There are plenty of things that are said about the coal industry that simply don’t pass the pub test. Things like the energy grid being able to run without baseload coal-fired power, and the data stacking up – something Zachary Barnes believes does not pass the pub test.
Zachary was born and raised in a Hunter Valley mining family. His dad has been an electrical engineer for as long as he can remember and his uncle is an OCE. It’s that family connection which heavily influenced him to get into the industry, as did his love of problem solving.
“The significance of coal mining in the region is huge. That means a lot to me alone, but I also enjoy the economics and business side of things; I’m engineer focused as well so I love problem solving.
“I studied a double degree in mining engineering and finance at the University of NSW and now I’m in my eighth year with Yancoal at Mount Thorley Warkworth mine as a Senior Mining Engineer.
“I have spent the last seven years in short term planning – it’s fast paced and you’ve got a lot to do with production so it’s hands on as well as getting exposure to the technical aspects of the operation.
“I have enjoyed the role of leadership as I have progressed into more senior positions. I particularly enjoy teaching and coaching people on sites the technical aspects and how to approach problem solving to think more efficiently,” Zachary explained.
Zachary’s love for the industry is obvious, so is his opinion on how crucial the industry is for all of us.
“Apart from the jobs it creates, I think the industry itself is vital because it provides energy to everyone. We don’t have a viable solution, other than coal, to take baseload power. From everyone I have spoken to in the industry throughout my career and more recently, we simply don’t have a plan B as much as people want to move beyond coal.
“If we get to the point of turning off lights on places because we don’t have the energy source that’s when it really starts to hurt us. Education has been the big thing that I think is amiss with the younger generations coming through – I think they also underestimate this transition to net zero. Coal still has a very vital role to play in how you transition to get there.
“I just don’t see how anyone thinks we can transition any time soon; it simply doesn’t pass the pub test.”
When it comes to the education side of things and sharing the importance of the industry, Zachary said Coal Australia is doing an awesome job.
“I think they need to keep doing what they’re doing because if they don’t there’s no one really putting their hand up to promote how important this industry is and that will end up shooting us all in the foot.
“Coal Australia is making it easy to understand.
“A lot of people don’t understand how significant coal is to our economy. It’s so significant to everyone’s livelihoods in the Hunter region and beyond,” he said.
| Zachary’s story isn’t unusual, it’s a story that we hear from so many people living and working in coal mining communities right across Australia. Reach out if you want to share your story or join the coal community and help forge Australia’s future at www.coalaustralia.com |
