Fidock will commence his role on January 23 and may be in for a tough ride after a Supreme Court writ was served on Queensland mines minister Stirling Hinchliffe, claiming the company’s mine development plans would endanger local koala populations.

Applicants have also stated they oppose mining because of possible noise disturbance.

A directions hearing is set to take place on January 20 at the Brisbane Supreme Court.

However, OGL Resources chairman Jack Tan believes Fidock is the right man to bring Ebenezer into production with more than 30 years’ experience in open cut and underground coal mining, including mine planning and negotiations.

He was most recently apart of Macarthur Coal’s executive leadership group responsible for mine operations at Coppabella, Moorvale and Codrilla.

Tan said Fidock would take on a pivotal role as the company moved into development stage.

“His extensive background in the Australian coal industry will give the company access to a wealth of experience at a crucial time in its development,” Tan said.

“In OGL’s case, we will be looking to Allan to bring the Ebenezer mine into production and for the development of the Bremer View mining development licence project,” Tan said.

The Ebenezer mine was originally opened in 1988 and operated until early 2003.

During this time, the mine produced more than 20.5 million tonnes of thermal coal for the domestic and export market.

OGL plans to produce 1Mt per annum of run of mine coal at Ebenezer by 2013.

Mining lease 4712, which governs the Ebenezer mine area, was recently renewed to allow mining to recommence at Ebenezer.