Bob Miller, general manager of Centennial Coal’s Western operations, opened the day with a presentation on the latest work of the Roadway Development Taskforce and the advancements made in several areas, including self-drilling rock bolts.

Coal Services project manager Ken Cram was on hand to provide an overview of the industry from a statistical point of view, as well as to answer some sticky questions from the delegates.

He was asked his opinion on whether the dark days of the 1980s, when massive mine closures took place, were around the corner with the global financial crisis.

“It’s really a concern. The coal industry has been on a roll for a number of years,” Cram said.

“If there are reductions in the workforce and mine closures it will have a big impact on the industry, especially on the young people who haven’t been exposed before.

“From my outsider’s perspective, there is a strong possibility that there could be reductions.”

Cram’s statistics were followed up by a case study on Angus Place and the decision-making process behind purchasing its new supports.

Angus Place longwall superintendent Ross Dowsett detailed how the mine designed hydraulic injection risks out of the supports, in compliance with MDG41.

Andy Rutherford and Monash University’s Henry Bartosiewicz then presented on the correct management of hydraulic hoses and fitting within the pressurised fluid power system.

Rutherford pointed out that there was more energy from a pin hole failure in a hydraulic hose than getting shot by a high powered rifle.

The two are currently carrying out a study into the area and called on mines to provide them with hose and water samples and hose failure data to help with the project.

The afternoon’s session kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion led by safety consultant Jim Knowles on new safety legislation and initiatives in longwall mining.

The panel included Mandalong shearer driver Brendan Boss, SPS Consulting’s Bob Veazie, Mine Safety Advisory Council chairman Norman Jennings, Joy’s Brad Neilson and Metropolitan general manager Neville McAllery.

Details of the discussion will be published on International Longwall News in the coming days.

The conference ended with an enlightening presentation from Macquarie Manufacturing’s Scott Jensen on the development monorail at Newstan, which will soon be relocated to Mandalong.