This year’s second Longwall conference kicks off on November 19 in the heart of the New South Wales Hunter Valley at the Cypress Lakes Resort.
Bearing in mind Australia’s drive for continual improvement, the 2003 event will focus on delivering solutions for improvement through high level, technical and operational information for all industry professionals.
The program promises an exciting and informative two days, followed on the Friday by optional visits to Beltana (surface only) or the choice of three first-rate workshops. For the golf fanatics, or those who just like a hit, a golf day will precede the conference on November 18.
Well-known Coal Services representative, Ken Cram will commence proceedings on day one with an overview of Australian coal mine production. This will be followed by overseas presenters including submissions from the China Coal Research Institute, and RAG’s Emerald Mine general manager, Jim Myers.
The spotlight will then be focussed back on Australia with an explanation by Dan Clifford on Dartbrook’s turnaround, a case study on Ulan Mine, and a presentation by Andrew Myors on productivity improvements at Newstan.
MacDonald Mining Services, EJ O’Donovan & Associates and Nick Wills will give advice on technical and operational tips to improve production on the longwall.
Day two’s proceedings will be kicked off with an overview of Queensland’s Xstrata longwall mines, followed by an update from CSIRO on the integrated real time risk management project.
Bulent Tiryaki, a Turkish research fellow at the University of Queensland will give delegates an interesting look into the use of shearer drum technology at a Turkish mine, and UNSW’s Bruce Hebblewhite will present on a hot topic at the moment, top coal caving.
Onto safety, David Reece will speak on the Queensland Level One 2003 Emergency Exercise and the NSW Mines Rescue will present on global and NSW emergency services.
Westcliff Colliery mine manager Gavin Taylor and Southland Longwall Coordinator Bernie Lambley will speak on their operations.
Day two will be rounded off with a presentation on undermining of rivers by Bob Gallagher of IMC and UNSW Professor Roy Moreby will talk about thermodynamic network simulation and climate prediction in Australian coal mines.
Day three has been designated as workshop day. Delegates can attend the strata control workshop for operators by Nick Wills, geological and geotechnical issues management for longwall mining by Ian Stone, or addressing underground ventilation to improve productivity and minimise safety and health incidents by Roy Moreby.
For more information or to attend Longwall 2003 go to http://www.iir.com.au/conferences and click on the Longwall 2003 logo, call (02) 99235090 or email info@iir.com.au
