Against the backdrop of a growing and changing coal industry, the New South Wales-based consultancy has long sought to expand its identity and offerings into other sectors of the mining industry. In June, experienced coal mining consultant Bruce Allan was brought in as chief executive officer to restructure and grow the company.
The company recently entered into a cooperative arrangement with Shepherd Mining Geotechnics and formed an alliance with the Austrian based civil engineering group, Geoconsult, to assist and support Strata Engineering design capabilities in the civil and tunnelling fields.
Allan said a number of activities and opportunities were arising that required shaft and tunnelling expertise across mining in general and the alliance with Geoconsult was an important step in being able to meet these needs.
Various staff changes were also announced: Steve Ditton was appointed principal engineer, responsible for mine subsidence issues; Richard Mills heads up the expanding mining engineering activities of Strata Engineering in both Queensland and NSW; Dr Russell Frith leaves the business to undertake personal interests.
Strata Engineering currently runs a three person office in Mackay and the added focus on mining engineering will see an expansion of services to Queensland mines that will include longwall recovery, ventilation and gas drainage.
Allan said other activities would unfold in alignment and run in parallel with the company’s strong geotechnical expertise.
Strata Engineering has relocated its head office to Charlestown in NSW to continue to appropriately service its customers.