Published in June 2006 Australian Longwall Magazine

“We have an in-house coverage of engineering disciplines (mining, mechanical, electrical engineering) which others do not have, we also have environmental and project management disciplines – all specifically relevant to underground coal mining,” Minecraft principal mining engineer Jeremy Busfield said.

The majority of Minecraft’s work is related to feasibility studies and project development for major underground longwall projects.

The consultancy’s services include mine feasibility studies; detailed mine planning and scheduling; project management and scheduling; equipment specification and review; longwall, conveyor, hydraulics and mine services analysis; economic analysis; mine ventilation planning; operational reviews; long-term strategic planning; productivity modelling, and technical assistance.

Busfield said in the past few years the consultancy has seen an increase in the amount of site-based work for developing projects – a reflection of the current skills shortage in the industry.

Busfield said the group’s skills included the ability to interface between application and equipment design; and the ability to apply in-depth technical analysis in conjunction with operational experience to provide practical and workable solutions.

Look out on International Longwall News over the coming weeks for more individual profiles on survey participants.