Vision
Ensham Resources has developed a
vision to be a safe, sustainable, reliable and competitive resource company that values its employees.
Existing Operations
Ensham’s mining operations currently
comprises five open cut coal mining
pits: Pits A,B,C & D either side of the
Nogoa River - referred to as the ‘Ensham
Project’ - and the ‘Yongala’ pit, which
is located approximately 5 km to the
North of the main Ensham operation.
Total combined production is currently
in the vicinity of 7 million tonnes per
annum (mtpa).
The Ensham Strategy
The highest quality coal across the Ensham resource occurs at depths, which as the mine matures will become beyond the economic reach of current open cut mining.
Ensham has created a logical path for continuing its long term competitiveness by commencing the use of lower cost underground mining as part of the Ensham Central Project.
Ensham is investing $166m in capital to develop a bord and pillar mine as stage one of the Ensham Central Project.
Open cut mining will continue to be part of the Ensham operation, with a continuing transition to increased underground mining, to maintain the most sustainably competitive and highest value outcomes for the business.
Underground Mining Transition
After extensive consultation and assessment processes the Ensham Central Project is in the final stages of obtaining relevant statutory approvals.
The first workings bord and pillar mine is a brownfield development within the operational area of the existing mine. Underground mining will commence in this area using two continuous miner sections operating simultaneously to produce around 1.7 Mtpa. Bord and pillar mining will be at full production by July 2012.
With an anticipated life of 14 years, stage one will provide valuable knowledge for future large scale development of underground mining of the Ensham Resource.
Bord and pillar mining
Bord and pillar mining is one of the oldest and most established mining techniques in Australia.
This mining method involves cutting a series of panels into the coal seam and leaving behind pillars of coal to support the mine. As a first workings mine, Ensham will not undertake any secondary extraction which will ensure that safety factors are maintained and no surface subsidence is created.
Additional infrastructure is being developed at the Ensham Mine site to support the underground workforce including new administration offices and expansion of existing camp accommodation facilities. New camp accommodation facilities have been designed and constructed to deliver improved energy efficiency, this has been achieved by the use of features such as solar hot water systems and increased insulation.
What strategies are in place to ensure the mine’s success?
The Ensham Mine site will operate as an integrated open cut and underground mining operation. Underground mining activities are being integrated into the already mature structure, systems and procedures of Ensham Resources.
Environmental Management
An Environmental Management Plan has been developed in accordance with Queensland government requirements to ensure our mine meets its strict environmental commitments.
As part of our Environmental Management Plan, we have committed to undertaking a range of control measures to minimise the potential environmental impacts of the project.
These control measures include:
Air quality – dust control |
- Dust minimisation strategies will ensure predicted levels of dust are well within acceptable limits. These strategies include the use of dust control technology, watering of used roads and revegetation of obsolete roads, restricted speed limits and prompt cleaning of any spilled materials.
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Greenhouse gas emission minimisation |
- Ensham has adopted a mining method that uses large equipment and economies of scale to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions.
- Efficient methods used to extract and transport coal and overburden will minimise the number of trips required and reduce fuel consumption.
- Recycling strategies will ensure waste is segmented into recycling and general waste, and refrigerants used in equipment and air-conditioning are recycled.
- Where possible, machinery will use fuel efficient motors.
- Compliance with the Australian Government’s Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme and Energy Efficiency Opportunities Legislation will ensure transparency.
- All employees will receive “Greenhouse awareness” training at induction.
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Groundwater monitoring |
- Bore water levels and water quality will be monitored in accordance with the Queensland Government’s environmental regulations.
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Water management |
- Underground pit water will be reused on the mine site, or provided to landowners for irrigation or stock-watering purposes
- Water from the mine site that may contain sediment or pollutants will be collected by catch and diversion drains for control, treatment (if required) and possible reuse as mine water supply.
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Noise minimisation |
- All plant and equipment will be maintained in good working order to comply with Environmental Authority noise criteria.
- Ventilation shafts will be designed and located in such a way that complies with Environmental Authority noise criteria.
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Waste management |
- The project will reuse and recycle as much waste as possible.
- Wastes will be handled, stored and disposed of in a manner that minimises any impacts on air, water and land resources, and protects the health of people working at the Ensham mine and the community.
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Health and Safety Management System
Ensham has an existing, high standard Health and Safety Management System which prioritises the safety of all employees and establishes performance that exceeds industry and national standards.
Ensham is developing a Health and Safety Management System specifically for underground mining operations that will complement existing systems.
Potential Suppliers
Ensham has a policy of utlising Australian suppliers and contractors wherever possible, and providing Australian suppliers with fair and reasonable opportunities to supply equipment and materials for its new projects and existing operations.
If you would like to register your interest for the underground project, please contact Ensham Resources:
Ensham Resources Pty Limited
GPO 814, Brisbane Queensland 4001
Ph: +61 7 3221 1201
Fax: +61 7 3221 1225
Email: enquiries@ensham.com.au
High Wall Mining
As part of its efforts to maximise resource recovery, Ensham is investigating high wall mining in conjunction with its existing pit operations. Should this project prove to be
economically viable it may provide a
supplementary source of production up to 1 million tonne
P.A. from otherwise sterilised resources. |
