February 2017 Issue of "@ the Coal Face" Magazine
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FREE WIN A ROOFTOP CAMPER!! BLACK LUNG BACK IN NSW IT’S BEEN ALMOST HALF A CENTURY SINCE THE LAST CASE OF BLACK LUNG WAS REPORTED IN NSW, BUT THE RECENT CONFIRMED CASE FOR A RETIRED NSW COAL MINER PROVES WE MUST ALWAYS BE VIGILANT AGAINST THE DISEASE. With the last case reported in maintains its the 1970’s, it came as a shock for focus on all the many in the industry, however systems in place Coal Services has always to safeguard our maintained it is likely that some workers’ health. cases would emerge among She said ‘this those who had worked in the confirmed case industry before dust mitigation highlights that vigilance must their sites and to identify areas and health surveillance remain the highest priority of potential shortfall so that was enforced. for our industry, particularly improvements and protections Vol 1 No 5: February - March 2017 The regulations and guidelines in the area of prevention. can be made if necessary. in place to guarantee the health Complacency is the enemy of The main priority now for both and safety of NSW coal miners occupational disease. Prevention Coal Services and the CFMEU is are among the most stringent is key, and we all must play a ensuring that the miner receives in the world, however our role in ensuring that health and the best possible care and industry must ensure it never safety remains the primary support, and that their privacy is becomes complacent as nothing focus of how we define our respected and maintained. is more important than our industry’s success’. If you have any concerns or workers’ health. Peter Jordan, the District questions regarding your health Lucy Flemming, Managing President of the CFMEU is or about Black Lung disease in Director/CEO of Coal Services urging members and delegates general contact CS Health or MORE said it was critical our industry to consider practices used at the CFMEU. COAL FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST RUMOURS OF 2016 HAS FINALLY BEEN LAID TO REST WITH RIO TINTO REACHING AN AGREEMENT FOR THE SALE OF COAL & ALLIED TO YANCOAL FOR A WHOPPING $3.2 BILLION DOLLARS. Assets included in the sale are Rio Tinto’s industry. Yancoal are committed to the Hunter confidence in the industry, we want to see interest in Hunter Valley Operations, Mount and already have a big Hunter presence. The Yancoal be a strong supporter on the ground and YANCOALThorley Warkworth and Port Waratah Coal bottom line of the proposed sale is that the assets in particular to listen and engage with the people Services and since the deal was announced at stay in Australia, the jobs stay in Australia and of Bulga. I would like to see them maintain a the end of January it’s been the talk of the town. there is new ownership determined to run a strong presence in the community and be a part Feedback in the community is on the whole strong business into the future. This proposed of our everyday activities.” positive as Yancoal has already built a good deal is also a vote of confidence in coal, in New China is one of the world’s leaders in the reputation in the Hunter with their Ashton and South Wales and in Australia’s economy.” investment and production of renewable Austar Mines. Hunter MP Michael Johnsen is also quick to energy sources but clearly making such a huge Stephen Galilee, CEO of NSW Minerals Council support the sale as a positive step in the Hunter’s investment in coal mining is proof that there is a said, “This is great news for the Hunter coal coal future. He said, “It shows a great sign of strong future ahead for our Hunter coal. THE MRS GROUP IS AUSTRALIAN BASED SUPPLYING TECHNICAL AND STRATEGIC SERVICES IN THE MINING, OIL & AND GLOBALLY ACTIVE GAS, CONSTRUCTION AND RESOURCES INDUSTRIES MRS GROUP IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS EXPANDED CAPABILITIES IN THE HUNTER VALLEY. MRS GROUP IS THE COMBINED STRENGTH AND CAPABILITIES OF: www.mrsplc.net PROJECT MANAGEMENT | LABOUR HIRE | MAINTENANCE | PLANT HIRE 1300 781 960 @ THE COALFACE Get inspired to move this month with our stories on the Parc Ninja and the Fernleigh Track and then read up on how to keep hydrated while you sweat. As always community is first and foremost in our hearts and we urge you to show your support for Sean, Troy and our Rural Fire Service heroes whose stories will surely move you. With the Hunter’s best food and Newcastle’s best beer showcased you’ll be drooling as you read. We talk about the climate impact of our beloved steak and if you do decide to reduce your intake perhaps consider using the bacon soap featured in our Good Stuff to help squash any longings. 