Coal Australia provides a loud and proud voice for the coal industry and the people in it. Alex Duggan, CHPP Electrical Superintendent at Yancoal’s Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine is a strong representative of that voice. Like so many others, Alex is incredibly grateful to be part of an industry that has given him more opportunities than he could have ever dreamed of.

Alex has worked in mining since 2013, starting out as an apprentice at Hunter Valley Operations and then MTW.

“During my apprenticeship I completed my industrial electronics and engineering diploma and then in 2017 I was offered a full-time position at MTW as an Electrical Technician before moving into an engineering role.

“Briefly branching out from MTW to expand my skills and knowledge, I saw an opportunity I couldn’t pass by and successfully applied for the role of CHPP Electrical Superintendent.

“I have been in the role for 18 months now, and it’s undoubtedly been a challenge. The team can certainly be described as high performing, with several large projects being undertaken concurrently. One large capital project, at the moment, is the installation of five new high voltage switch rooms.

“This is a milestone undertaking, representing the most electrical projects we’ve had running simultaneously in the last 10 years. The work is also positive for the community. We’re spending $11 million outside of the company, providing work to specialised industries to ensure the project is completed to a high standard.”

Alex added that the region wouldn’t be as strong as it is without mining – it strengthens the region not only economically but provides opportunities for growth and development.

Alex said that mining strengthens the region, not only economically, but also provides opportunities for growth and development.

“I think we can all agree that without mining, the Hunter wouldn’t be as strong as it is. Certainly, my wife and I are grateful to be in our current position. My wife has a good job in the health sector, supported through the growth in population of the region, which has created demand for specialised health services.”

More than 50,000 people have signed up to support Coal Australia and their advocacy of an industry that keeps communities and the people in them thriving.

“We need someone advocating for the positive outcomes of mining. We need that louder voice to show the things that we are doing. Coal Australia is certainly creating a platform to showcase the positives and benefits to the region and its communities.

“We’re at times represented in the media with a negative undertone and an industry that doesn’t do things well. Mining is always trying to do better, and Coal Australia is helping to convey that positive message.

“I think knowledge is power. I would urge anyone who would like to understand the benefits in coal mining to do some more reading to appreciate the economic and social impact mining has for Australia.

“Beyond the economic impact, the career and employment opportunities it provides for people is unparalleled.

“For me personally, without mining I may not have had the opportunity to become an engineer, or the fortuity to step up into a leadership role.”

Alex’s story isn’t unusual, it’s a story that we hear from so many people living 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