an organisation helping those people and they are the recipient of this month’s @ The Coalface and Complete […]

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

Experienced mine manager Mark Eaglesham has been appointed as the General Manager at the Wilpinjong Mine near Mudgee. Mark has more than 30 years of experience in a range of executive and operational mining roles including General Manager of the Goonyella Riverside Mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Mechanical […]

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

For almost three decades, Ross Whitaker has organised the annual MEU Miner’s Cup Carnival, giving kids from all over the North West region the opportunity to come together for a day of rugby league and fun. On Friday May 24, more than 300 students from schools across the North West region travelled to Gunnedah’s Longmuir […]

FOSTERING FUTURE TALENT

Whitehaven recently hosted a group of senior students from six local schools on an Industry Tour and Career Information Day as part of the Tamworth School Group’s Educational Pathways Program. The event was developed as an educational platform to deepen students’ understanding of the mining sector and the diverse career opportunities it presents. It also […]

MY MINING LIFE – IAN FLOOD

Who are you and what do you do? Ian Flood, Manager Project Development & Approvals, Wilpinjong Coal Mine. My current focus is gaining approval for our proposed modification and extension plans. The modification will allow access to more productive coal areas without changing our approved annual production rates to 2033. The extension is to operate […]

THEN & NOW – MINING & ENERGY UNION

Ever wondered how some people started and what led them to where they are now? This month we asked some of the Mining and Energy Union team to share their journey. Clare Bailey – MEU Central Councillor, Open Cut Operator I was born and raised in rural Wybong, west of Muswellbrook. My father was a […]

THE CHARMING TOWN OF MURRURUNDI

If you’ve driven from the Lower Hunter through to Tamworth, out to Gunnedah and the northwest, chances are you’ve driven through a beautiful little town called Murrurundi. The town’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it was established as a stopover point for travelers and stockmen who were traveling across the vast […]

CROSSFIT COMMUNITIES LIKE NO OTHER

For the last three years, CrossFit gyms across the country have gotten behind an initiative to raise money for Wounded Heroes Australia – an organisation providing 24/7 crisis support to current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force veterans and their families. The event is called 24 Hours of Heroes and this year 33 gyms participated, with […]

MINES RESCUE TEAMS DEMONSTRATE SKILLS UNDER PRESSURE

Mines Rescue brigades were called to the Abel Mine near Newcastle on Friday, May 24 to test their emergency response skills in a series of simulated incidents. Competing in both underground and surface environments, teams applied their specialist training towards search and rescue, first aid and firefighting. The Red team, captained by Jordan Mearns, narrowly […]

FIRST AID TEAMS PUT TO THE TEST

Teams attended multiple simulated scenarios with casualties suffering from broken limbs, hyperventilation, suspected spinal injury, heat stroke, severe allergic reaction, limb impalement and extreme heat exhaustion at the Lithgow Mines Rescue Station on Friday, May 10. Six teams vied for top honours at the annual Coal Services Western Region First Aid Competition, with the Centennial […]

MALABEARS BRINGING COMFORT TO CHILDREN IN NEED

Malabar Resources are committed to giving back to the community and this year they embarked on a special project aimed at providing comfort to local children experiencing traumatic situations, ‘Malabears’. The concept was simple yet powerful: create a cute, comforting teddy bear to give to children in distressing environments. To bring this idea to life, […]

STRONGMAN ROB KEEPING HIS COAL

Robert Marlow is a Tyre Supervisor for Otraco at BHP’s Mount Arthur Mine at Muswellbrook, and on his days off he spends hours in the gym training as a Strongman. Rob’s commitment has paid off, recently returning from Australia’s first tested Strongman competition and qualifier, the Natural Strongman Worlds in South Australia. He finished the […]

EVERY ROLE IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PUZZLE

Being able to transfer your skills to roles across the globe is just one of the incredible opportunities that a career in mining has offered Whitehaven Coal’s Keryn Zambrowski. Her story is proof that a career in mining can open up the world… if you are willing to do what it takes. If her name […]

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Blackroo Community Haven has been operating out of garages, work sheds and homes in Muswellbrook, but now the organisation has a place to call home thanks to grant funding through MACH Energy. The MACH Energy Mount Pleasant Operation Aboriginal Community Development Fund (ACDF) was established in 2006 and supports partnerships in the Upper Hunter Valley […]

CLEARING THE AIR

The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue has released its 2023 Air Quality Update. The Update analyses and reports on key aspects of air quality across the Upper Hunter region, including concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) for the 2023 calendar year, as well as examining the relationship between particulate matter and other factors such as […]

CLOSURE IS JUST THE BEGINNING

With a significant number of mining sites slated for closure in the coming decade, the NSW Parliament will launch an inquiry to investigate new and innovative approaches to post-mining land use. Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has written to Emily Suvaal, chair of NSW Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on State Development, asking her to […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – PUMPS & PIPELINE SERVICES

Tell us about the business. Pumps & Pipeline Services are a complete water infrastructure management service, supporting all industry sectors, and individuals across NSW. We supply innovative water solutions in the industry and are mindful of the importance of sustainability, environmental monitoring and achieving greater efficiencies for mining companies, councils, farmers, and households. How long […]

WHITEHAVEN GETS TO WORK

The Whitehaven workforce has made a seamless transition at the company’s newly acquired Blackwater and Daunia mine sites in the Bowen Basin since Whitehaven completed its acquisition of 100% of both sites in April. BHP and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd divested the Blackwater and Daunia mine sites for about $4.1 billion. The acquisition is a […]

OPINION: HAVE WE SEEN THE OPENING OF QUEENSLAND’S LAST GREENFIELD COAL DEVELOPMENT?

I was honoured to be present at the official opening of Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Complex a few weeks ago. Whichever way you look at it, the project is a resounding success to date, and Pembroke is to be heartily congratulated. The question on many onlookers’ minds seems to be whether the future holds any […]

MORE THAN JUST FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Brooke Adams is one of 20 recipients of the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) Mineworkers Trust, receiving $7,000 to go towards her expenses while undertaking a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Monash University. The Trust has supported numerous projects over the years from air-conditioning schools to charity fundraisers and their annual scholarship program. The program is […]

RIDING THE WAVES OF CREATIVITY

In an exciting showcase of regional talent, Moranbah artist Naiya Luczynski has triumphed in the BMA River 2 Reef Youth Art Competition, securing the coveted first place with her design that beautifully captures the spirit of Mackay and its natural surroundings. The competition drew numerous submissions from high school students across the Mackay, Whitsunday, and […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: LEX FLACK

Lex Flack’s journey from a seasoned sales representative to a devoted volunteer for Mackay Isaac Tourism captures a deep-seated passion for the Mackay Isaac region. After retiring from his full-time role in 2005, Lex initially sought to volunteer in tourism, a venture that although started unassumingly at an airport stand, has blossomed into a profound […]

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WORK HARD TO GET IT

Tanya Olive is an Operations Trainer/Assessor at Jellinbah Mining in the Bowen Basin, but she recently just received her Open Cut Examiner (OCE) ticket after years of hard work. Tanya started in the mining industry in 2007 at Jellinbah working in training and administration for a few years before going out to Jellinbah Plains working […]

ISABELLA LEAPS TO SUCCESS

At a young age, Isabella Cummins of Mackay has danced her way into the spotlight, securing a prestigious position in the global Irish dancing scene. Daughter of Rebecca and Paul, Isabella’s exceptional talent stems from her early fascination with Irish dance, initially inspired by Emma Wiggle’s performances. “Isabella was just two when she first showed […]

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

May 20 to 26 is National Volunteer Week and the theme for 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’. No matter what your passion or your talent, there is a place for everyone in the world of volunteering. This special week also highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering […]

BOYS GO BLUE

Moranbah residents are showing their vibrant support for diabetes awareness in a unique way, thanks to a local initiative dubbed ‘Boys Go Blue’. Spearheaded by Dylan, a local diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), the campaign features eye-catching blue hair as a symbol of solidarity and awareness. The idea sprang to life during a casual […]

MY MINING LIFE – RODNEY BUTLER

Who are you and what do you do? I work for East Coast Traffic Control, and we go out and control the roads when the mines are doing the blasting. We close it down so no traffic can go through while the blast is happening. When did you start in the mining industry and what […]

JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Get ready for an adventure like no other at Capricorn Dinosaur Park, the latest addition to the Capricorn Coast’s rich array of tourist attractions. Just a short drive from Rockhampton and 15 minutes north of Yeppoon, this unique destination offers an engaging escape into the world of the Jurassic era, perfect for families and dinosaur […]

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Multitrade Building Hire have launched “The Solar Facility”, an innovative leap forward for sustainable portable building solutions. James Steele, Multitrade Building Hire Operations Manager, sat down with @ The Coalface to talk about the new benchmark the business has set for sustainability and efficiency in off-grid operational environments. The Solar Facility, designed in collaboration with […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – BLACKWATER ARTS SOCIETY

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Blackwater Arts Society, a canvas for community connection. The Blackwater Art Society (BAS) has become a hub of creativity and connection, offering a diverse range of workshops and events that cater to artists and art lovers of all ages in […]

OPINION: WHY OUR MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS ARE THE BEST

It’s a big call but I’m making it: Queensland coal mining towns have the best May Day celebrations anywhere in Australia. As a coal miner born and bred in the Bowen Basin coalfields, I’ve grown up knowing May Day as one of the most important days of the year. In our mining hubs like Moranbah […]

ANGEL ON A NEWBORN SHOULDER

The Townsville University Hospital Neo-Natal Unit has received 50 Angel Eye Cameras thanks to a partnership between the Glencore Coal Assets Australia Community Investment Project, the Townsville Hospital & Health Service via the Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation. Queensland Health Department statistics show that between 2019 and 2021, 659 babies were born pre-term out of […]

THEN & NOW – @ THE COALFACE

Ever wondered how some people started and what led them to where they are now? This month we asked some of the team at Complete Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) to share their journey. Glen Camilleri – Mackay Branch Manager Delivering solutions for clients in the tropical environs of North Queensland is a long way […]

CARS DON’T COME COOLER THAN THIS

Over the Easter long weekend, Rockhampton became the epicentre of Australia’s street machine scene with the fourth edition of the Rare Spares Rockynats. This annual spectacle drew a record crowd of 57,000 spectators and over 1,640 entrants, making it Queensland’s largest car and bike show. Rockynats 2024 unfolded across three dynamic precincts, each offering its […]

MORE THAN A BEST FRIEND

The Moranbah Community Workers Club has partnered with Smart Pups to sponsor a puppy who will become a specially trained assistance dog for a young boy in Dysart named Elijah. It’s a long-term commitment for the Club as training the pup will take about 18 months. As part of the sponsorship deal, the Club had […]

QME 2024 SET TO BE A RECORD BREAKER

On 23-25 July, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) will take over the heart of Mackay. Now is the time to register for the ultimate mining industry event. This year’s exhibition is setting benchmarks across event size, exhibitors and speakers, with a super-sized floor plan already promising attendees the ultimate opportunity for connection and […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – MACKAY FLUID POWER

Tell us about the business. Mackay Fluid Power is a privately owned, locally run business. We are ever growing and expanding. We work with quality suppliers to offer a range of premium products. Mackay Fluid Power have the ability to support your project from concept through to design, fabrication, commissioning, and operator training if required. […]

OPINION: COAL NOT DEAD

Over the past year I have attended the official opening of two new coal mines. I have been a Senator for 10 years and do not think I have ever seen two coal mines open in one year. The Olive Downs mine, in the Bowen Basin, will employ more than 1000 people and export steelmaking […]

LIFE AFTER MINING

The former Rhondda Colliery is being transformed into a motor park and multi-tourism hot spot, more than 120 years after mining started at the Lake Macquarie coal mine. The Rhondda Colliery opened in 1900 and was calculated to have an output of 1500 tonnes per day. The colliery operated using a rope with skips – […]

‘JUST MOVE’

This May, CS Health is proud to promote Exercise Right Week, developed by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). This year’s theme, ‘Just Move’ highlights the benefits of adding just 30 minutes of movement into your daily routine – creating small changes that can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health. In […]

LIDDELL POWERS CREATIVE PROCESS

Retired coal-fired Liddell Power Station has mutated to an en plein air (open air) artwork as part of an ambitious creative program seeking to honour the legacy of the iconic energy plant. Liddell helped to keep the lights on across NSW and sustained businesses for more than half a century until its closure in April […]

FROM TRAUMA TEDDIES TO TIDY TOWNS TO FOSTER CARE, DIANA DOES IT ALL

Across Australia there are about 9,000 foster carers and Singleton’s Diana Thorning is one of those who has been looking after children since 1997. Not only that, but Diana has also been the secretary of the Singleton Branch of the Australian Red Cross since 2003, Vice-President of Singleton Tidy Towns since 2009, and a member […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – HUNTER VALLEY HYDRAULINK

Tell us about the business. We are a distributor of Hydraulink hose and fittings products, as well as doing minor hydraulic component services such as cylinder repairs and seal replacements. We manufacture, supply and service hydraulic equipment to all the industries associated in the Hunter Valley region. How long have you been doing business? We […]

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Steven Underwood has gone from flying 500 ft above the pyramids of Giza, through the mist of Niagara Falls and above the acropolis of Greece, to being the CEO of one of the most iconic, lifesaving services in New South Wales. Steven was appointed to the role of CEO of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service […]

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

May 20 to 26 is National Volunteer Week and the theme for 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’. No matter what your passion or your talent, there is a place for everyone in the world of volunteering. This special week also highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering […]

