Walter managing director and chief executive officer, Michael Frick, said that the formation of the new specialist entity would further strengthen the company’s position in providing specialist mining construction in both coal mining and metalliferous areas across Australia.

“The creation of this new business also signifies another step toward business growth and will enable Walter to compete in the increasingly competitive construction market at a national level,” Frick said.

“The new Mining Division demonstrates our ability to adapt to changing market conditions and will allow us to capitalise on the high volume of contracting opportunities,” he said.

The Mining Division will maintain its long-term client relationships and continue to focus in the markets, which it operates, including underground coal mine support services, development driveage, design and construction of conveyor systems with its long term Joint Venture partner Continental Conveyor and mine infrastructure.

“Walter’s strong expertise in these areas has already been proven with projects in the Southern and Western coalfields, the Hunter Valley regions of New South Wales and in the Central Queensland coalfields,” Frick said.

“These projects consistently demonstrated a high standard of delivery performance and our teams recognise the importance of satisfied project relationships,” he said.

Walter’s plans for expansion into new markets will include mining development work, underground metalliferous support services, shotcreting as well as design and construction of ventilation services.

General manager Garry Ash heads the new Mining Division.