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 Engineering from Sydney University, a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University and he is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Mark said he is excited to make the move from Queensland to the Central West as the mine plans for its future.
“I’m looking forward to drawing on the experiences I’ve had at other mines and with other companies to ensure Wilpinjong continues to make a valuable contribution to our community and our workforce,” Mark said.
“My experience includes being a General Manager of another mine with residential neighbours, so I understand that continuing to improve the way we minimise impacts on the community and the environment, as well as making smart productivity improvements are key to ensuring we mine sustainably.”
Wilpinjong Mine employs 620 people and has another 200 specialist and general contractors working for it. Last year it spent $31 million with 340 local suppliers and provided $132 million in taxes, royalties and rates to state and local government to support community infrastructure and services. Its thermal coal currently provides around 25% of NSW coal generated power supply, helping to keep the lights on in homes and businesses.
“We have a two-stage plan to continue mining responsibly at Wilpinjong. The NSW and Australian governments will assess our plans and there will be opportunities for the community to provide feedback on the plans to us and to government.
“I’ve been quickly getting to know our crew and got to meet more of them and their loved ones at our Family Day in May. I’m fortunate to lead good people who are proud to work in mining and of the significant contribution our sector makes to the regional economy.
“Importantly, the Wilpinjong team has a positive safety culture which will remain the highest priority for me going forward.
“I’m also looking forward to working with Council, other mines, business and community groups to build a strong local economy to benefit local people.”
Mark worked in Cobar for five years in the 1990s and played football across the region.
“I loved that time in my life, and I met some great people. I’m looking forward to settling into life in Mudgee.
“My wife and I have been lucky to buy a house locally. With our kids working and studying elsewhere in Australia, it’s just us and the dog Charlie.”