AEROBATIC FLYING A FAMILY AFFAIR

Paul Bennet spent his childhood flying remote controlled airplanes while listening to stories about his grandfather flying planes during the war, and now he has 23 planes, competes in aerobatic flying competitions, and spends most weekends showcasing his skills at air shows across the world with his family. “When I was one or two, I […]

KING OF THE SHOVEL

Mark King has shoveled his way to victory yet again, winning the Lightning Ridge Easter Festival Miner’s Rickshaw Challenge for the seventh year. Mark is an operator at Mt Thorley Warkworth and in his spare time likes to try his hand at opal mining. The first time he headed out to Lightning Ridge to mine […]

WHITEHAVEN BACKS PONIES

A project that started in 2022 is now complete, with the Boggabri Pony Club proudly showing off a new multi-purpose community hall with the support of a $35,000 contribution from Whitehaven Coal. The new hall boasts accessible toilets and an upgraded road and entrance to ensure safety for riders and visitors when entering the grounds. […]

CHPP CHAMPIONS

Glencore’s Mangoola CHPP have added another year to an already massive milestone, now reaching 13 years of operating without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI). “Champions Do Extra” is the motto of Mangoola CHPP, the words proudly displayed on a sign as you enter site. More than just words, the motto is embedded in every […]

OPINION: CELEBRATING COAL MINERS’ PROUD HISTORY OF STRUGGLE  

On the 1st of May, working people around the world come together to mark International Workers Day with marches and community events. We use this opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of those who came before us, as well as to continue their legacy by advocating for positive change in and out of the workplace. May […]

YOU CAN’T STOP CHANGE, BUT YOU CAN SHAPE IT

That’s what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at the old Liddell Power Station in the Upper Hunter at the end of March to announce his Government’s SunShot initiative to support innovative manufacturing facilities across the solar supply chain. It wasn’t the only announcement; a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between AGL and Australian solar […]

$20,000 FACELIFT FOR HUNTER WETLANDS

The Hunter Wetlands Centre can now be more financially sustainable with a refurbished conference space thanks to a $20,000 joint funding donation from Glencore Coal and Port Waratah Coal Services. The centre is a community-run not-for-profit organisation helping to restore and protect the wetlands environment in Newcastle. In the mid-1980s the centre as it’s known […]

FILLING THE GAP

Philipa Sills from Gunnedah is one of 20 recipients of the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) Mineworkers Trust, receiving $7,000 to go towards her expenses while undertaking a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at the University of New England. The Trust has supported numerous projects over the years from air-conditioning schools to charity […]

A WALK IN HISTORY

Standing as testament to Australia’s rich gold mining heritage is the newly inaugurated Miners’ Memorial Walk in Charter’s Towers. This unique attraction serves not only as a bridge to the past, where fortune-seekers ventured into the depths of the earth, but also as a solemn tribute to those whose journeys were cut short in mine, […]

DOWN TO EARTH TALKS WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST

About 750 mine workers at Glencore’s Oaky Creek mine in the Bowen Basin have listened to a mental health presentation that really hit home. Craig Hamilton worked at an underground coal mine in NSW for 16 years before he jumped on the radio to talk about cricket and found he was a natural. That’s where […]

CHARTING THE FUTURE OF COAL

A recent event at the Moranbah Golf Club gathered the local mining community together in a groundbreaking event aimed at reshaping the conversation around coal. Sponsored by MEC Mining in partnership with the AusIMM Central Queensland Branch, the panel discussion titled “Repositioning Coal – Bringing Conversations Back to the Living Room” sought to navigate the […]

ON YOUR MARKS!

The BMA Mackay Marina Run has officially launched, with event organisers anticipating a record turnout of over 3,500 participants on June 2. Celebrating its 16th iteration, this esteemed event is acclaimed for combining athletic endurance with the allure of Queensland’s picturesque landscapes, offering a course that is both fast and flat amidst sub-tropical beauty. Event […]

HOT WHEELS

The 2024 Rockhampton Cup on Wheels and the Capricornia Cup, held on the March 22 & 23, unfolded as a spectacular weekend of cycling, marking the 57th and 56th instalment of these prestigious events, respectively. Characterised by their feature Wheelraces, which are Handicap events, these races offer every competitor, regardless of their starting position, an […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: ANNE MEEHAN

In the tapestry of the Isaac region community, Anne Meehan stands as a vital thread that binds the community’s fabric with unwavering strength and commitment. For over forty years, Anne’s journey through the heartlands of Central Queensland has been less about the path travelled and more about the lives she’s touched, the initiatives she’s spearheaded, […]

YOU’LL NEVER KNOW IF YOU DON’T GIVE IT GO

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Batchfire Resources is proud to share two of its New to Industry success stories and shine a spotlight on the opportunities available for women in the resources sector. Bek Roy’s dump truck dreams became a reality when she became a machinery operator at Batchfire Resources’ Callide Mine. Bek and her […]

COLLINSVILLE CANTER FOR CANCER

On Sunday March 10, a wave of pink took over Collinsville as more than 80 people and five dogs took part in an International Women’s Day Fun Run event.  The second annual Collinsville Sea of Pink is the town’s ‘virtual’ answer to the Brisbane IWD Fun Run event, supported by Mater Chicks in Pink.  There […]

HILLCOCK’S HOME SWEET HOME

Hillcock Industrial owner’s, Jarryd Hill & Sandra Alcock, recently celebrated the opening of their new business in Mackay. Tell us about the journey that got the business to where it is today. Both of us have a long history working together in the consumable distribution industry and working alongside the mining sector, delivering large change […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – MACKAY MEN’S SHED

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Mackay Men’s Shed, building the community, one project at a time. The Mackay Men’s Shed Inc. was founded in early 2022 by a group of retired men and has become a cornerstone for those seeking, mateship, purpose, and a sense […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – HIC SERVICES

Tell us about the business. HIC Services began operations in 1978 as Bynon Industrial Ceramics, providing industrial tiling services to the NSW steel and coal markets. By 1995, the business had grown significantly and the name was changed to HIC Services. We now have facilities in Newcastle, Mudgee, Gunnedah and Mackay. In 2017 HIC Services […]

FAMILY FUN AT MOOLARBEN COAL

Over 1,900 people streamed through the gates at Moolarben Coal in March to experience what it’s like ‘at the coalface’. Across two weekends employees, contractors and their families went through Moolarben’s gates to get a firsthand look at the mining operation heading along to pit tours,seeing excavators, trucks, loaders, drills, the coal preparation plant and […]

WHO’S IN THE ZOO? ME!

I love animals, but people? Not so much. So, spending a day at the zoo with crowds of tourists is not really my thing. Then I heard about a behind the scenes experience at Sydney’s iconic zoo, Taronga. Among the experiences offered at Taronga is its Zookeeper for the Day program. If you’re a fan […]

GEARING UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Expressway Spares’ company bash car will be hitting the road in May to raise awareness and funds for Variety – The Children’s Charity. Expressway Spares’ Gunnedah Branch Manager Anthony Smith will be jumping behind the wheel of the spruced up 1978 Ford Falcon and cruising from Gunnedah all the way up to Bymount, before heading […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION – JOAN GRIFFITHS

This month’s Community Champion is Joan Griffiths, Narrabri Shire Council’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. Joan was born in Armidale, was married to her husband in Wollongong and then came back to live in Armidale and raise her family. Sometime after Joan and her husband Don arrived back in Armidale, Joan’s husband was offered a […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – VOCAL

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to The Victims of Crime Assistance League. VOCAL is a gift-deductible charity that provides support for anyone who has experienced crime-related trauma. VOCAL was founded by a family who experienced homicide in 1989 and at the time there was no trauma support […]

KEEP YOUR SKIN IN CHECK

Have you ever had a skin check? Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Melanoma is the most common cancer in the 15-29 age group, while in the overall Australian population melanoma ranks as the third most common cancer. It only takes 10-15 minutes to have a skin check and if […]

WOMEN ON THE JOB AT MEU

With a combined more than 50 years’ experience in the mining industry, Jodie Cam and Kerry Konieczny have taken up positions as Mining and Energy Union (MEU) organisers in the northern region and plan to use their experience to help as many mining employees as they can. Jodie has been in the mining industry for […]

TEN REASONS TO CELEBRATE

Ten local community groups in the Upper Hunter region will share in over $55,000 of funding thanks to the Ashton Coal Community Support Program. The 2024 community support program is helping fund new signage at Mitchell’s Flat Recreation Club, lighting and a generator at the Muswellbrook Rotary Club, outdoor musical instruments at Singleton Heights Pre-School, […]

MORE THAN A TRAILER

Muswellbrook family-owned business Eddies Trailers & Fab take a lot of pride in their manufacturing and when it comes to their trailer manufacturing anything is possible. Trailers, they’re everywhere. On the road, on farms, there’s probably a good chance you’ve got one in your backyard. Trailers are so commonplace that the last word that comes […]

EXPERIENCE SPEARHEADS HEAD OF ENERGY COAL

As Mount Arthur’s BHP mine edges closer to the end of its life, a new Vice President New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) has been appointed. Liz Watts has been acting in the role since October last year and prior to that she was supporting the NSWEC team as Head of Transition, spearheading the mine’s […]

ALL ABOUT APPRENTICES

While MMS Engineering doesn’t like to boast about the quality of the products and services they provide, they have no qualms boasting about the quality of their apprentices. MMS Engineering Operations Manager Brad Smith contacted @ The Coalface for one reason. He wanted to give a shout out to all the apprentices working for the […]

TRANSMISSION ON TRACK

The state’s aging coal-fired power stations are reaching the end of their technical lives and with some closing faster than expected, the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) will be operating by 2028 to help transport energy from NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) to the east coast. The HTP involves building a new above-ground 500 kilovolt (kV) […]

FUNDING PROSPERITY AND WELLBEING

From solar panels and mountain biking to support for businesses and tourism, the latest round of the Singleton Community Economic Development Fund will deliver $462,521 to benefit residents over the next three years. In addition, a further $120,000 will be added to the total in 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, pending the successful outcomes of a pilot […]

HVO APPRENTICES HELP OUT

With help from HVO apprentices, children attending Branxton Preschool will have a fantastic new space in which to play. Second year apprentices spent a day this month helping to put the finishing touches on the new 300 square metre playground space. The HVO apprentices rolled up their sleeves to get the play space ready for […]

OPINION: Mount Pleasant to test new Same Job Same Pay laws

The MEU has made an application for Same Job Same Pay orders for Programmed labour hire production workers at Mount Pleasant coal mine near Muswellbrook. It is the first application in NSW under new federal laws and paves the way for many more.  The new laws allow for applications to be made to the Fair […]

STICKING IT TO THE TOP

In the world of sports, where the spotlight often favours those from well-known hubs of talent, Jacob “Boccy” Anderson’s journey from the modest beginnings to the international hockey stage is a narrative of relentless ambition and unwavering dedication. “I picked the sport up at an early age and started making representative teams in primary school,” […]

COMMUNITY GRANTS SUPPORT THRIVING COMMUNITIES

New funding is now available to Central Queensland community groups and not-for-profit organisations in the Moranbah, Middlemount, Moura, Banana and Theodore areas through Anglo American’s 2024 Community Grants Program. Anglo American Australia CEO Dan van der Westhuizen said the company was committed to supporting the development of thriving communities in the Bowen Basin. “The annual […]

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD FROM QLD

As the new BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Asset President, Adam Lancey is focusing on steel and how a better world can be built from Queensland. “The world will need almost twice as much steel in the next 30 years as it did in the past 30,” says Adam. “And Queensland has the world’s best metallurgical […]

BRIDGING THE GAP IN HEARING HEALTH

In an innovative collaboration, Peak Hearing and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) have embarked on a mission to safeguard the auditory health of Moranbah and Clermont’s youngest generations. At the heart of this initiative is Alison Collins, an audiologist dedicated to early hearing intervention. Her journey, which began with a psychology class at Queensland University of […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – VULCAN

Tell us about the business. Vulcan is distributor of metal, aluminium and steel with 2 locations in Mackay. Our site in Dozer Drive stocks Stainless Steel and Engineering Steel products and our site in Maggiolo Drive stocks Aluminium products. We have 37 other sites across Australia and 30 sites in New Zealand. How long have […]

HARD HATS AND HARDCOVERS

In the world of mining, every day presents a new set of challenges and rewards. For Aaron White, the latest chapter in his mining journey is well worth a read. With over twenty years of experience in the mining industry he’s put pen to paper to show what a job in the real world is […]

IT’S A KNOCKOUT

In the heart of the coalfields an extraordinary event brought together the boxing community and showcased talent, determination and sportsmanship. The In-house Open Sparring Night, organised by Dig Deep Boxing in Dysart, emerged from a year of achievements and challenges, including extensive travel across Queensland, participation in national titles in Adelaide, and international representation. Craig […]

OPINION: PROUD TO PROMOTE THE RESOURCES SECTOR

It is a great honour to contribute my first article to @ The Coalface as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Resources Council. I’m a born and bred Queenslander who’s proudly worked in the resources sector for more than 25 years, including with a coal company with mines in our world-famous Bowen Basin. […]

OPINION: DRIVING HARD WORKING AUSTRALIANS MAD

The Government seems to believe that electric vehicle owners are a type of modern-day saint. Now the Government thinks that this group deserves yet more taxpayer largesse with the creation of new efficiency standards. These standards would set a limit for the carbon emissions that can come out of the back of the tailpipe of […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: ROHAN BARNES

Working as the Supply Superintendent at Glencore’s Clermont Open Cut, Rohan’s story is a testament to balancing professional responsibilities with a personal life centered around community service. “The working hours are demanding and take up a significant part of the day. However, the advantage of living less than 15 minutes from work allows those of […]

