The mains will be driven 4.8m wide by 3m high using the place change system. Allied has used place changing successfully at the BHP Goonyella Exploration Adit and previously on the mains development contract at Anglo Coal’s Moranbah North mine in the Bowen Basin in Queensland.
Currently, Allied is using the place change mining system for their current contract for 21km of gateroad development at Moranbah North. This will be the first use of the place change method at West Cliff mine.
Allied has commenced mobilisation with operations scheduled to commence by end February.
Allied’s primary mining fleet at West Cliff will comprise a Joy 12CM12B continuous miner, a Fletcher twin boom bolter and three Joy 15SC shuttle cars. The contract will employ approximately 40 personnel.
Allied have appointed Norm Gow, previously inspector of mines, Mackay District for the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy, as project manager.
Allied is also completing the 103 Sump Project at Moranbah North for AngloCoal as well as numerous smaller contracts throughout the Illawarra and Central Queensland underground mines.