Independent Australian producer Malabar Resources confirmed that it has taken the first full shears of coal from the longwall in its Maxwell underground mine in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales on 14 April.
Malabar officials received approval for the operation in December 2020. Underground construction commenced in May 2022, and first coal was produced from the bord and pillar operation early the following year.
The final transition from development production to longwall production was delivered through a concentrated month of activity involving relocating the longwall equipment from the mini-build pad on the surface to underground, upgrading conveyors and infrastructure, and completing civil and ventilation works to bring the longwall machine online.
The producer said the pathway from approval to first longwall coal involved thousands of people, an enormous amount of work, and the support of our community, customers, and financial markets.
“First longwall coal from Maxwell underground is the result of years of dedicated work by a remarkable group of people. Our employees, contractors and suppliers have shown extraordinary commitment to bringing this operation online, and I want to acknowledge each of them for what they have achieved,” said Wayne Seabrook, Chairman.
“The mine now provides more than 430 full-time jobs and supports many local businesses and suppliers across the Hunter Valley region. Maxwell produces high-quality metallurgical coal that goes into making the steel the world requires and high-energy coal for new high-efficiency, low-emission (HELE) power stations.”
Source: malabarresources.com.au