THEN & NOW – DGI TRADING

Ever wondered how some people started and what led them to where they are now? This month we asked some of the team at DGI Trading to share their journey. Gerard Dillon – General Manager My dad was a mechanic and I grew up on a farm mucking around on the tools. I always had […]

BRAVUS BACKS FIRST NATIONS FOOTY

Bravus Mining and Resources was thrilled to help bring First Nations players from around central and north Queensland together in Rockhampton for the annual Warba Wangarunya Rugby League Carnival. The Rockhampton and Townsville-based operator of the Carmichael coal mine was a major sponsor of the event, hosted each year by Darumbal Community Youth Service. The […]

CHEERS TO 40 YEARS

Abbot Point Operations (APO) is celebrating four decades of safe and responsible operations at the North Queensland Export Terminal, Australia’s most northern deepwater export port. It was this week in 1984 when the Fukukawa Maru arrived at the Terminal, located north of Bowen in Queensland, to load 60,000 tonnes of coking coal from the Collinsville […]

FLEXILAB TRANSFORMS THE FUTURE

Mackay recently took a significant step towards the future of Queensland’s resources sector with the unveiling of the FlexiLab concept design. This pioneering pilot critical minerals processing plant aims to be at the forefront of research, development, testing and training in the resources industry. Backed by a $5.7 million investment from the Miles Government, FlexiLab […]

OPINION: IT’S TIME TO FIX OUR KILLER ROAD

‘The most important thing to come out of the mine is the mine worker.’ It’s a great slogan at the heart of much of our union’s work around safety. With the imperative to continually increase production, workers need a strong voice for safety on our mine sites. But our advocacy around safety doesn’t stop at […]

AID FOR AGRICULTURE

New Hope Group has ramped up its support of the local community by donating $230,000 to 23 different schools, community groups and sporting teams over the past four months, including a sizeable donation to Quinalow Prep-10 State School. New Acland Mine’s $20,000 donation will allow the school to expand its award-winning agricultural science program. Quinalow […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – ROCKHAMPTON FOOD BANK

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Rockhampton Food Bank, a service aimed at supporting its community’s most pressing needs. The Rockhampton Food Bank, an initiative by Hands of Compassion Inc., originally started in Logan City in 2006 and in 2017 extended its mission to Rockhampton, responding […]

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

A legally binding housing agreement between a young coal mining company and a central Queensland council hopes to inspire industry players to follow suit. Vitrinite signed the housing contribution agreement with Isaac Regional Council in a bid to futureproof communities reducing impacts on Isaac’s local rental and housing market. The agreement establishes a housing committee […]

OPINION: THE BOWEN BASIN’S LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE FUEL IN THE TANK

As producers around the globe juggle growing demands to produce more with less (and with net zero impact), simultaneously performing advanced acrobatics to manage the expectations of investors, shareholders and communities, how is the state of play in our own Bowen Basin? At the Bowen Basin Mining Club, we’ve seen two principles emerge as key […]

FUNDS TO HELP ENGAGE STUDENTS

Bowen State High School has received a grant from the QCoal Foundation to support their “Engage to Achieve: Nurturing Great Humans” project. The project is a Social and Emotional Wellbeing project for secondary students who are more at risk of disengagement, have barriers to education, aggressive behaviours or prior suspensions. Its success has been recognised […]

THREE THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT AT QME 2024

Get ready – the countdown is on to the highly anticipated Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) in 2024!  With all the buzz around increased mining activity and an uplift in industry confidence, QME 2024 is set to break records. This unmissable industry event has everything for mining professionals who want to strengthen their business, […]

KICKSTART YOUR CAREER

Applications are now open for Glencore Coal’s 2025 Graduate Program and emerging professionals are invited to apply. Starting in February 2025, this two-year program provides aspiring professionals with a chance to kickstart their careers within one of Australia’s leading mining companies. Graduate opportunities are available across a range of disciplines including engineering, environmental science, surveying, […]

SMART TECHNOLOGY

This month we caught up with Peter Horsburgh from SORBA.ai to learn about a technology designed to unlock the full potential of a mining operation’s assets. Peter is a reliability engineer, for more than two decades he has been using his technical expertise to assess the risks and reliability associated with assets in business operations. […]

MY MINING LIFE – CARRIE BENDEICH

Who are you and what do you do? I’m Carrie. I’m the First Nations Programs Coordinator with Glencore Coal Australia, working on lands where Glencore operate in both Queensland and New South Wales. I’m originally from the Hunter Valley, and have worked in Indonesia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and now across Queensland and NSW. When […]

2024 IS YEAR OF THE VOLUNTEER

Smart Transformation has kicked off its brand new Volunteering Project – to both celebrate existing community volunteers and attract new helpers to not-for-profit organisations and sporting groups. With support from BMA, the Smart Transformation Volunteering Project will increase community awareness of the need for volunteers to keep important community events on the social calendar and […]

STEPPING UP FOR LIFESAVING SERVICE

The RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service is an essential aeromedical service in Central QLD, but they wouldn’t be able to do what they do without an army of volunteers. RACQ CapRescue operates over a huge area, spanning 350,000 square kilometres, helping more than 300,000 people per year. Racking up almost 30 years of operation in […]

FOLLOW THE SILO ART TRAIL

Since being forced to stay within Australian waters during pandemic, travelling around our own backyard became increasingly popular. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors but since 2020 I have done a whole lot more camping, jumped in the car for more road trips and explored a lot more of NSW than I would’ve if I had […]

MINERS SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH

The Moolarben Coal Maintenance team are proudly wearing their bright and colourful TradeMutt shirts onsite in support of the ‘Not weak to speak Wednesday’ initiative. Speaking about mental health is something that is encouraged every day, however employees at Moolarben Coal have taken it a step further, introducing ‘Not weak to speak Wednesday’, an awareness […]

MAILRUN RETURNS

Registrations for the annual Mailrun Charity Bike Ride are now open with this year’s ride held on Sunday April 14. For over a decade the Mailrun Charity Bike Ride has been raising vital funds for not-for-profit charitable organisation, Singleton Family Support, while also providing a fun event for the whole community to enjoy. This year […]

ONE FOR THE HISTORY APP

The history of the Northern District coalfields will soon be preserved forever in an interactive history app by filmmaker Sandra Pires. From Harry’s miners’ lamp that was left at the Neath Hotel in World War I while he went to fight, to the 3000 miners who helped clean up after the 1955 Maitland Floods, these […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – FILTER TECHNOLOGY AUSTRALIA

Tell us about the business. FTA was founded in 1997 by a local family for the purpose of providing the highest possible quality products and services within the filtration industry. After many years of success in this field, FTA has proudly expanded our product and services lines to include custom dispensing and refueling solutions, reel […]

HOME SWEET HOME

After working from a shed on private land for nearly 100 years, the Kayuga Rural Fire Brigade will now be able to work from their very own shed on public land thanks to the collaborative efforts of the NSW Rural Fire Service, a local mine and state and local governments. In 2021 the brigade received […]

A NEED FOR SIDECAR SPEED

Trevor Harvey has worked at Glencore’s Mangoola mine at Muswellbrook for 14 years, but in his spare time he’s just retired after 43 years motorcycle racing. He started at the bottom, pit crewing at races in Sydney when he was a teenager, and working his way up to racing when he was 17 years old […]

OPINION: WOMEN IN OUR INDUSTRY DESERVE REAL SUPPORT

In March, we celebrate International Women’s Day. March 8 is an important day to recognise the progress and achievements of women in society and in the male-dominated mining industry. But despite the flurry of Awards and events celebrating women, mining companies must lift their game offering the support women need to thrive in the industry. […]

A BACKPACK WITH HEART

For many years, Complete Parts and Equipment Solutions have been proud supporters of the @ The Coalface monthly Community Gift. But you might not know that they have also been running their own charity in the Singleton community for nearly three years. Felicity and Sean Dyson started their earthmoving and mining equipment business, Complete Parts, […]

GUNNEDAH CHPP CELEBRATES SAFETY MILESTONE

Whitehaven Coal’s Gunnedah Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) recently achieved a remarkable milestone as it marked 4000 Lost Time Incident (LTI) free days. This is equivalent to approximately 11 years without a Lost Time Incident, showcasing the team’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe and secure work environment. Production Superintendent Derek Welsh said the […]

OPINION – MINER’S MASSIVE CONTRIBUTION

We all know our world class miners contribute an enormous amount to local communities and to the NSW economy. Exactly how much is highlighted every year when we release our annual Economic Impact Survey. Our latest Survey found in the last financial year, participating mining companies supported over 31,500 full time equivalent jobs, the highest […]

NEW DIGS FOR MTW

Yancoal’s Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine in Singleton is due to operate until 2037, and in a bid to increase their maintenance efficiency and productivity, construction has finished on a new eight-bay workshop. It has been a long time coming, but the doors are finally open on the new Ultra Class Truck Workshop, adjacent to […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – SOUTHLAKES INC.

This month, Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Southlakes Inc. Over the last 10 years, this amazing local organisation has helped more than 1.5 million people. Christine Mastello is the founder of Southlakes Inc. Through her work as a social worker, Christine knew many families were struggling to make ends […]

TRUCKS DELIVER BUCKS

Five Upper Hunter charities have shared in $32,500 because of the coal hauled by five Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) mining trucks. Representatives from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, Type 1 Foundation and Singleton Family Support recently received their donations from HVO General Manager Dave Foster. Dave said […]

VOLUNTEERS KEEP THE BLADES TURNING

There are over 850 ‘red shirts’ across Northern NSW raising money to help keep the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in the air for anyone who finds themselves having possibly the worst day of their life. It costs approximately $40 million a year to keep the Service’s four helicopters and crew in the air. Of that, 14 […]

THEN AND NOW – EXPRESSWAY SPARES

Ever wondered how some people started and what led them to where they are now? This month we asked some of the team at Expressway Spares to share their journey. Geoff Fowler – National Operations Manager Wauchope NSW (49 years of service) I started with Expressway Spares in 1975 working as a yardman. 12 months […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

Tell us about the business. CST was founded in 1984 in response to a long-standing industry need for more accurate, reliable and durable in-motion weighing equipment than was currently available. A key element of its success has been focusing on developing the technology to bring high accuracy weighing technology to critical, and high value material […]

UNVEILING THE FUTURE AT QME 2024

2024 will see the return of the much-anticipated Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) at Mackay Showgrounds on 23-25 July 2024. We caught up with QME Exhibition Director Samantha Martin to get a sneak preview into what we can expect from the event this July. So what can everyone look forward to at QME this […]

SMART TRANSFORMATION TURNS 21!

Moranbah and Dysart’s Smart Transformation Advisory Councils have celebrated their 21st meeting with cake and recognition of their major achievements over the past four years. The community-based Advisory Council members volunteer their time to drive Smart Transformation and give direction, advice and support on various projects and issues of importance to the futures of Dysart […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION – NICK WHEELER

Dysart is a thriving community thanks to the dedication of its residents. Among them stands Nick Wheeler, a pillar of the community whose journey in Dysart spans over four decades. Nick Wheeler’s connection with Dysart began 43 years ago, driven by opportunities in the mining industry. “I started at Norwich Park back in the Utah […]

WELLBEING EXPO HITS MOURA

An intergenerational initiative involving student volunteers and community working together to improve access to health and wellbeing services in the Central Queensland rural mining community of Moura have had a busy few months’ preparing to host Anglo American’s 2024 Wellbeing Expo.  Dawson Mine General Manager, Dan Illiffe, said Anglo American was pleased to be partnering […]

A ‘SNAPPY’ ADVENTURE

In search of a family adventure that’s off the beaten path? Look no further than the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. Just a 30-minute bus drive from Airlie Beach, our adventure began on a drizzly summer day. Not ideal conditions for crocodile sunbaking! Yet, we were reassured that this all-weather tour was perfect for a rainy day […]

WIMARQ READY TO ROLL IN 2024

Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) has marked 2023 with significant achievements in the Bowen Basin, thanks to the collective efforts of its members. Members such as Kristy Purdon, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the mining sector, will notch up 10 years as the group’s regional lead in March. […]

MAGNETIC SOUTH KICKSTARTS DONATIONS WITH DEFIBRILLATOR

Dingo residents are better protected in the case of an emergency thanks to the donation of a defibrillator which has been installed outside the library and can be accessed by anyone in need. The donation was made as part of the launch of Magnetic South’s pre-construction Community Benefit Fund, which is now open and taking […]

HOWZAT!

The Central Queensland (CQ) under-18 cricket team, representing the vast and diverse mining regions of Central Queensland, has clinched a historic victory at the North Queensland Under 18 Zone Championships in Mackay. This achievement highlights the burgeoning cricket talent in the area, drawing players from various towns including Gladstone, Emerald, and Rockhampton. Team Manager Geoff […]

PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT FOR QLD’S FIRST NATIONS AUSTRALIANS

Applications are now open for Glencore Coal’s 2024 Queensland First Nations Pathways Program (FNPP). Commencing in April, the FNPP is a 26-week education to employment program which aims to provide employment opportunities for First Nations Australians with connections to the land near Glencore Coal operations. Now in its sixth year, the program has a proven […]

MY MINING LIFE – JODIE KELLY

Who are you and what do you do? I’m Jodie, and I’m employed by Anglo American where I hold the position of Operating Model and Business Improvement Manager. My primary responsibility revolves around providing support to our mining sites across Australia. In essence, my role entails aiding these sites in comprehending and executing the foundational […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – BREAKAWAY HORSE RIDERS CLUB

This month the Components Only and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Breakaway Horse Riders Club, an organisation that has significantly contributed to the Mackay District since its inception in 1986. Affiliated with the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association (ATHRA), the club has been a beacon for trail riding and endurance enthusiasts, […]

OPINION: WHAT DO SAME JOB SAME PAY LAWS MEAN FOR YOU?

