Convening in Townsville on August three to six, the conference has built itself from modest beginnings 14 years ago to an event recognised by industry leaders.

 

Conference chairman Peter Minahan said the event attracted top class national and international speakers combined with excellent local content.

 

The conference program recognises the importance of innovation, creative thinking and information exchange and for the second year will incorporate the Innovation Awards. The awards promote ideas developed by mine workers which can be practically implemented by delegates when they return to their operations.

 

The conference has adopted a theme of “Accepting the Challenge”, reflecting the changes in mine safety legislation in Queensland.

 

Keynote speakers include an address by Consol Energy with a US perspective on coal mine safety and talks by Queensland Mining Council CEO Susan Johnston and Xstrata managing director Peter Coates.

 

A selection of innovation presentations will include Anglo Coal Southern colliery on a face Bretby handling system and longwall AFC respirable/combustible dust suppression sprays, Pacific Coal’s Kestrel mine on a Minsup isolation lockout device and shuttle car cab modifications and BMA Crinum mine on programmable electronic roof bolter controls.

 

The plenary presentations will cover work at the Hail Creek project and a presentation by OK Tedi mining.