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100 years strong at Ulan Coal

100 years strong at Ulan Coal
(Image source: Glencore)

The iconic Ulan Coal Complex, 100% owned and managed by Glencore, is celebrating its 100th anniversary, making it one of NSW’s longest running coal mining operations.

The complex consists of two approved underground mining operations, Ulan Underground which commenced production in 1986 and Ulan West which commenced production in 2014 and an open cut coal reserve.

Not only is Ulan long-lasting, but its contributions are widespread. The mine was responsible for an impressive 11.3mt of saleable coal in 2023, made possible by its 588-person workforce.

While mine-life extension is a focus, Glencore is also looking at the years post-mining at Ulan, with significant rehabilitation efforts underway.

The Australian Mining Review speaks with Glencore Ulan Coal Complex general manager Peter Ostermann about the mine’s impact beyond coal.

Rehabilitation

Ulan has been recognised by the NSW Government for its mine rehabilitation strategy. The NSW Government had signed off on 126ha of land rehabilitated by Glencore, meaning the land was returned to self-sustaining native ecosystems, agricultural use or other suitable purposes to meet government regulations and approval requirements.

Mr Ostermann comments on Glencore’s rehabilitation efforts.

“Across all Glencore Coal operations, including our Ulan Coal Complex, we progressively rehabilitate previously mined land,” he said.

“Put simply, we aim to begin rehabilitating land as soon as practicable after it’s no longer required for mining or related activities.

Mr Ostermann says that in 2020, more than 50ha of rehabilitated mined land was certified as being a safe, stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, followed by a further 76ha in 2023.

“Meeting closure criteria on these areas of our rehabilitation is the culmination of years of effort and we’re incredibly proud of our performance to date,” he said.

“Our people genuinely care about rehabilitating the land once it’s no longer needed for mining activities and we believe our performance reflects that.”

Community

Glencore is proud to regularly engage with local communities in the mid-western region of the state and invests in community partnerships and sustainable development initiatives, such as the Mudgee High School Link Program and the Mudgee Charitable Workers Project.

The Mudgee High School Link Program — a mentoring and youth engagement initiative which aims to guide disengaged youth into local employment or further school or TAFE study — is a long-term project for Glencore, having commended in 2012.

The program is flexible, practical and relevant, promoting pathway options into Years 11 and 12 at Mudgee High School, TAFE studies, an apprenticeship or traineeship or traditional employment.

The Mudgee Charitable Workers Project is another significant initiative. It’s a site-led project where Glencore apprentices and volunteers undertake maintenance and improvements at local community facilities.

This project also includes the Winter Wood program, which involves deliveries of timber, collected as part of waste reduction initiatives and distributed by volunteers to those in the local community who may struggle to heat their homes during the winter months.

Mr Ostermann says partnerships and projects like these are important to Glencore’s business because they reflect the company’s values and commitment to local communities.

“These partnerships help to demonstrate that we are not just a business operating in a community but that we strive to be an active participant,” he said.

“For the community, we believe our partnerships bring tangible benefits.

“Whether it’s through financial support, volunteer efforts or collaborative projects, our partnerships aim to address local needs and challenges.

“This can lead to improved community services, enhanced educational opportunities and a stronger local economy.

“Our partnerships also aim to foster a sense of purpose and pride among our employees.

“When employees see Ulan Coal contributing to local initiatives, they feel valued and motivated knowing that their work supports meaningful causes that matter to them.”

Expansion

Glencore is looking to continue its 100-year legacy. The Ulan Coal Complex is currently approved to produced coal until 2033 and a project modification is currently under assessment, which would extend the life of the operation until 2035.

The Ulan Coal Mine Expansion Modification 6 Project is a proposed expansion of longwall operations in the northern extent of the existing mining lease and exploration licence areas.

Beyond two more years of mine life for Ulan, the proposed project will also enable an additional 25mt of thermal coal to be extracted within the currently approved rate of 20mtpa.