New laws are in place to stop labour hire workers being paid less than permanents for the same work. A Central Queensland mine site has been identified as the first cab off the rank for a union-led application to bring labour hire wages up to the same rate as permanents. Before Christmas, the Fair Work […]

HAUL TRUCKS TO HELP EARLY CANCER DETECTION

Peabody’s Coppabella Moorvale JV has taken delivery of two new Komatsu 930 E-5 haul trucks to start work at the mine and to raise awareness and encourage the early detection of breast and prostate cancer. The trays of the trucks at the Central Queensland mine have been painted pink and blue in the colours of […]

NO HOT AIR ABOUT THIS TECHNOLOGY

New technology that has been used for the last three years at a mine in the Bowen Basin has saved 50 b-double loads of truck filters from going to landfill. Six years ago, Maven Greentech came up with the AirX Robot System which is a robot-driven air filter cleaning system tailored for heavy vehicles. The […]

BRAVUS RIDES WITH COWBOYS

Bravus Mining and Resources was front and centre at the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys annual community day recently as excitement for the return of footy season builds across regional Queensland. Hundreds of footy fans descended on the Cowboys Training Field in South Townsville to celebrate the new “blue and grey” line-up and rub shoulders with […]

A JOB WELL DONE

For more than four decades Mick Buffier has worked in coal mining. While he officially retired on January 31, it’s safe to say that Mick will never stop advocating for the coal industry. In 1975, after completing a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons) from Sydney University, Mick worked as a civil engineer on Kooragang Island […]

OPINION: ANOTHER BIG YEAR FOR RESOURCES

2024 will be another big year for Queensland’s resources sector, and that includes here at the QRC. We will shortly be welcoming our new Chief Executive Officer, Janette Hewson, to lead the peak body for Queensland’s mining and energy sector and our state’s most important export industry into a new era. Janette is very highly […]

PANTRY PARTNERSHIP

Vulnerable Isaac families facing cost-of-living pressures will receive food relief through a $158,000 Community Pantry partnership. Anglo American has partnered with Emergency and Long-term Accommodation Moranbah (ELAM) to help provide emergency relief to families and individuals in crisis across the Isaac region. The two-year Community Pantry and Emergency Relief partnership delivers food relief measures under […]

A NEW ERA FOR PEABODY

One of the world’s largest steel making coal mines has a new name, marking a fresh start for the Peabody operation. The North Goonyella Mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin will be known as the ‘Centurion Coal Mine’ as the company cements its long-term plan to make the mine a global leader in the supply of […]

OPINION: FACTS FIGHT AGAINST FICTION

A few years ago a BHP executive, Fiona Wild, told The Guardian newspaper that the election of Joe Biden had given her “great hope” that we would be able to “avoid the worst impacts of climate change.” Ms Wild went on to say that “We’ve been pretty clear that we don’t think energy coal has […]

INTRODUCING THE 2024 QMEA AMBASSADORS

The 2024 Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) Ambassadors program, an initiative by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), recently conducted a camp in Brisbane. The event marked the start of a year-long journey for 20 selected students and heralded a new era of talent in Queensland’s resources and energy sectors. The students, selected for their […]

PITT’S PATH TO PACIFIC GAMES

Moranbah’s own Jovyn Pitt recently represented Australia on the international stage, participating in the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. The former Moranbah State High School Captain and Indigenous Captain is studying Health Science at James Cook University in Townsville. Having stood out for his academic excellence and his compelling application, Jovyn was selected […]

COLLINSVILLE TURNS PINK

The mining town of Collinsville in outback Queensland is set to transform into a ‘Sea of Pink’ to celebrate International Women’s Day and help raise funds for the Mater Foundation to fight breast cancer.  The ‘virtual fun run’ will take place on Sunday 10 March, embracing the spirit of the Sea of Pink seen in […]

MORE WOMEN IN MINING

The number of women working in trade positions in Queensland’s resources sector jumped by almost 40 per cent in the last financial year, now accounting for a record 13 per cent of all trade roles. New industry data also shows nine out of 10 women employed by resources companies now work in ‘non-traditional’ roles such […]

GLENCORE SUPPORTS SPORT

Junior athletes across regional NSW will soon have greater access to skills, equipment and important safety programs thanks to almost $95,000 in collective funding from Glencore’s Junior Sports Development Program (JSDP). Fourteen junior sporting clubs across the state have received JSDP grants of up to $7,500, with the aim of enhancing the sustainability and strength […]

AHS – DRIVING THE FUTURE

In recent years, mining companies across the globe have begun adopting autonomous haulage systems (AHS) for haul trucks. This play has proven to be both strategic and beneficial, as more industry heavyweights recognise the considerable advantages and safety statistics associated with the technology. Improved productivity, continuous and consistent truck operations, and reduced costs stand out […]

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) has granted over $115,000 in funding to local community organisations, aiming to make a positive difference to the Hunter Valley region in 2024. This funding will be shared by nineteen local community organisations that work in the areas of health, social and community, environment, and education and training.  Some of the […]

OPINION – A MASSIVE YEAR FOR MINING

Throughout 2023 our local mining industry worked hard to support regional communities and the state economy. Mining was at the forefront of the NSW Government’s budget repair efforts, with an increase in mining royalties. Towards the end of 2023 coal mining jobs hit record levels, with more than 25,000 miners and their families living in […]

UNDERWATER PARADISE

After so many years of reviewing fun things to do in our region, there was still one place I had yet to explore. And it just so happens to cover 71% of the planet! If you haven’t guessed it already, this month I did a lot more then stick my toes in the water. I […]

LIDDELL’S LEGEND LIVES ON

On March 9, the Liddell tradition of keeping its history alive continues at Club Singleton with the 2024 Liddell Coal & Allied operations and collieries staff reunion. It’s a must attend event that grows each year it’s held. Liddell started in 1923. As one of the biggest mines in the district, it was the training […]

CHRISTMAS IN THE CLASSROOM

The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue helped spread some Christmas cheer in local schools. Delivered in conjunction with the Hunter River Times newspaper, the Dialogue Christmas in the Classroom competition aims to help local schools and their students showcase the festive season while celebrating and farewelling the school year. For the third year, schools involved with […]

UHMD APPOINTS NEW CHAIR

The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue recently appointed a new Chair, John Watson. John is the Director Environment and Community Coal Assets Australia – Glencore, and takes on this role from Sarah Withell, who has held this position since 2019. Sarah has played an invaluable role in setting the Dialogue’s strategic direction and ensuring it remains […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: ZOE MAWKES

About 50 per cent of new mothers experience the ‘baby blues’ in the first few weeks after giving birth, and 1 in 6 women will experience the longer-term postnatal depression. It is difficult to fathom that one of the happiest moments in a mother’s life can also be one of the saddest. The childbearing years, […]

PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT FOR NSW’S FIRST NATIONS AUSTRALIANS

Applications are now open for Glencore Coal’s 2024 NSW First Nations Pathways Program (FNPP). Commencing in April, the FNPP is a 26-week education to employment program which aims to provide employment opportunities for First Nation Australians with connections to the land near Glencore Coal operations. Now in its sixth year, the program has a proven […]

FREEZING THE PAIN AWAY

For many of us, living with pain or inflammation from an injury or disease day in, day out for the rest of our lives is reality. But maybe it doesn’t have to be. There’s a treatment in Australia that is starting to be used more widely that could bring some relief. It’s called Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy […]

BOOST FOR BEES

A Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) community grant has helped a newly formed community group to value and protect Australian native bees in the Hunter. The Australian Native Bee Association (ANBA) is a national member-based organisation that promotes the conservation, cultural significance and sustainable management of all Australian native bees, and the development of native bee […]

OPINION: WHAT DO SAME JOB SAME PAY LAWS MEAN FOR YOU?

Before Christmas, a package of workplace laws passed through the Federal Parliament that will have a big impact on wages in the mining industry. The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 passed on 7 December 2023, containing ‘Same Job Same Pay’ provisions to prevent companies from undercutting Enterprise Agreements by paying labour hire […]

JULES KICKING GOALS

Jules Kirkpatrick only started playing rugby league four years ago, but she’s already made it to the top tier of the sport in NSW. The 20-year-old from Singleton played her first club game with the Muswellbrook Rams and that same year tried out for the under 19s Tarsha Gale Cup side with the Newcastle Knights. […]

MY MINING LIFE – OLIVIA HULBERT

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Olivia Hulbert, I am 26 years old and an Environmental Advisor working for Whitehaven Coal Mine Closure Unit. The unit undertakes the rehabilitation of historic and closed mines, and supports rehabilitation for our Gunnedah Open Cut coal mines.   When did you start in […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Coalfields Local History Association Inc.

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Coalfields Local History Association Inc. Operating out of the Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum in Abermain and made up entirely of volunteers, they are passionate about preserving our region’s history. Established in 1996 with the objectives of discovering, recording, preserving […]

THE CAMERON’S AND CENTENNIAL HELPING HMRI

The Cameron Family and Centennial Coal have a long history with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). It started with Dr Bob Cameron who was a GP for 70 years. He trained at Sydney University and was based at various places throughout his career including at Cessnock District Hospital. During the war he amputated the […]

HOT WHEELS TRANSPORT TOYS

Most of us don’t like spending time in company cars as it means we’re normally out and about on work business. But at Expressway Spares, employees and customers can’t wait to jump into their one of a kind company car. A few months back, Expressway Spares came up with the creative idea to invest in […]

Coal Counts Queensland

To finish off the year, @ The Coalface is proud to present this special feature showcasing the contribution coal mining makes to our communities. We’re not talking about the contribution coal mining makes to our economy, with billions of dollars paid in taxes and royalties to the Government every year. We all have to pay […]

COAL COUNTS New South Wales

To finish off the year, @ The Coalface is proud to present this special feature showcasing the contribution coal mining makes to our communities. We’re not talking about the contribution coal mining makes to our economy, with billions of dollars paid in taxes and royalties to the Government every year. We all have to pay […]

REMEMBERING MINERS

The 2023 Moranbah Miners’ Memorial took place on November 10 at the Moranbah Town Square. The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to all the miners who have lost their lives in the region. The memorial stands as a powerful symbol of the community’s unity and resilience, while also highlighting the risky nature of mining. It […]

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SPORT

Junior athletes across regional Queensland will soon have greater access to skills, equipment and important safety programs thanks to almost $120,000 in collective funding from Glencore’s Junior Sports Development Program (JSDP). Eighteen junior sporting clubs across the state have received JSDP grants of up to $7,500 each, with the aim of enhancing the sustainability and […]

OPINION: Where would Queensland be without the resources sector?

It’s a question often asked but new figures released last month in the QRC’s Economic Contribution Report make it even more pertinent. I was extremely proud in my final address to the QRC’s biggest annual event as Chief Executive to confirm that the resources sector produced a record contribution to Queensland in the 2022/23 financial […]

MY MINING LIFE – Bradley Ingram

Who are you and what do you do? Bradley Ingram. I am a Train Driver hauling coal from the mines to the port in the Blackwater System. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I started as a Driver in Hughenden in 2002 as a freight Driver. Previously […]

SMALL CLUB, BIG HEART

The Mackay Rowing Club might be a small club, but there’s nothing small about its achievements. Mari Simmonds, President of the Mackay Rowing Club and a 15-year enthusiast, embodies the club’s spirit of perseverance and passion. Starting her rowing journey at 52, Mari’s story is a testament to the club’s welcoming ethos. “It’s never too […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Dysart Christmas Train

This month the Components Only and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes toward supporting the Dysart Christmas Tain and helping to keep this important tradition chugging along. As the last of the twinkling lights dimmed and the cheerful echoes of laughter faded, Dysart’s Christmas Lights Train Tour completed another successful season. This iconic event, […]

OPINION: People Over Production

The final Bowen Basin Mining Club luncheon for 2023 featured a panel discussion between C-suite leaders in the industry, covering topics from royalties to recruitment and responsibility. The panel included Ian Macfarlane, Chief Executive, Queensland Resources Council, Barry Tudor, Chief Executive Officer, Pembroke Resources, Mark Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Hastings Deering, Mick Crowe, Chief Operating […]

AWARDING EXCELLENCE IN MINING

Anglo American’s Aquila Mine has taken home a top mining award for groundbreaking technology advancements to minimise human presence in underground areas. The mine won the Outstanding Mine Performance category at the Australian Mining Prospect Awards 2023 and was also a finalist in the Excellence in Mine Safety category. The mine features two longwall systems […]

FROM COAL MINE TO CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Meet Julian, Purchasing Officer at Glencore’s Hail Creek coal mine. When he’s not overseeing purchasing operations, Julian puts on a completely different uniform – one of green and gold. Julian recently traded his hi-vis for Australia’s national colours at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland. He took part in the gruelling Gran Fondo […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Dr. Caitlyn Mittelstadt

In Clermont, a town enriched by its coal mining heritage, Dr. Caitlyn Mittelstadt stands out not only for her veterinary expertise but also for her deep engagement with the community. “I began volunteering from a young age, starting with small charities, shaving my head twice for cancer and relay for life; working alongside my generous […]

DYSART CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

On November 4, Dysart State School celebrated its 50th anniversary and the town’s half-century milestone. The school grounds buzzed with excitement, hosting a spectacular Christmas Fair that brought together current and former residents in a grand celebration of community and history. Aleisha Kenny, President of Dysart State School P&C said a lot of effort went […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – Limitless Asset Assurance

Tell us about the business. Limitless partners started the business with a shared vision and a value driven dedication to doing things the right way. RELIABILITY with INTEGRITY is the foundation of our business culture and charter. Our approach is to operate with innovation utilising new and emerging technologies that enable us to conduct our […]

GOAL FOR CAPCOAL

Anglo American’s Lake Lindsay mine in the Bowen Basin has received approval for the expansion of its mining lease. The final hurdle for the expansion of the mine has been cleared with the Queensland Government granting the mining lease. It’s reassuring news for workers as the extension will secure the long-term future of 500 jobs […]

OPINION: A Guaranteed Gold Medal in North Queensland.