2017 KICKS OFF WITH A BANG We also have some great travel ALREADY 2017 IS SEEING SOME BIG CHANGES AHEAD AND @ THE first step in the right direction. stories to get you out of your back to work funk. It’s never too early to COALFACE WILL BE THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Innovation is highlighted in our plan your next trip away. magazine this month and we hope In late January, the announcement Hunter’s coal future. the stories inspire you to bring to We can’t wait to see what else is in of the Rio Tinto sale to Yancoal The other big news this month was fruition ideas of your own. store for us this year and hope you’ll finally put an end to all the the introduction of Don Harwin as We also look back at some of be there for every step of the way! tongue wagging and most see the our mining minister. We expect big our mining history this month purchase by the Chinese company things from him and a visit up to including a love story between a as a positive solidification of the our Hunter communities will be the man and a dragline. INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR COAL A BOOST FOR HUNTER COMMUNITIES ASK ANY HUNTER MINER partners invest in new coal-fired THERE IS NO GREY IN COUGAR WHAT THE LAST FEW YEARS power technology. HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR OUR This is a very encouraging sign INDUSTRY AND YOU’LL GET AN for the mining communities THE SPECIALISTS IN HIRE, REPAIR, SPARE PARTS & SERVICE TO UNDER GROUND MINING IN NSW & QLD ANSWER SOMETHING ALONG of the Hunter, and shows the FULL LONG WALL RELOCATION FLEET OF EQUIPMENT THE LINES OF ‘NOT GOOD’, OR resilience and hard work of PERHAPS SOMETHING SLIGHTLY our 11,000 Hunter miners that dEvElOpERS OF COUGAR STRATAjACk, THE WORld’S FIRST CONSUmAblE ACTIvE ROOF SUppORT MORE COLOURFUL. extracted and delivered this coal Publisher INSEAM DIRECTIONAL DRILLING AND SECONDARY SUPPORT to the Port. We’re hopeful this However, with the coal price Shane Davey trend continues and will mean FOUR LOCATIONS ON THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA - HUNTER VALLEY, MACKAY, TERI AND EMERALD up and a number of mining [email protected] new jobs in mining operations operations approved in the 0408 759 088 EXPORTING AND REPRESENTING AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION TO CHINA, INDIA, RUSSIA AND THE WORLD and more opportunities for local second half of last year, there’s Editor no doubt we had a solid end to supply businesses. Stephen Galilee CEO, NSW Minerals Council Rebecca Connolly 2016. A record amount of coal The recent approval of Glencore’s [email protected] was exported through the Port of Mt Owen expansion project means 0408 769 699 Newcastle in December and total mining will continue there until and local mining jobs once P: 02 4028 0412 | www.cougarmg.com.au Features Editor exports for 2016 were up three 2031, protecting existing jobs production commences. Kate Gore million tonnes for the year. and creating new opportunities. I would like to wish our Hunter [email protected] The record coal exports show that Glencore is also set to restart miners and their families all Editorial Contributor there is strong global demand its Integra mine, creating an the best for 2017 and give my Daniel James for NSW coal, particularly our additional 275 jobs. Mach Energy assurance that the NSW Minerals high quality thermal coal from has also confirmed it intends Council will be working hard to Design the Hunter. Independent experts to develop a new coal mine at ensure the voices of our mining Catch Creative forecast this strong demand to Mount Pleasant, creating local communities are heard loud and @ The Coalface continue into 2017 and beyond business and job opportunities clear by the decision makers in 7B/169 John Street as many of our Asian trade during the construction phase, State and Federal Parliament. Singleton NSW 2330 PH 02 6572 2032 www.morganengineering.com.au 159 MAISON DIEU RD SINGLETON NSW EXPERIENCE • QUALITY • RELIABILITY SINCE 1975 12-14 MARTIN DRIVE TOMAGO NSW | RSF NO: 131488 THE SPECIALISTS IN UNDERGROUND COAL INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS, HIRE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE @ THE COALFACE | FEBRUARY - MARCH 2017 3 @ THE COALFACE means mining areas like ours, but UPPER HUNTER MP MICHAEL JOHNSEN it also means all the other areas in our state as well. The reality as a AMAROK CORE 4X4 community is do we focus on what the bucket of money is called, or do we focus on getting as much investment into our community regardless of the source?” No one argues that we are not affected living in NSW’s primary mining region. Neither can it be disputed that the royalties generated here FROM are significant.