A number of new mining methods, such as LTCC and wider faces, have ramped up this year in Australia. What are the ramifications of this now and in the long term?

Understandably, the technology push is for more longwall tonnes per year. However, there is a risk of introducing an imbalance in the business because one of the consequences of the improved technologies is that the retreat of the longwall faces in terms of metres per day is also being increased – either intentionally or unintentionally.

The consequence may be longer change-overs between blocks or sterilised coal. These improved longwall technologies are just increasing the pressure on development, and possibly drawing attention and expertise away from solving that problem.

A number of junior and mid-tier coal explorers and producers are currently carrying out exploration, feasibility studies and bringing mines onto line. What does this mean for consultants, and for the Australian industry as a whole?

These companies do not present a change in the nature of the market, they just increase the size of the market.

In your eyes what is the most important R&D project (private or publicly funded) happening at the moment and why?

Currently, the most important research relates to roadway development. The ACARP initiative is succeeding in drawing extra attention to the issue of unsatisfactory development rates, but has not yet focussed on specific projects.

The project of most interest is the introduction of a continuous haulage system into Cook Colliery by Caledon Resources. If they can demonstrate a successful continuous haulage system, the path to a step-change in development rates is clear.

What progress has been made in improving the way roof falls are managed?

Recovering from development roof falls is to be avoided at all costs – by having adequate support or reinforcement installed beforehand. Fortunately there are probably not enough falls to be driving any technological improvements.

We cannot comment on recovery of roof falls on longwall faces, except to say that better alignment of longwall faces to cleats and joints, even it means adverse stress conditions, should be considered in the mine planning stages.

How big an impact are consultants making on the strategic direction of companies and mines as the role of the consultant grows in the face of the continuing skills shortage?

Certainly some of the traditional Technical Services roles are being conducted by consultants. I am not sure if this is changing the strategic direction of companies overall. In terms of mine layouts, the consultants may be introducing a more medium and long term focus to the planning.

With the government promising a shift to “clean coal” what impact will this have on your business and the landscape of Australian coal as a whole?

One aspect of the clean coal debate is the possibility of a demand for even cheaper coal so as to “fund” the clean technologies without transferring the costs to the economy as a whole. This means the status quo – reduce costs.