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?

The new mining methods signal an exciting new phase for the industry. LTCC will open up large reserves of thicker seams which would have not been available previously increasing resource recovery.

The method is in its infancy in this country and is probably not really geared for the very high productivities. Ultimately mining the thicker seams will also result in significant productivity increases. From a business perspective we will also see a reduction in capital cost per tonne relative to conventional longwalls.

The wider faces will also make a very positive impact – improved longwall to development ratio, increased longwall productivities, improved resource recovery are just some of the outcomes expected with wider longwall faces.

Palaris is working on a number of projects where the applicability of both methods is a serious consideration. This level of interest is expected to continue.

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?

The plethora of new projects by large and small companies alike is proving to be a boon for most consultants. Consultancies are working collaboratively and using their particular capabilities to try and satisfy the demand.

Due to shortages of experienced of in-house resources, consultants are working across the full service spectrum including exploration, feasibility study and project management. This is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

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

The most important project is the ‘self drilling bolt’. The successful commercialisation of the SDB will have a material impact on development productivities which in turn will affect overall cost structures across our industry.

Increases in development productivities will reduce the number of continuous miner units required, in turn reducing demand on a range of mine services including ventilation, coal clearance, power etc. This will result in reductions in mine manning probably between 25-40%.

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

Strata monitoring and response is a much more rigours process nowadays. We are continuing to see R&D into roadway support methodologies- overall this will lead to a continual refinement in roadway support methodologies and a reduction in roof falls. Improved controls are also a function of new and improved support hardware which coupled with ‘improvements in geotechnical knowledge have helped to reduce roof falls.

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?

This varies from company to company – overall strategic direction is set by Boards and is not generally influenced by consultants.

That is not to say consultants don’t make an important contribution to operational decision making. Consultants are providing valuable information on benchmarking, mine economics, productivity improvement opportunities, mine valuations as well as a range of support services

How have the strict NSW occupational health and safety laws impacted consultants and your clients?

Many consultants have been called on to provide additional resources to help implement the new legislative requirements in a timely manner. Some individual consultants have set themselves up as specialists in this area.

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?

Clean coal and the general buoyant market for all types of commodities will have an impact on us all. The forecast demand and supply over the next 15-20 years has a significant imbalance with a major supply deficit likely.

The demand for new supply to meet demand either through the expansion of existing facilities or the development on second tier deposits will continue. Just as there will not be enough supply of coal to meet demand, there will be an ongoing shortage of skilled and experienced people.

Notwithstanding the current issues with rail and port infrastructure, Australia is very well placed to continue to supply resources for a long period. Consultants who offer a value added services will also continue to be in strong demand both domestically and internationally.