Apr 22 2005
Longwall operations at BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal’s Dendrobium Mine officially started today with the unveiling of a plaque by the Hon David Campbell MP, Minister for Illawarra.
The Dendrobium Mine Project was approved by the NSW Government in November 2001 and it has been the subject of rigorous assessments and approvals by the company and the Government to enable it to proceed.
Situated at Mt Kembla, Wollongong, it is a project of significance to the Illawarra region and NSW and has now begun supplying valuable premium quality coal to customers including BlueScope Steel, Port Kembla.
Illawarra Coal President, Col Bloomfield said Dendrobium is the first new mine investment in the New South Wales Southern Coalfields in more than 20 years, and its importance to the region will have long lasting effects.
“This Mine proves the value of working towards sustainable development, and is testament to the commitment of all involved.
“Everyone has worked tirelessly to establish a mine that addresses the balance of environment and economics, and we are proud of the contribution this project has made and will continue to make to the region.
“Illawarra Coal also proudly acknowledges the contribution of the Project’s many employees, contractors and suppliers, as well as the united effort of all approval agencies, community groups, and individuals,” he said.
With state of the art longwall and coal preparation technology, Dendrobium will be capable of producing up to 5.2 million tonnes of raw coal per year much of which is coking coal used in steel making. (The mine will reach full production over the next few years).
“It has generated work throughout the project for close to 1000 people. Going forward, there will be 170 people directly employed at the site, plus contractors. I am confident that our skilled and motivated workforce will ensure a significant and enduring contribution.”
Mr Bloomfield acknowledged the involvement of more than 300 local businesses to the Project and thanked major contractors – Walter Mining and Hatch Engineering for their partnership.
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