The first stream of coal from Australian coal miner Whitehaven’s new Maules Creek coal mine in New South Wales is projected to be delivered by March, the miner reports.

Maules Creek mine is one of the most significant investments currently under way in regional New South Wales, with production costs estimated to be A$767-million.

When operating at full capacity, the Maules Creek mine is expected to employ 450 personnel, who will be sourced predominantly from the local region in north-west New South Wales.

Whitehaven Coal states that construction at the mine, which started in January, is within budget and on schedule for the first coal to be railed in March 2015.

Meanwhile, Whitehaven Coal in March completed its ancillary water supply project, which has been providing water for the mine’s construction activity and will permanently provide water for the mine. The work – overseen by Australia-based contractor Stripes Engineering – was the first significant and critical component of the Maules Creek project to be completed.

Rainfall during March helped fill site dams and enabled compaction work to continue unimpeded on the various construction sites. An additional benefit of the rain is that the miner’s water-draw from the Naomi river will be significantly reduced for several months.

Further, construction on the mine’s rail line – which is the part of the project with the longest lead time – remains on schedule.

March also saw Whitehaven award the contract for the design, supply and erection of a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) to engineering firm Sedgman Downer. Prior to the construction of the CHPP, its components were stored in a facility near Narrabri, New South Wales.

The Maules Creek coal project is located in the heart of the Gunnedah basin and is close to critical infrastructure. The mine site is about 18 km north-east of Boggabri – a small town on Australia’s Kamilaroi highway in north-west New South Wales. The mine is also only 16 km from the main railway line that services the coal terminal at the Port of Newcastle, which is 360 km south-east of the project.

Recruitment Focus
In July, Whitehaven Coal reported strong, early interest from recruitment agencies, for positions at the new A$767-million Maules Creek mine.

Within two weeks after the first round of recruitment began, the company received numerous applications for the appointment of production operators and maintenance technicians – about 100 permanent positions were available in the first phase of recruitment.

Subsequent recruitment programmes will follow as the operation ramps up to the initial goal of 6-million tons for the first 12 months of coal production.

The project is also expected to add over A$40-million in yearly wages to the local community, once it is operating.

Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek GM Peter Wilkinson says, since launching the first round of recruitment earlier this year, Whitehaven Coal has received more than 1 800 applications. “This significant interest in the Maules Creek operation illustrates the economic and employment benefits we are bringing to the community.”

Applications for several of the roles were still being accepted in July. Further, one of the primary goals of the recruitment process is to have a local workforce – representing New South Wales – at the Maules Creek operation.

“A significant number of the applications so far have been from the local area, which is pleasing. We have also spoken to a significant number of experienced operators and tradespeople who are originally from the area and would like to return,” says Wilkinson, adding that Whitehaven Coal is still taking applications and that additional roles will be recruited in the coming months.