Zeims and Roche – who will be speaking at the Bowen Basin Mining Club luncheon in Moranbah later this month – will also canvas the latest developments on recruiting more women in the workforce to alleviate the labour shortage in some of Queensland’s mines.
Almost half of the 450 Daunia employees are new to the coal industry and there are more than 100 women among the 450.
Bowen Basin Mining Club director Jodie Currie said the two were expected to make headline announcements at the event.
“If anyone has their finger on the pulse of all things mining in the Bowen Basin and beyond, it is Michael Roche,” she said.
“The insight he will provide into the global, national and local prospects for the industry will be invaluable.”
Roche is expected to give his perspective on an industry in transition, and the political moves in Australia and Queensland to restore confidence for investors.
“Michael’s speech is certain to be right up to the minute and based on the best information available,” Currie said.
“Gerhard is also expected to provide fascinating intelligence from the perspective of a key decision-maker and I’m sure there are plenty who will be hanging on his every word.”
Currie said the issue of FIFO remained thorny in Moranbah.
The $1.4 billion, 4.5-million-tonnes-per-annum Daunia mine was opened by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman in.
The company said there had been an overwhelming response to employment opportunities at the mine, with more than 30,000 applications received for about 900 new positions at the Daunia and Caval Ridge mines.
