Australian-first coal extraction tech powers up jobs

A Central Queensland mine has made history today as the first in Australia to deploy an advanced high wall mining system to extract coal with cutting-edge efficiency.

Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last joined Vitrinite staff and community leaders to mark the first use of the company’s HW300 Highwall Miner at its Vulcan South mine near Dysart.

The HW300 Highwall Miner provides access to coal seams that traditional methods cannot reach, improving operational safety, reducing production costs and minimising land disturbance.

Vitrinite chief operating officer Michael Callan says there are only about 90 HW300 Highwall Miners in operation around the world.

“Today marks the culmination of six years of research on the high-wall?mining method, the HW300 unit and our resource conditions,” he said.

“The HW300 offers several key benefits for Queensland including reduced environmental impact, lower cost-efficient mining and enhanced safety and productivity.

“We’re very proud to have the first dedicated unit in Australia and give this extraction method the dedicated focus it deserves.”

Minister Last says he is proud to see a Queensland mine leading the nation with innovative technology that improved safety and boosts regional job opportunities.

“The HW300 Highwall Miner is a major leap forward for safety, efficiency and environmental impact reduction,” he said.

“It also reinforces Queensland’s reputation as a global leader in mining innovation.

“This investment is not only improving the productivity of the operation but is also creating skilled employment opportunities for Central Queensland.

“Queensland is open for business, and the [Queensland] Government is committed to supporting innovation that secures long-term opportunities for the state’s mining industry.”