Informa conference producer Diana Lauzi said the big conference highlights would be exploring the topic of clean coal from an industry perspective, the advent of Longwall Top Coal Caving in Australia and new developments in longwall automation.

The two-day event also covers issues of raising productivity, sustainable mine water re-use, strata conditions and longwall maintenance and safety.

The main case studies will discuss Anglo Coal’s Grasstree longwall mine and Centennial Coal’s Angus Place operation.

Yancoal’s Austar mine will also be a focus, with mine manager Phil Duncan presenting on Australia’s first Longwall Top Coal Caving operation.

BMA’s Broadmeadow mine also features, with automation engineer Glenn Owens presenting on the longwall face alignment system being used at Broadmeadow.

Lauzi said this year's event will also feature a new format – allowing for more debates, more networking opportunities, more attendees and speakers.

Watch International Longwall News for more details and coverage of the event.