The Martson Mining consultancy group integrated with the global Golder group in April 2011, as part of plans to assist with the continued growth in coal production and exports in the Hunter region.

US-based Marston president Richard Marston said the merger would enable opportunities for expansion.

“The Hunter region is at the centre of the world’s coal mining industry and we expect to quickly enlarge our Newcastle office by drawing upon the global resources of Golder and Marston,” he said.

“Plans for the expansion of the Port of Newcastle and for new resources projects across the region demonstrate growing demand for mine planning and geological services, and we can provide to mining clients one of the largest and most distinguished groups of such professionals in the business.”

Golder NSW manager Graham Scholey said the company was planning a significant expansion of coal mining services at the Newcastle office in line with its global strategy.

“ Growth is being targeted in the coal mining, power generation and infrastructure sectors, including the growing coal seam gas industry, building on Golder’s and Marston’s current client base across the Hunter Valley and Southern Coalfields of NSW,” he said.