Whitehaven Coal begins work at Maules Creek

Two blasts this week signalled the start of opencast mining operations at Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek project, as full-scale mining begins at the Australian coal mine.

Whitehaven’s mining fleet is operated by the company’s own employees, following a “successful” recruitment campaign, according to the company. The firm has set an objective of ensuring 75% of employees at the mine are local residents once operations are fully ramped.

According to the company, the Maules Creek project remains on both budget and schedule. First saleable coal is expected to be railed from the mine in March 2015.

CEO of Whitehaven Coal, Paul Flynn, said: “this is an important milestone for Maules Creek and Whitehaven. We have been focused on delivering the Maules Creek project for all our stakeholders including the local community for a considerable period of time. With the commencement of the box-cut, the transition from construction to operations is well underway, accelerating the benefits that accrue to the local region.”

The coal mine is set to become one of the largest in Australia. 

Written by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/21082014/work-begins-at-maules-creek-project-1238/