QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/31843
AFTER THE QRC chief executive, Michael Roche, told the Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin that three out of every four of the state’s coal mines have been granted or are seeking approval for Transitional Environmental Programs to allow the closely monitored pumping out of water collected during this wet season including the floods. Despite the fact a large number of mines will be carrying left-over floodwater into the dry season, Roche remained optimistic about the future. A s the December/January fl ooding across Queensland wreaked havoc upon three- quarters of the state, its vital infrastructure and the mining industry, thousands of residents’ lives were disrupted and scores of mines fi lled with water and topsoil. The record fl ooding left around 85 per cent of Queensland’s mines partially or non-operative, which in-turn put a dent in mining production and the nation’s economy, not to mention the severe affect it had on the livelihoods of many mine workers and their families. Staying true to the Australian spirit, many major mining companies donated millions of dollars to the Queensland fl ood appeal, and also provided hands-on help through paying wages for employees that volunteered to help clean-up local communities. Although the clean-up has been well underway for months, it’s only now the true cost of the fl ood damage has been revealed. According to the Queensland Resource Council, monthly production and export volumes published to date have confi rmed its initial projection of around 30 million tonnes of lost production by the end of the fi nancial year, worth around $5 billion and $400 million in royalties to Queensland taxpayers. “QRC is pleased to note that the state government has moved a scheduled review of environmental conditions covering water discharge from mines forward by six months, which points to the prospect of having a more effi cient and responsive system in place for the next wet season,” he added. “The other avenues available to mines include the construction of new dams, installation of more pumps to redirect water from operating pits and store it elsewhere on the property, and possible water treatment solutions.” Although the state’s coal industry was back at two-thirds of its full capacity three months after the fl ooding, Rio Tinto lashed out at the Queensland Government in a recent submission to the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, over its lack of support for the state’s fl ood affected mines. It said the tightening of water discharge conditions that took effect on 1 January 2010 made no consideration for future natural disasters. As the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry’s work continues, no doubt more details about the fl ooding and its affect of the mining industry will be revealed. To read our full interview with Michael Roche, please turn to page 6. Inside this edition of the Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin, we take a look into the town of Mount Isa and how despite hardships, the early settlers stayed, and today the town boasts one of Australia’s largest copper ore mines. For a look into where the state is headed in the future, Anthony Fensom speaks to a number of mining and energy companies and analysts to review the current state of the sector, what the challenges are and what the prospects QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin Winter 2011 3 might be for achieving the goals outlined just two years ago. Mark Everson, Project Manager for the Australia- China Coal Mine Safety Demonstration Project, discusses the project’s objectives. Bruce Robinson, Convenor of ASPO-Australia, has predicted that Australia faces fuel shortages in a few years. Elliot Duff, a principal research scientist with CSIRO’s ICT Centre Autonomous Systems Lab, reports on recent development in SLAM technology and its impact on mine automation. David Breese, General Manager of the Surat Basin Corporation, writes that despite a number of faltering starts, 2011 will be the year that the Surat Basin will fi nally get out of the starting blocks. Inside you will also fi nd regular features on research and development, recruitment, and the latest mining events. I would be very interested to hear how the recent natural disasters have affected you and the steps to recovery, so please drop me a line at: editor@aprs.com.au or follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/KathrynEdwards. Kathryn Edwards Editor Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin EDITOR’S LETTER