Glencore showcases Oaky Creek underground coal operations

The Minister met production crews and was given a demonstration of the mine’s automated longwall.

Using 'ExScan' laser technology developed by CSIRO’s Centre for Advanced Technologies, Oaky Creek is the first coal mine in Australia to fully automate its underground longwall operation.

An above-ground control centre operates the longwall using 3D scans of the mining area recorded by 'ExScan' sensors and transmitted to the surface.

Minister Pitt also saw first-hand how Glencore’s coal business is leading the way on land rehabilitation and emission reduction.

To date, the mine has achieved 132.8 ha. of certified rehabilitation and in the last year, cut emissions by up to 840 000 t of carbon dioxide equivalent by using methane emissions for electricity generation. That is roughly equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions avoided from 182 683 passenger vehicles driven for one year.

Located in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, the Oaky Creek metallurgical coal operation has a workforce of 660 people. Last year, the mine worked with around 910 suppliers and spent over AUS$532 million on goods and services to support operations.

“The metallurgical coal from our Oaky Creek operation is essential for making steel used in construction all over the world. Glencore has a world-class coal business in Australia and we welcomed the opportunity to show Minister Pitt some of the leading practices we have implemented, particularly around safety and gas management,” said Ian Cribb, Chief Operating Officer for Glencore’s coal business in Australia.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/30092021/glencore-showcases-oaky-creek-underground-coal-operations/