Panellists include Peabody Energy president – Australia Charles Meintjes and Glencore group executive - coal assets and World Coal Association chairman Mick Buffier.

Meintjes has executive responsibility for the company’s Australia operating platform, which includes overseeing the areas of health and safety, operations, sales and marketing, product delivery and support functions.

Buffier joined Glencore Coal in 2001 as the Director of Open Cut Operations in NSW. Subsequent to the Xstrata IPO in 2002 Buffier held the role of Chief Operating Officer of Xstrata’s coal mining operations in NSW.

In 2009 he was appointed Group Executive for Sustainable Development and Industry Relations, across the company’s global coal operations. Buffier continues in this role following the merger of Glencore and Xstrata in May 2013.

Prior to this Buffier held various positions including mining engineer, senior mining engineer, production manager, mine manager and general manager.

Buffier is a former Chairman and a current Director and Deputy Chairman of the NSW Minerals Council, as well as a Ministerial appointee to the NSW Coal Innovation Council.

He is a Director of ACALET (Australian Coal Association Low Emission Technologies Pty Ltd) and ANLEC R&D.

The QME 2016 Thought Leadership Panel will also examine the position of coal locally and internationally.

With a panel of this calibre not in Mackay often this is your opportunity to hear how the industry is adapting and the coordinated approach that is required to ensure the industry's survival.

Anthony Lynham, Queensland Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, will open the panel discussion.