Xstrata also flew down technical managers to the exhibition to talk with prospective employees about its employment requirements at Oaky Creek and its other Bowen Basin underground and open cut operations.

“It’s a great opportunity for entering the industry,” Sullivan said.

“We’re looking for every level. So if you’re an operator, tradesperson, right up to production managers or operations managers with the expanding business we’re looking to fill vacancies across all levels.

“We’ve got a suite of entry level programs available. We’ve got apprenticeships, graduate programs from entry level right up to experienced professionals.”

For a second year in a row, Oaky North secured the number one spot for longwall run of mine production, while Xstrata’s Beltana-Blakefield South complex has posted an impressive figure despite the fire that disrupted production earlier this year.

Oaky North produced 7.8Mt ROM in the recent financial year, down from the 9.69Mt result in the 2009-10 financial year.

But Oaky North remains the longwall production king of Australia by a wide margin.

When including the 4.8Mt ROM from Oaky Creek No.1, the Oaky Creek Coal complex in the Bowen Basin produced almost 13Mt in the 2010-11 financial year.

Production data provided by Coal Services showed Xstrata’s Newlands Northern mine in Queensland secured second place, producing 6.1Mt of ROM production.