SRK undertook a comprehensive investigative approach in the first half of 2004, which led to a strategy focused around retaining in-house skills and attracting experienced employees.
“The main drive around this strategy is to increase the level of skills and capability in the SRK Brisbane office, but also strategically place consultants who are experienced in the coal industry in other SRK offices to form an integrated network,” the company said.
Since the start of 2005, SRK’s capacity in Australia has seen growth of approximately 60% in the coal geology, mining and environmental fields, with Brisbane the focal point of growth. A further 50% growth is planned in this office by the end of the year, 80% of which will be coal-specific.
The company also opened an office in Maitland in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales in August, with plans underway to further expand this office by year’s end. The Maitland office will continue to work closely with the Brisbane and Sydney offices on the recently announced Bowen and Surat Basins Geological Study and other coal-related projects.
The company said its growth strategy in coal had been based on providing a comprehensive service to clients, ranging from geological and resources/reserves studies, feasibility studies, operations, business improvement and environmental studies, through to mine closure. SRK can compile independent JORC statements and valuation reports.
“We believe our experience through current geological studies will greatly support the success of expanding existing and establishing new productive underground mining operations, imminent in the coal industry on the east coast of Australia,” SRK said.
Over the last year, SRK Australasia’s coal group has been involved in due diligence studies in the Philippines and Western Australia and conducted an IPO study for a major coal mining company in China. Involvement in a benchmarking study in Brazil continues. JORC statements and other studies were also completed in Indonesia (PT Berau), for AMCI (Belvedere and other projects), Excel Coal (Wambo, Metropolitan, Wilpinjong) and Xstrata Coal (Newlands Underground).