It’s a no brainer that certain Olympic events should be moved to the very regions that are actually paying for the Games. Mackay has one of the best Cricket stadiums in Australia, brand new and ready to roll, or rather bowl. Australia won its sixth Cricket World Cup in India against the odds this month. […]

A FLIGHT TO REMEMBER

Ever imagined soaring through the skies as the sun dips below Brisbane’s horizon, painting the city in a palette of fiery hues? Thanks to Bekaa Air’s Sunset Spectacular tour, I didn’t have to just imagine. Our pilot Dave was more than just our guide through the skies, he was a treasure trove of fascinating facts […]

OPINION: Big Year for Coal

It has been a big year for our entire resources industry and in particular for our coal mining sector. There is clearly confidence in the industry with some major developments this year including Whitehaven Coal’s decision to buy BMA’s Blackwater and Daunia assets. This is great news for the future of both of those miners […]

OPINION: New Union, with a Proud History

As we wrap up 2023, the Mining and Energy Union is celebrating our proud past and optimistic future. On 1 December, the Mining and Energy Union was formally established as a new union. This was a great achievement that provides for an independent future, although our day-to-day work of fighting for better wages, safety, rights […]

END OF AN ERA FOR MACHINE AND MAN

Committing to one job for more than a half a century is rarely heard of these days. Yet, when you meet retired Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Dragline Operator, Peter Constable, you soon understand why he had such dedication to his job, his machine and his colleagues. One piece of machinery which became close to Peter’s […]

ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS

For Whitehaven, one door has closed and another has opened – literally. The company celebrated nearly two decades of operations at Werris Creek Mine with a Community Open Day in October. The mine has been operating since 2005 and is now preparing to transition to the rehabilitation phase. Over 1000 people turned out at the […]

ALL POWER TO MAX

One of Glencore’s Ravensworth Mine’s Open Cut Examiners (OCE) has just lifted nearly a tonne of weight. It wasn’t with a digger though, he used his human strength. Max Jones recently won the Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) Australian Nationals title and secured an Australian record. The 30-year-old lifted the biggest total in the competition, 925 […]

MY MINING LIFE – Benny Butlin

Who are you and what do you do? Benny Butlin. I am a shotfirer at Rix’s Creek Mine. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? Started at Stratford Coal in 2011 after gaining heavy machinery experience in the civil sector. How different is your job now to what […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – Core Mine

Tell us about the business. Core Mine Pty Ltd is a consultancy specialising in mining competence. Our services range from management consulting, leadership training and exam preparation for Open Cut Examiners and Mine Managers. We’ve also developed a webapp (CoreMOC) that helps industry maintain their compliance. How long have you been doing business? We started […]

LIFE IS ABOUT CLIMBING MOUNTAINS

Challenging. That’s the word Newcastle Knights old boy Danny Buderus would use to describe his recent adventure to Mount Everest with 20 others to raise money for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF). In the name of MHF, supporters have climbed to the Mt Everest Base Camp, been up Mt Kilimanjaro and along the Borneo Sandakan […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: De-anne Douglas

Over the past 23 years De-anne Douglas has been the face of the Upper Hunter Food and Toy Appeal, helping bring joy to thousands of families. While she is quick to make sure the amazing team of helpers that make it happen alongside her are also recognised, it is her drive that has kept it […]

SERVICE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

As summer approaches the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is preparing for what is traditionally one of the busiest times across its service area and has launced its annual Summer Appeal to raise valuable funds for the Service’s operations. Whether it’s simply getting outdoors and being more active on the weekend or undertaking longer breaks across […]

THE ELECTRIC MINE CONFERENCE: SPARKING INNOVATION

Historically known for its rugged machinery and heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the mining industry has been undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and efficiency. Hailing from locomotive technology, miners have successfully operated electric driven machines in direct current and, more recently, alternating current electrical formats. We stand at a pivotal moment in history, requiring […]

NIC’S RACING DREAM IS RIGHT ON TRACK

If you were playing racing car video games when you were a kid and never thought you would be able to race around a track at 100km/hr in real life, well you were wrong. Nic Reid from Newcastle is just 13 years old and he is a licenced go-kart racer. “I played Forza Horizon on […]

FILIPINO FESTIVE FUN

Looking for somewhere different to visit for Christmas? Manila is the bustling capital city of the Philippines and a magical place to visit during the Christmas season. Filipinos begin celebrating Christmas as early as September and the festivities continue right through to January. There are so many sights and attractions on offer during the Christmas […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – A Complete Christmas

Every December, the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes towards making sure no family goes without at Christmas. Since 2017, Complete Parts & Equipment Solutions has been running its Christmas Giving Tree initiative. General Manager Craig Tanzer said it all started when owners Sean and Felicity Dyson saw a real need […]

MORGAN ENGINEERING EXPANDS

Hunter Valley based company, Morgan Engineering, is expanding its operations into Gunnedah, bringing new jobs, and around-the-clock support for local mines. Having successfully launched award-winning and inclusive apprenticeship programs (including those for mature age and female apprentices) at their Singleton facility, the team are keen to provide the same opportunities to foster talent in Gunnedah. […]

HVO LISTENS

Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) has used the feedback from submissions on its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to improve its proposal to continue mining until 2050. The amended proposal and additional information are outlined in a Submissions Report and Project Amendment Report that HVO has submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. HVO General […]

BOOST FOR TOURISM

Broke Fordwich Wine and Tourism Association has receive a $10,000 boost to tourism efforts to showcase the region’s vibrant wineries, rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and unique experiences. The funding, made possible through a partnership with Glencore’s Bulga Coal mine, will support marketing resources to attract more visitors to the region ahead of the […]

OPINION: New Union, with a proud tradition

On 1 December, the Mining and Energy Union was formally established as a new union. This was a great achievement that provides for an independent future – but our day-to-day work of fighting for better wages, safety, rights and jobs continues unchanged. Trade unionism emerged in the Hunter Valley coalfields in the 1850s, as workers […]

IF YOU NEED ME, I’LL BE UP IN THE CLOUDS

If you’ve lived in the Hunter Valley for as long as I have (all of my 28 years) or you’ve only been here for a little while, you would have seen the hot air balloons float along the skyline just after sunrise. You’ve probably wondered what it would be like to float amongst the clouds. […]

RETIRE RIGHT

Retirement can be a double-edged sword. To make the most of your golden years you not only need to invest in your financial health, but your mental and physical health. Not everyone is lucky enough to fully retire from a decades-long career at the designated age of 67 with a retirement fund or payments that […]

OPINION: Someone Always Pays

It is a simple economic reality, when you increase the costs on businesses, someone always pays. Either the small business owner absorbs the extra costs and profitability is eroded, or the costs are passed on to the consumers. It is not a choice small business owners enjoy making. They will pass on costs as a […]

SCHOOL TOURS A SMASHING SUCCESS

The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue’s School Mine Tours program has completed its busy 2023 schedule, with 569 students from 18 schools in the Upper Hunter visiting 9 mining operations this year. Since its inception in 2018, more than 3,300 students have undertaken a tour. The tours provide an opportunity for students and teachers to talk […]

A LESSON ON LIGHTNING

Lightning is a dangerous weather phenomenon that can strike at any moment during a thunderstorm, posing a significant threat to mine sites and workers. We caught up with Justin Harris, General Manager from Power Protections Industries who shared some advice on how important it is for mines to be proactive about managing the risks of […]

NEW LIFE FOR LAPTOPS

What does a mine production manager do on his weekends off? Well Glencore’s Integra Coal Underground Production Manager Evert Smit spent two weekends last month spending his time doing something pretty special. When the mine had to upgrade laptops, there were 53 they could no longer use. Instead of tossing them, Evert took them home, […]

BLOOMFIELD LEADS THE WAY IN SAFETY

The Bloomfield Group’s Bloomfield Mine crew have just reached the incredible milestone of 7 years Lost Time Injury Free. Through dedication to identifying and controlling hazards, they are leaders in maintaining a safe workplace. Bloomfield Mine Operations Manager Brad Donoghoe credited the milestone to the great safety culture among the crew. “Our crews are tight-knit […]

OPINION – NSW Needs Mining

Throughout 2023 our world class NSW mining industry has continued to make the important contribution we are known for, and which so many people rely upon. Coal mining jobs have hit record levels this year, with more than 25,000 miners and their families now living in our mining communities, including in the Hunter, Illawarra, Lithgow […]

MORANBAH SHOWS ITS METTLE

Keeping your cool under pressure is a tough ask on a hot Moranbah day but eight highly-skilled mines rescue teams proved their mettle in a national competition on October 19. Working calmly to reduce hazards and treat often screaming mock patients, the teams completed eight high-pressure exercises at Moranbah North Mine for the 59th annual […]

CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS OF HISTORY

Glencore’s Oaky Creek and Newlands coal operations have achieved the significant milestone of 40 years of mining this year. Over the past four decades, both operations have worked to achieve excellence and deliver outstanding results, with both having a history of open cut and underground operations. In recognition of this, each mine planned a series […]

FOOTY FEVER SWEEPS ISAAC

Former rugby league greats took to the field at Moranbah on October 14, with the Anglo American Australian Legends taking the field against the Vitrinite Moranbah Miners All Stars. 2023 Reserve Grade Coach and All Stars player Mick Curcio said it was a significant event for the local community. “It’s all for the young people […]

THIESS SETS GLOBAL BENCHMARK

Thiess has made history at Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Complex making it the world’s first mining operation to deploy Cat® MineStar™ Command for hauling and Command for drilling solutions simultaneously. Thiess recently commenced fully autonomous hauling and drilling operations at the Olive Downs Complex from a purpose-built facility on site. This includes deploying 21 haul […]

BIG BUY FOR WHITEHAVEN

Whitehaven Coal has acquired 100% of both the Blackwater and Daunia mines which produce some of the highest quality coal for steelmaking and has reaffirmed Whitehaven as Australia’s leading metallurgical coal company. BHP has netted $US4 billion from the sale of two of its Queensland mines. Blackwater was first opened in 1967 south-east of Emerald. […]

MY MINING LIFE – Chanele Le Grand

Who are you and what do you do? I am Chanele Le Grand and I work for BUMA Australia as a Graduate Mining Engineer. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I began my mining career in 2019 during my first year of university, working at Meandu Mine. […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Lexi Croce

At just 16 years old, Moranbah State High School Grade 11 student Lexi Croce is taking the entrepreneurial world by storm. Between juggling school and sports, she’s carved out time to run her own business, Elsie Grace, which recently won her the Young Rural Business of the Year award. Lexi’s journey began just by spending […]

A BUCKING GOOD TIME

In a display of talent and grit, Australia’s Youth Rodeo Organisation (YRO) made its presence felt at the recent Mini Bull Riding Championships in Mesquite, Texas. YRO’s participation not only highlighted the growing talent in Australia and New Zealand but also threw light on the unique challenges and aspirations of young rodeo enthusiasts aiming for […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Sarina Bird Club

This month the Components Only and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to support the Sarina Bird Club, a haven for aviculture enthusiasts and feathered friends. Established in 2005, the club has been an integral part of the Sarina community for nearly two decades. Donna Halls, the club’s Secretary, shared that the club started […]

FLEET OF THE FUTURE

Batchfire continues to invest in a more sustainable future with high-productivity mining equipment from Komatsu which combines power and efficiency, while also improving safety, comfort and emissions. A brand-new Komatsu PC4000 was recently delivered and constructed at Batchfire Resources’ Callide Mine in Central Queensland, built and tested just one month ahead of its on-site debut. […]

OPINION: Australian Coal Saves Lives

In the first few pages of the International Energy Association’s newly released World Energy Outlook, they make a fleeting reference to the estimated more than 6 million people who die each year because of indoor and outdoor air pollution. Despite this tragic toll, in the rest of the 355 page report they mainly focus on […]

REVVING UP EDUCATION

Springsure State School in Queensland isn’t just holding races, it’s redefining education through its Pedal Prix Program. The 2023 Championship QLD Pedal Prix Super Series showcased the result of years of effort by the school’s staff and students. Science, engineering and technology teacher Peter Spencer was the driver behind the initiative, which was five years […]

SCHOLARSHIP TO SUCCESS

A $30,000 scholarship aimed at supporting regional university students to excel in their studies has opened for applications. The QCoal Foundation Scholarship provides a James Cook University (JCU) student with $10,000 each year for three years to offset the costs of studying. First-year Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (BESM) student and 2023 Scholarship recipient […]

OPINION: Daunia and Blackwater say ‘Good Riddance’ to BHP

After six months of uncertainty, BHP has finally sold off two of its Queensland coal mines – including one of the largest open cuts in the country. Thankfully, it’s great news for workers. The buyer, Whitehaven, has committed to retaining all current, directly employed permanent workers under their current Agreement, including transitioning 400 Operations Services […]

