The mine has since re-opened after New South Wales Minister for Energy and Resources Chris Hartcher announced that the Office of Resources and Energy had lifted prohibition notices on it.
Investigations over the high level of methane are still continuing and this issue is expected to be a key focus for the person appointed to the position.
“The senior ventilation and gas drainage engineer is responsible for the management of ventilation and gas issues for the mine along with technical hazard management plans related to ventilation and gas,” the company’s recruitment arm said in its advertising.
“You will ensure relevant regulatory approvals and legislative compliance, provide ownership for hazard management plans 0101: Mine Atmosphere and 0103: Spontaneous Combustion and will be responsible for the day-to-day effectiveness of the mine’s ventilation arrangements.”
Key responsibilities include accessing and planning future mine ventilation and gas drainage requirements to ensure business is set up for success; taking charge of and being present at any change in the ventilation system of the mine that would not ordinarily change in the day to day operation of the mine; and informing the operator if any ventilation regulators at the mine are not of substantial construction or are not properly maintained.
Also, the new ventilation officer would be required to undertake budgeting and forecasting processes for technical services activities relating to his or her area of responsibility, including capital and operating costs; ensure that the quantity of air is measured at points in the mine starting as near as practicable to required areas; ensure that the methane content is measured at points in the mine as near as practicable to required areas; and maintain compliance with legislative requirements pertaining to all work undertaken.
Vale said all personnel were withdrawn from the mine in a safe and efficient manner after notifying the check inspector of the high gas levels on July 12.
Since then, mine management had worked closely with the Mines Inspectorate to secure a safe and controlled return to operations, general manager Integra operations Andrew Betts said.
The recovery efforts had progressed well and according to plan, he said.
“Throughout this process we have had a very clear and considered strategy which has involved close consultation with employees, the Mines Inspectorate and union representatives,” he said.
“As we take the steps forward to coal production, our energies remained focused on the continued safety of staff and the mine.”
