Company utilises large scale open cut mining methods in open cut mining operations, which include the removal and storage of topsoil material via truck and front-end-loader (“FEL”) methods, drilling of a blast pattern, blasting of fragment rock, excavation of waste material with truck and shovel or excavator in the upper benches and by draglines in lower benches, and digging, loading and hauling of coal via truck and excavator or FEL methods. Open cut mines include HVO, MTW, Stratford Duralie, Middlemount and Yarrabee, as well as portions of Moolarben and Ashton.
Company utilises longwall mining in underground mining operations. Longwall mining roadways are cut by continuous miners around the perimeter of a rectangular block or panel of coal to form ventilation and access passageways. Underground mines include Austar and portions of Moolarben and Ashton.
Now fully developed, mining operations at the Moolarben Coal Complex comprise a multi-pit open cut mine, a longwall underground mine, and mining related infrastructure (including coal processing and transport facilities).
MINING OPERATIONS
Moolarben utilises conventional truck and excavator methods in its open-cut mining areas, and longwall operations in its underground mining areas. Moolarben is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mining activities were undertaken in accordance with relevant project approvals and the approved FWP. During the 2022 period general mi ........