A-I TIMESAVER

Artificial intelligence is being used to fix a problem in five minutes that would’ve otherwise taken hours at one of Anglo-American’s Queensland mines. The team at Anglo’s Dawson Mine was searching for something that would stop clips from failing or breaking on their 27-kilometre-long cable conveyor that transports raw metallurgical coal across the mine. When […]

VIRTUAL HORIZONS

Anglo American and the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) have unveiled a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) lab in Mackay to improve worker safety and training in the mining sector. The lab aims to enhance workforce development by providing more than 20 training modules on topics ranging from critical safety protocols to advanced learning tools. Anglo […]

BUILDING THE FUTURE

The North Queensland Roadshow, a pioneering initiative by Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), recently made a stop in Moranbah. The event is part of a broader strategy to inspire the next generation to consider careers in the construction industry. We had the chance to catch up with Amanda Bulow, the founder of AWIC, to discuss […]

EXPAND YOUR FUTURE

Moranbah and Dysart teens are invited to expand their futures with Smart Transformation. With 2024 just around the corner, nominations are now open for Smart Transformation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC), supported by BMA. Sixteen students currently in Years 8 to 11 at both Dysart and Moranbah State High Schools will get to participate in a […]

GO FOR GOLD

Clermont is in the spotlight as the backdrop for a new Channel 7 Mate series, Adventure Gold Diggers. The first episode aired on October 3 and is also available on the 7 Plus App. To celebrate the series premiere, a special launch event was held at the Commercial Hotel in Clermont where the first two […]

MESMERISING MEERKAT ADVENTURE

As I stepped into the enchanting realm of the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Zoo, a wave of excitement washed over our small group of four adventurers, eager to experience a once-in-a-lifetime meerkat feeding encounter. The sun painted the surroundings in warm hues, adding to the magic of the moment. Very different to the first attempt […]

OPINION: How Can the Mining Industry Overcome Renewable Energy Adoption Limitations? Insights from IMARC 2023

At IMARC this year I was invited to host a panel discussing the barriers facing the industry in adopting renewable energy. The discussion uncovered four interesting insights, from challenges in transmission and the reality of investment in integrating renewables to the surprising issue of workforce and skills as a looming limitation. Overcoming Cost Challenges in […]

OPINION: Safety in Focus

While safety is a 24/7, 365 days a year priority for Queensland’s resources sector, October provided a good opportunity for us all to put a sharper focus on this vitally important topic. The October Safety Reset across our industry coincided with National Safe Work Month, which meant the important safety message was hard to miss. […]

KINGS CELEBRATE A CENTENARY

Hunter-based engineering firm, Kings Engineering, are celebrating a remarkable centenary in business. Established in 1923, Kings Engineering has stood the test of time, marking a century of unwavering commitment to providing top-tier engineering services across mining, tunnelling, infrastructure, rail and manufacturing. Kings Engineering has experienced enormous change along their 100-year journey; from the invention of […]

TOMAREE TWELVE 2.0

Daniel Robinson and his mates from Bulga Coal are back again, hitting the heights of Mt Tomaree in a gruelling fundraising challenge. When he’s not thinking up crazy new ways to test himself to the limits in the name of fundraising, Daniel is a Senior Open Cut Examiner at Bulga Coal. Last year he convinced […]

PUMPING MADE EASY

If you’ve ever worked on a mine site, you’ll know pumping water is a tedious and labour intensive job. Not anymore, thanks to underground coal miners Andy Higgins and Tyler Creagh. Andy and Tyler both have extensive experience in underground mining, though for the last decade or so they’ve been working together on the maintenance […]

A GOODWIN!

Hunter Valley Hydraulink have been awarded the Hydraulink 2023 Network Partner of the Year and we cannot not think of anyone more deserving of the award. Ok so we admit we might be a little biased, but that’s because @ The Coalface owes a lot to Shane and Kellie Goodwin and Hunter Valley Hydraulink. Our […]

THE BEST OF THE BEST BATTLE IT OUT

Keeping your cool under pressure is a tough ask on a hot day but eight highly-skilled mines rescue teams proved their mettle in a national competition on Thursday, 19 October. Working calmly to reduce hazards and treat mock patients, the teams completed eight high-pressure exercises at Moranbah North Mine in Queensland for the 59th annual […]

SENSEI-TIONAL KARATE IN SINGLETON

Shuseki Shihan Natalie Young and Hanshi Bill Young started Kaigan-Kan Karate-Do specialising in Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate 35 years ago. They set up in Coffs Harbour when they first started the business and have been in the Hunter Valley for the last 14 years. Since then, thousands of karate students of every age and skill […]

A GOOD RUN

About one in five Australians try running at some stage in their life. Running is an appealing exercise because it doesn’t cost a lot to take part and you can run at any time that suits you. One family in Newcastle are promoting the physical and mental health benefits of the sport. Fr Mark Cooper, […]

IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE

Recent climate data shows that extreme heat events are occurring in Australia more often and for longer periods. On top of that, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a high chance of unusually warm temperatures for most of Australia until at least February 2024. According to government health services, mine workers are starting to experience […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Hunter Homeless Connect

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Hunter Homeless Connect Inc., a volunteer, not-for-profit organisation, with a mission to create an inclusive environment without judgement and to facilitate a community response to homelessness in the Hunter region. This connection is provided via the annual Hunter Homeless Connect Day […]

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Meg Southcombe

For as long as she can remember, the mines have been the hole in the ground that puts food on Meg Southcombe’s table. 20-year-old Meg has a very different outlook on the mining industry compared to other people her age. “Without the mines, I would have never gone to St Joseph’s, my parents couldn’t have […]

CAMPAIGN CHAMPIONS OUR INDUSTRY

Earlier this month, @ The Coalface were invited to a behind the scenes look at the latest NSW Minerals Council’s ‘Responsible Mining’ campaign. The mining industry is the largest contributor to our economy and underpins our prosperity. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of people out there who have no understanding of the vital contribution it makes […]

MY MINING LIFE – Penny Walker

Who are you and what do you do? Penny Walker and I am the CHPP Superintendent at Malabar Resources Maxwell Coal Handling and Preparation Plant. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I first started in the mining industry in 2009 as a vacation student at HVO CHPP […]

ALL ABOARD FOR ALASTER

Alaster Wylie, General Manager of Mines Rescue/Regulation & Compliance, has been nominated and accepted a prestigious position on the board of the International Mines Rescue Body (IMRB). We caught up with Alaster to hear about the journey that led him there. Alaster started out as an underground operator at 19 years old, fresh out of […]

UP ABOVE AND DOWN BELOW

How often have you driven, parked and then walked to one of Newcastle’s beaches? A dozen or so times? But, how often have you flown in a helicopter along the coastline, or jumped on a boat and headed out between the heads? Well, this is your sign to do exactly that. Aero Logistics Newcastle and […]

LIFE AFTER MINING

Retirement for most people is a bit of travel, maybe a new hobby or two, and plenty of downtime. That’s not the case for Gerard Hayward and his partner Amanda Dennis from GA Hayward Engineering, whose retirement plans will be keeping them busier than ever. Gerard bought GA Hayward Engineering in 1998, though prior to […]

FABULOUS FIELD DAY

As part of its ongoing work, the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue held a Pasture Restoration Field Day on October 14, bringing agronomists, government, community and industry stakeholders together for a day of sharing knowledge and seeing first hand, mine rehabilitation to pasture. With forty participants in attendance, the field day provided a unique opportunity to […]

ON THE RIGHT PATH

Nine participants have graduated from Glencore Coal’s 2023 New South Wales Indigenous Employment Pathways Program (IEPP) based in the Hunter Valley. The purpose of the program is to provide work readiness and training opportunities for Indigenous Australians who live on, or have connection to, the areas in which Glencore Coal operates in the region. Having […]

OPINION: Programmed workers show labour hire miners can fight back too

Workers at the Hunter mining industry’s largest labour hire provider Programmed have secured a 10% pay rise and improved conditions by voting ‘no’ to a substandard Enterprise Agreement and forcing the company to come back to the bargaining table. Programmed workers are among many labour hire miners across the coal industry who have had enough […]

OPINION: The reality of the ‘Closing loopholes’ Bill will be a poorer nation, less jobs and a higher cost of living.

Why, at a time when inflation and the cost of living for all Australians is going through the roof, why would a Government decide to introduce new laws that will make it more complex and costly for businesses to operate? That is the question that eight of Australia’s peak industry and business organisations have been […]

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SUICIDE BUT HOW?

The latest Australian suicide rates show suicide is a serious concern in our communities. What can you do if you, or someone you know, is struggling? It can be a difficult conversation but Lifeline Hunter, Central Coast and New England North West CEO Rob Sams says talking about suicide is important. “Every life lost is […]

WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS

With beautiful architecture, a rich history, and oozing culture, it’s no surprise that Paris is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Paris is often referred to as the City of Lights because it was one of the first cities in Europe to have electricity. Though perhaps it should more rightly be known […]

SUPPLIER INSIDER – Fire Response

Tell us about the business. Fire Response supply firefighting equipment to the Australian Emergency Services, Defence, mining and industry. We specialise in matching the best performing products to the individual needs of our clients to ensure optimum safety and efficiency. How long have you been doing business? We’ve been working hard at Fire Response since […]

SERIOUS SAFETY SOLUTIONS

Zero harm objectives have dominated CEOs’ priority lists for years, rousing substantial changes to operations in the mining industry. Despite the dramatic decline in fatalities over the last few decades, achieving zero harm in Australian mining is still an ongoing project.  Stealing the spotlight at the recent Future of Mining conference in Perth, Warren Utteridge, […]

OPINION – Mining responsibly, for today and tomorrow

The NSW Minerals Council has launched the next phase of our state-wide ‘Responsible Mining’ advertising campaign. The campaign highlights how people working in our industry mine responsibly for today and tomorrow.  Tens of thousands of people work in mining in NSW, making a vital contribution. Some help produce the gold, copper, silver, nickel, lead, zinc, […]

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The incidence of breast cancer in Australia is increasing and 20,458 women and 217 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia this year. One in seven women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime making it the most diagnosed cancer for women. While survival rates have improved […]

Tradies Support the Ladies

October is a great month for breast cancer awareness, according to the founders of a unique charity. After a personal experience with breast cancer, colleagues Gary Sinclair and Mat Whitson recognised the importance of partners being aware of what THEY need to look for. Tradies Support the Ladies raises awareness by wearing pink shirts on […]

Empowering First Nations communities

Bravus Mining and Resources has joined with key contractor partner DRA Global to accelerate the development, training, and employment of First Nations peoples in central Queensland. DRA’s First Nations Traineeship Program will recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to critical mining roles that support the operations of the 10 million tonnes per annum Carmichael […]

First Coal Celebrations

New Acland Mine has achieved a landmark milestone, with first coal extracted from the Queensland Government approved Stage 3 site. The acceleration of mining activity followed the Oakey Coal Action Alliance’s (OCAA) decision to withdraw its stay application, providing New Hope Group with certainty to progress New Acland Mine’s Stage 3 ramp-up plan. New Acland […]

My Mining Life – Noel Busk

Who are you and what did you do before your recent retirement? Noel Busk, I was working at Goonyella Riverside as a Plant Operator. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I started in 1971 at Goonyella as a Dragline Oiler, at the age of 19, with UTAH […]

Sowing the seeds for a healthier community

Queens Beach State School’s kitchen garden program is blooming thanks to a new grant from Bowen Rail Company (BRC) to support the region’s littlest green thumbs. The Bowen state school was one of four recipients of the latest round of funding from BRC’s Community Partnership Program, which is designed to assist not-for-profit organisations and community […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Breast & Prostate Cancer Association of QLD (Emerald Committee)

This month the Components Only and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to support the Emerald Committee of the Breast & Prostate Cancer Association of QLD, a volunteer managed charity organisation dedicated to improving breast and prostate cancer services. The Emerald Committee is a beacon of hope for cancer patients in the community. Initially […]

DRAG Driving

Young drivers bolstered their skills behind the wheel during an adrenaline-filled defensive driving training session on an airfield in Central Queensland. The first official event planned by the Dawson Road Action Group (DRAG) involved plenty of tyre screeches as Moura State High School Year 12 students learned how to brake on wet roads. DRAG brings […]

Community Champion: Trevor Prior

Trevor Prior’s tireless efforts to bridge cultural divides, uplift youth, and infuse life with music and culture make him a person worth celebrating. At the age of 17, Trevor’s early foray into community service saw him involved in youth work. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, Trevor took a two week trip to New Zealand to […]

Clermont Bears Secure Back-to-Back Titles

In an electrifying match against the Dysart Bulls, the Clermont Bears Senior Rugby League emerged victorious with a 42-14 win, maintaining their winning streak. The grand final was held in Dysart on August 26 and was not merely a showdown between two teams, it was an event that brought together communities. @ The Coalface spoke […]

Supplier Insider – CE Group

Tell us about the business. CE Group is an industry leader, delivering electrical and engineering solutions to complex projects across the mining, infrastructure and industrial sectors throughout Australia and Asia-Pacific. Founded in 2000, the business has experienced strategic and significant growth. This growth can be attributed to the adaptability, persistence, and diversification of markets the […]

OPINION: How to Hate the Great Australian Summer

Close the beaches, empty the pool and turn off the aircon. Everything under the great Australian sun – including the sun – is officially cancelled. The scare campaign has already begun. ABC News screamed out a headline on a story the other week of “How climate change could be making El Niño more extreme”. It […]

OPINION: Partnerships Towards a Sustainable Future: Thiess Pursuing Transformation

Attendees at the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s September luncheon in Mackay heard from two senior leaders at Thiess about the company’s experience in automation and how they are contributing to the decarbonisation transformation that is central to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Thiess is a well-respected Tier 1 mining services provider in the industry […]

A strong foundation forms a bright future

QCoal Foundation and Act for Kids are pleased to announce a new partnership which will fill a significant gap in service delivery for children in Central Queensland. Re-ACT CQ, the pilot program of the new partnership, will expand crucial and high demand trauma-informed therapy services in regional and remote Queensland, with an initial focus on […]

Twirling Superstars

At the heart of the International Baton Twirling Championships held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England in August, was a group of standout athletes from Mackay’s very own International Dance Affair (IDA). Representing Australia among 1280 competitors from 21 countries, these six athletes displayed talent, determination and grace. IDA’s team was composed of […]

Joana’s Passion for Technology Making Mining Better

Joana Sousa believes there is a lot of opportunity for mining right now, particularly the role that technology can play in making coal mining more effective for business. Joana, originally from Portugal, is the Data Science Lead in Queensland for mining giant BHP. Her love for technology started when she was still in Portugal and […]

OPINION: Mine Safety and Health doesn’t stop at the pit gate

On Fathers Day morning, our central Queensland coal communities were shaken by terrible news. At around 4:30am, a coal truck and trailer collided with a four-wheel-drive on Saraji Road near Dysart, close to the notorious Phillips Creek Bridge. The driver of the four-wheel drive, local dad Chris Goodwin, died at the scene of the accident. […]

Research Scholarships for Rehabilitation

More than $200,000 in post-graduate student scholarships is up for grabs to build on Queensland’s reputation as an international leader in coal mine rehabilitation. Two scholarships valued at $40,000 a year over three years are now available through the Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Trust to post-graduate students studying at a Queensland university. The Coal Minesite Rehabilitation […]

Do you have breasts? Then Read This

When was the last time you checked your breasts? A year ago? A month ago? Never? Some women can’t even recall the last time they took a few minutes to check for any changes and many men have never checked theirs. Yet a simple breast check could save your life. More than 3300 Queenslanders are […]

Red Hot Fun!

Block out Saturday, 9th December for a Red Hot Family Fun Day at Queens Park, Mackay in support of those in our community affected by cancer. In 2020, 32,547 Queenslanders were diagnosed with cancer and 9,840 people lost their battle. Mums, dads, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, friends and work colleagues. It’s a frightening number. We […]

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP) continues its 28-year legacy of engaging young Queenslanders in the political process. A nonpartisan YMCA run initiative, the program gives young people a platform to discuss and debate issues affecting their communities. The program selects one individual, aged 15 to 25 years old, to represent each electorate in the […]

Bridging the Gap

In an era where technological advancements are rapidly evolving, questions often arise: How can society preserve the world’s oldest living cultures? How can we prepare the next generation for tech-centric futures? The partnership between Indigital Anglo American and the Barada Barna Indigenous Community provides an inspiring answer to these questions. Launched in 2022, this ground […]

OPINION: Safety will always be our number one priority.

It’s important that our political leaders properly engage with the resources sector to fully understand the challenges and opportunities facing our biggest export industry that supports the jobs of over 450 thousand Queenslanders. I was very pleased to host a visit to BMA’s Goonyella Riverside metallurgical coal mine in the Bowen Basin by Queensland Opposition […]

Never Forget

On 1 September 1923, 21 men lost their lives at Bellbird Colliery in the worst mining disaster of our district. One hundred years later we honour and remember our fallen miners. On 1 September 2023, Coal Services Mines Rescue and the Mining and Energy Union (MEU), together with the Coalfields Local Historical Association hosted a […]

Mining a Path for Women

NSW took home two out of five awards at the 2023 Women in Resources National Awards with Dr Bianca Newcombe winning Exceptional Woman and Lucy McClean winning Inclusion and Diversity Champion. Bianca, Principal Metallurgist and owner of OptiFroth Solutions, won the Exceptional Woman Award for her tenacity to follow her passion and remain connected with […]

Community Champion – Andrew Hughes

At every local fundraiser or sporting event, there’s a company name that always seems to pop up. A Plus Contracting & Poly Welding. When it comes to a business giving back to its local community you would be hard pressed to find one more generous then Branxton business, A Plus Contracting & Poly Welding. Harry […]

Ulan Coal Kicking Rehabilitation Goals

Glencore’s coal business continues to build on its positive track record of industry leading rehabilitation with 76 hectares of rehabilitated mined land at Ulan Coal Mine Complex receiving NSW Government sign-off. The rehabilitation, equivalent to more than 95 football fields, has met all closure criteria and objectives set by the Department of Planning and Environment […]

My Mining Life – Chelsie Morrow

Who are you and what do you do? Chelsie Morrow, Electrical Apprentice, Hunter Valley Operations (HVO). When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I started my apprenticeship at HVO in 2022, so I’m in my second year. How different is your job now to what you wanted to […]

Supplier Insider – Solid Engineering

Tell us about the business. Solid Engineering works primarily in the mining and infrastructure sectors. We design, engineer, manufacture, install and repair mining equipment and infrastructure. How long have you been doing business? Solid Engineering was founded in March 2013 so this year we celebrated our 10th birthday. However, the majority of our team have […]

HVO Helping Train Mental Health First Aiders

More Singleton residents have become mental health first aiders thanks to funding through Hunter Valley Operations’ (HVO) community grants program. Novaskill Hunter Valley has been able to provide 18 free places for its Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses this year with its HVO Round 1 2023 community grant. About 1 in 5 Australian adults […]

Bengalla Takes Home Trophy

Seven emergency response teams from across the region competed at the annual Hunter Valley Open Cut Mines Rescue competition on Friday 15 September 2023. The day’s format included several simulation exercises to demonstrate knowledge and the use of equipment in realistic scenarios, including exercises to test hazard awareness, vertical rescue, first aid and firefighting. The […]

Best At Western

Eight teams from mine sites across the Lithgow, Mudgee and Gunnedah mining regions competed at the annual Western Mines Rescue competition on Friday 1 September 2023. Centennial Coal’s Springvale team won the underground competition and will represent the district at the Australian Mines Rescue underground competition to be held in Queensland in October. Springvale team […]

A Space For Sharing

Recently @ The Coalface attended the opening of Kirkton Public School’s newly built Yarning Circle. This lovely outdoor learning space was made possible thanks to the Glencore Schools P&C Grants program, and the tireless efforts of the Kirkton Public School P&C Committee. Kirkton Public School is a tiny school with only 35 students enrolled. Due […]

Don’t Be a Dud Driver

Around 1,200 people are killed each year on Australia’s roads and about 40,000 are seriously injured. Do you need a reminder on how to stay safe on our roads? FIGHT OFF Fatigue Long hours of shift work and long hours behind the wheel are a recipe for disaster. Fatigue-related crashes are twice as likely to […]

Mining Leaders Summit

On November 16 and 17 the Mining Leaders Summit 2023 hits Perth. The invitation only event brings together leaders in Australia’s mining industry, representing top-tier mining and contracting companies and innovative sponsors. The Mining Leaders Summit serves as a pivotal platform, allowing mining and contracting executives to assess and collaborate with relevant solution and service […]

Hats off to CAPS

When the team at CAPS aren’t busy coming up with compressed air and power generation solutions, they’re busy encouraging people to get behind a fundraising campaign to fight cancer. Compressed Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) are a key supporter of the MACA Cancer 200 Ride for Research, a massive event from October 14 that raises […]

Hard Work Pays Off

Jake Douglas never thought when he was doing CrossFit in his garage in Tamworth 15 years ago that he would own his own gym with hundreds of members and go overseas to compete at the CrossFit Games. Fast forward to now, and that’s exactly what the father of two has done. Jake was introduced to […]

Your Body is not the Problem

Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, a diet gone wrong or a cry for attention. They are serious mental and physical conditions that involve complex and damaging relationships with food, eating, exercise, and body image. The most common indication of an eating disorder is extreme dissatisfaction or an unhealthy concern about your appearance, food […]

OPINION: One Nation and LNP team up to delay fairer workplace laws

We have reached a major milestone in our campaign for fairer workplace laws with the introduction to Federal Parliament last month of new legislation that would deliver Same Job Same Pay for labour hire workers. But the Liberal Nationals and One Nation have teamed up to ensure there’s a catch.  The Closing Loopholes Bill introduced […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Mudgee Historical Society

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Mudgee Historical Society. Every day of the week, volunteers from Mudgee lovingly look after the Mudgee Museum and work to improve its buildings and surrounds. The Mudgee Museum, at 126 Market Street, is based in the former West End Hotel […]

Funding was Music to College’s Ears

Students at Australian Christian College (ACC) Singleton have struck a chord on their new musical equipment, thanks to a $3,700 donation from Ashton Coal. The funding has purchased new musical instruments including 28 classical guitars and 28 ukelele’s to enhance the junior school music program. Melissa Goodworth at Australian Christian College Singleton was delighted with […]

FMG Make Tracks Towards Decarbonisation

Fortescue Metals Group’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto, is eager to propel the company’s zero-emission mining initiatives. This sentiment isn’t surprising, considering the current pressure on the mining industry to be more efficient, deliver more minerals for the energy transition and do that in a more sustainable way. Fit for the challenge, Otranto […]

OPINION: Don’t be fooled by closing loopholes slogan

Judging by the name, it sounds like a rather sensible policy. But don’t be fooled by the ‘closing labour hire loopholes’ slogan which the Albanese Government stapled to its industrial relations legislation, tabled in parliament last month. The government’s ‘closing labour hire loopholes’ legislation – otherwise known as Same Job, Same Pay – is misleading […]

One Conversation Can Save a Life

In 2021, 3,144 Australians died by suicide, about 12 in every 100,000 people. Suicide is almost always a result of mental ill health which comes in a number of forms. One of those is bipolar. Craig Hamilton is one of the last people you would expect to suffer mental ill health. ‘Hammo’, as he is […]

Straight Shooters

Recently @ The Coalface were invited out to shoot with the Hunter Bowmen Field Archery Club. Located at Elderslie, you will not find a more beautiful neck of the woods to put your archery skills to the test. The Hunter Bowmen Field Archery Club is one of nine clubs in the Australian Bowhunters Association Northern […]

Serving the Community

Despite the 3.30am starts, Boggabri Lions Club has found a way to rejuvenate the service club’s membership. Over the past 15 years, more than a million meals have been served by club members at barbecues around Boggabri communities. President Craig Devine said four or five years ago, the club was going to fold, but then […]

OPINION – Budget Forgets Mining Communities

The most recent NSW Budget shows in black and white how important the NSW mining industry is to the NSW economy. Mining royalties are forecast to deliver the NSW government $13.2 billion over next four years, including $2.7 billion from higher royalty rates to be introduced from 1 July 2024. This revenue will play an […]

Anglo Dives into Dolphin Partnership

The Dolphins NRL team have welcomed Anglo American to the team as its newest Premier Partner from 2024, as well as the club’s official Mining Partner, and a Community Partner. CEO of Anglo American in Australia, Dan van der Westhuizen, said a key driver of the partnership was a strong mutual connection to Central Queensland […]

Clermont Sets Sail

In a historic moment for Clermont, the first-ever Clermont Outback Sailing Regatta embarked on its maiden voyage. Held against the breathtaking backdrop of Theresa Creek Dam, this inaugural event marked a significant milestone in the region’s recreational pursuits. The regatta was a brainchild of the Clermont Community Business Group (CCGB). Partnering with the Theresa Creek […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Ride4Lives

This month the Components Only and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Ride4Lives, an organisation dedicated to suicide intervention, training and awareness. Ride4Lives is a non-profit organisation established in 2017 to assist in creating awareness around suicide intervention training and bereavement support in the Central Queensland area. Recognising the need for a safe […]

Mining Town Saved

Pure people power has secured Glenden’s future after a fast-tracked piece of amended legislation passed in Queensland Parliament on August 24. Mayor Anne Baker led a small contingent in Brisbane to witness the historic moment alongside long-term Glenden resident Milissa Phillips-Payne.  “The future of Glenden has now been enshrined in law with the changes to […]

The Wake Up Call

Paul Spinks’ hard hitting presentation, The Wake Up Call, uses rawness and realness to really dig in and shift the way people think. With two decades of experience as a Rural and Remote Ambulance Paramedic and a Trauma Counsellor, Paul’s insights into the human struggle are both poignant and profound. Through his work he has […]

And the Award Goes to…

A prostate cancer awareness and early detection program and a world-first system that makes tyre fitting at mine sites much safer have won the prestigious Health and Innovation Awards at the 2023 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC). QMIHSC Chair Larnie Mackay congratulated all award finalists and winners who are contributing to a […]

Making Radio Waves

Capella is nestled away from the bustling cities and features a single street lined with houses and shops stretching along it. Its unique charm stems from a history entwined with coal mining and agriculture. Capella was founded on traditional Wangan land in the 1860s by graziers influenced by the good reports of Ludwig Leichhardt. Today, […]

My Mining Life – Tayah Womal

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Tayah Womal and I work in administration at Broadmeadow Mine. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I first started working at Broadmeadows Mine, one day a week as a school-based trainee and then got bought on […]

Safety is our Number One Priority

We often hear the phrase in the Queensland resources sector that “Safety is our number one priority” and the 2023 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC) provided evidence of just how important the issue is to everyone involved. A record attendance of 1180 delegates gathered for the four-day conference on the Gold Coast […]

Community Champion – Amanda Raymond

In Moranbah where community bonds are strong and genuine, Amanda Raymond embodies community dedication and leadership. Her many contributions, ranging from her support for the Girl Guides to her role as President of Moranbah Arts, are a testament to her commitment. “I’ve always wanted to live in a place where I could wave to everyone […]

OPINION: A Powerful Argument

In 2010, renewable energy accounted for just 10 per cent of Australia’s electricity. Today it accounts for around 40 per cent. As the amount of renewable energy has quadrupled its share, Australian electricity prices have more than doubled. Yet we are constantly told that renewable energy is the “cheapest form of energy”. If renewables are […]

The Coalface Experience

In the heart of Collinsville, a town etched in coal mining history, stands a testament to resilience, camaraderie and the indomitable spirit of the miners who dedicated their lives to the depths of the earth. The Collinsville Coalface Experience was inaugurated on the solemn occasion of the 50th anniversary of the 1954 Collinsville Mine disaster […]

EDGE Expands Horizons

At Clermont High School, young individuals are not only breaking a sweat but are also breaking down barriers with the Blue EDGE program, a joint initiative of the Clermont Police Station and the school. @ The Coalface had a chance recently to chat with Sergeant Steve French, about this impactful program which involves a blend […]

Future of Mining in Smart Hands

Students from Smart Transformation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) have completed the educational trip of a lifetime to Brisbane, seeing into the future and their own career opportunities. The YAC members enjoyed a four-day tour of the Queensland capital, funded by BMA, participating in a mix of work and play that ensured there was something for […]

Supplier Insider – Ezy Group

Tell us about the business. Ezy Group is a locally owned business founded by Derek and Sylvia Davis that originally began as Ezy Vehicle Rentals. It has since evolved into four integrated companies offering vehicle rentals, mechanical services, towing, and signage. Committed to quality, customer satisfaction, and community involvement, the Ezy Group continues its mission […]

OPINION: Psychosocial hazards next frontier on safety

Most mineworkers have never heard the term ‘psychosocial hazard’ – but a majority have had experiences that have left them stressed, anxious or sleepless. While we continue the hard work of protecting workers’ physical safety in our mining industry, there is increasing awareness of the importance of protecting workers’ psychological safety too. The State’s mine […]

Solving a Bind with a Blind

Carrie Schuler is a Principal Resource Geologist at New Hope Group. A busy full-time working mother of two teenage boys, she recently added entrepreneur to her list of achievements. Carrie has had plenty of long and hard days at work. For the past 22 years she has been working on mine sites in Central Queensland […]

Sweet Dreams for Shift Workers

A CQUniversity study has brought together international sleep and shift work researchers to gather world-first consensus on how shift workers can best schedule their shuteye. The research, out now in prestigious academic journal SLEEP, outlines 18 clear guidelines to ensure healthy sleep patterns, whether on permanent night shift or a rotating roster. The guidance is […]

Checking with Community

Every year in Australia, skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers. Glencore’s Rolleston Open Cut understands how important regular skin checks are and so in 2020 they began providing free checks to all their employees. Then they took it a step further, running free skin check clinics in their neighbouring communities. […]

Hearing the Call with AI

Bravus Mining and Resources has partnered with Queensland scientists to use cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to improve remote monitoring of the Black-throated Finch at the Carmichael mine near Clermont. Researchers from E2M created an automated recogniser to capture the birds’ calls, which will support best practice monitoring of the species and open the door for […]

OPINION: Industry of Opportunity

New employment figures confirm Queensland’s resources sector is the industry of opportunity for young people looking for rewarding and well-paid jobs. The number of people starting a resources-related apprenticeship or traineeship in Queensland has risen sharply over the past decade, particularly among women and Indigenous Australians. The number of young women beginning training is more […]

A Century of Coal

Glencore’s Liddell Coal Complex has mined its last coal after an incredible 100 years of operation. The milestone marks the beginning of a new era for the site as focus shifts to mine closure and rehabilitation works. Coal exploration began at Liddell in 1923, though it wasn’t until 1930 that mining began. The site had […]

New name, new game, same important cause.

Over the past 7 years, the annual Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day has raised more than $500,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Now it’s time for a new ‘battle of the miners’, the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining OzTag Challenge. The new look event will continue the tradition of previous years, bringing […]

Take a Tour of First-Rate Rehab

Community members will be able to explore Glencore’s Mangoola Open Cut coal operation from the comfort of their own home thanks to a cutting-edge 360° virtual reality tour. The virtual reality tour is one of the highlights featured in Glencore’s recently released Coal Mine Rehabilitation Update. Glencore Coal’s Director of Environment and Community, John Watson, […]

Community Champion: Brian Collard

For almost seven decades Brian Collard has been proud to call the Upper Hunter home. While he should be enjoying a well-deserved retirement, Brian is still giving back to the community he loves. When we asked Brian to be this month’s community champion he was reluctant. As with most people who volunteer, Brian isn’t after […]

Celebrating Our Industry

Hundreds of mining industry participants, technical experts and government and community representatives from across NSW came together at the annual NSW Minerals Council Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Conference. A record number of people attended this year’s HSEC Conference, bringing together around 550 people from across NSW for one of the NSW mining industry’s […]

Be Prepared

As we head into Spring, the start of bushfire season begins. Are you prepared?   Fire chiefs are asking the community not to be complacent as we head into bushfire season. Following three consecutive La Niña cycles, there is now plenty of fuel and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is forecasting hotter and drier conditions […]

Supplier Insider – Elite Industrial Equipment

Tell us about the business. Elite Industrial Equipment is a major supplier of mining equipment and consumables for the surface and underground mining industry. We work closely with OEM’s, Suppliers and Customers to provide the highest quality products at extremely competitive prices. How long have you been doing business? Elite Industrial Equipment was started in […]

My Mining Life – Sandy Lettice

Who are you and what do you do? Sandy Lettice, I am a Land & Property Officer for MACH Energy Mount Pleasant Operation near Muswellbrook. I was born in the Upper Hunter and live on a farm in the Scone area with my wife Hannah and three very busy children. When did you start in […]

Dads Helping Dads

When you think about a family separating, you think about the children, the mother and the father or another carer. But it’s probably safe to say we don’t always think about the father first. Separation is an intense time for everyone involved, but there’s a service being rolled out across the country to help dads […]

A Fossil Fuel Free Future?

German mining giant, Liebherr, has been under the pump to keep its ambitious promises to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since its Zero Emission Mining Program was announced in 2021. The urgency to achieve carbon neutrality and the simultaneous increase in demand for decarbonisation of the mining industry were key drivers in the acceleration of […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – SELFNA

This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Singleton English Lessons for New Australians (SELFNA), a rapidly growing group that is achieving so much more than the founders ever anticipated. The group comes together on Saturdays at Singleton Library and their most recent lesson was all about coffee. You […]

A Safer Hunter Starts with a Safer Community

The Hunter Safety Awards will be returning for its eighth year with applications for the 2024 awards officially open. After another successful award ceremony held in 2023, the event returns to recognise businesses and individuals within the region who go above and beyond safety requirements to demonstrate best-practice and innovative approaches to WHS. The importance […]

Leaving Nothing on the Table

Table tennis has been played in Australia for more than 100 years, and there’s one young woman at Glencore’s Bulga Coal operation who doesn’t just play it for fun in her spare time. Danica Alburo is that talented, she made her debut at the 2023 National Championships in July. Danica started playing table tennis when […]

Alpha Blokes Tuning out Head Noise

It can be hard not to let the head noise creep in when you’re on another mundane 12-hour shift driving a water cart, fixing a diesel hose for the one-hundredth time or twiddling your thumbs while you wait for your shift to end. But there are two blokes, sitting on a couch drinking beer who […]

Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue

Update from The Dialogue: Community Forum Feedback, Pasture Restoration Field Day and Rehabilitation and Water use data The Dialogue is preparing for a Pasture Restoration Field Day in October that will involve tours of mine rehabilitation and information sharing focusing on pasture establishment. The tour will take place across a number of mine sites in […]

OPINION: Mining delivers record $455 billion in export revenue in FY23

Mining contributed a record $455 billion in export revenue for Australia in the 2022-23 financial year, highlighting, once again the importance of the industry to the nation’s economy, government revenues and regional jobs. Released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the figure represents two-thirds (66 per cent) of all export revenue for the nation and […]

OPINION: Don’t be led down the garden path over Same Job Same Pay

The Minerals Council of Australia has resorted to spam text messages to spread confusion about the Federal Government’s proposed Same Job Same Pay policy for labour hire workers. Their strange ads set in fictional garden centres have been everywhere, leaving many scratching their heads. Minerals Council of Australia members employ thousands of labour hire workers […]

The Path to Serenity

Even though meditation is increasing in popularity, many people still think of it as a pastime of hippies despite the scientific proof that it boosts your emotional and physical health. We caught up with Scotty Sisson to find out how meditation improved his life, and why he’s now committed to helping other people improve theirs. […]

Remembering our Fallen Miners

On September 10, the MEU Northern Mining & NSW Energy District will be holding its 26th Annual Memorial Day Service to honour our fallen miners. Held on the second Sunday every September at the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall, the memorial is an opportunity for the community to come together to pay their respects to all […]

Funding For Local Community Groups

Community groups in the Hunter and Upper Hunter regions with initiatives that make a positive difference to the local community are being encouraged to apply for funding in the next round of Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) and Ashton Coal’s Community Support Programs. The programs are funded by Yancoal Australia and provide financial assistance to local […]

OPINION – Coal Industry Charges Ahead

Carrying the hopes of miners and Knights fans alike, the Newcastle Knights rumbled over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a thundering charge of hi-vis orange at the recent Voice for Mining Family Day at McDonald Jones Stadium on August 20. Smashing through to almost certainly secure a spot in the top eight, the Knights took […]

Kyle Rides for Kids

As I write this, Kyle Large is riding a Postie bike through regional Queensland. By the time you read this he will have ridden for nine days and covered around 2,000km. Kyle, who is a Maintenance Planner at Glencore’s Collinsville Open Cut, is particiapting in the Postie Bike Safari, an annual charity event that raises […]

10MT Milestone

The first 10 million tonnes of high-quality thermal coal from the Carmichael mine have been mined and railed for export to nations overseas as planned. The milestone covers the shipments sent during testing and commissioning of the mine’s export infrastructure and those tonnes railed to the port for export during the first year of mining […]

Mines Rescue Skills Put to the Test

The Queensland Mine Rescue State Cup proved to be an intense and demanding event, challenging rescue teams to respond to complex scenarios in underground mining environments. Hosted by Fitzroy Mining Operations at Carborough Downs, the competition brought together experienced rescuers from different mines, showcasing their dedication to safety and preparedness. Throughout the day, the eight […]

My Mining Life – Ben Dawson

Who are you and what do you do? My name is Ben Dawson and I am a mine technician and trainer and assessor at Dawson Mine in Moura. When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job? I started in the mining industry in 2006 as a drillers offsider in […]

COMMUNITY GIFT – Queensland Resources Dust Disease Support Group

This month the Components Only and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Queensland Resources Dust Disease Support Group (QRDDSG) who are dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of retired and former miners, quarry workers, and their families across Queensland. Their tireless efforts and numerous accomplishments have resulted in vital services for […]

Supplier Insider – Drives & Controls

Tell us about the business. I’m Danny Jones, the Area NSW & QLD Area Manager for Drives & Controls (DCS), a private business of USA origin. DCS provides high quality, customised services in electrical engineering, control system/automation engineering and on-site maintenance support services, specialising in the mining industry (draglines, CHPP and infrastructure). How long have […]

A Storching Success

Ciara Storch has secured the gold medal at the prestigious Oceania Youth Championships in Samoa. Her victory comes after a challenging journey, proving her mettle as a formidable athlete. For Ciara, winning the gold was a triumph marked by a whirlwind of emotions having endured the loss of her big brother the previous year. However, […]

STEM Big Day Out

260 Central Queensland high school students have taken part in the state’s first ever STEM Big Day Out which puts the spotlight on a whole new era of exciting careers for young people in the resources sector. Students received an insight into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) through a unique program […]

Community Champion: Peter Panther

In the tight-knit community of Moranbah there is a man who you could say is its heartbeat. Meet Peter Panther, a beloved figure whose infectious love for life and passion for drumming has left a lasting mark on the town and its people. Ever since he was a kid Peter has always marched to the […]

State of Unity

Amidst the buzz and excitement of the highly anticipated second State of Origin, there was a heart-warming story that captured the hearts of Central Queenslanders. Former NRL legend PJ Marsh and his mates at Glencore’s Rolleston Open Cut coal mine came together to show the true spirit of mateship and generosity. PJ, renowned for his […]

Naidoc Celebrations

During NAIDOC Week 2023, Barada Barna proudly celebrated their Aboriginal culture with BHP Queensland on Traditional Country where they have the largest footprint in the world. At the heart of this collaboration was a profound connection to land and heritage. Over 200 employees at Saraji and Daunia Mines were traditionally welcomed by Barada Barna Aborignal […]

IT’S ALL UP-TON FROM HERE

Much to many Queensland NRLW fans’ disappointment, Tamika Upton has never regretted her decision to move from Central Queensland to Newcastle to play for the Knights. 26-year-old Tamika played rugby league with the boys at Blackwater Crushers Junior Rugby League Club until she was 12. After that, Tamika played touch football, netball and every other […]

OPINION: THE CRITICAL MINERAL CALLED COAL

Join the conversation to restore community and business confidence in coal mining. Ian Macfarlane, Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) teamed up with Nick Jorss, Executive Chairman, Bowen Coking Coal recently to speak with local suppliers and producers at the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s annual Rockhampton luncheon event. As leading advocates for the […]

Oaky Creek Show their Safety Skills