The Vulcan South mine in central Queensland has made history by becoming the first in Australia to implement an advanced highwall mining system, significantly enhancing coal extraction efficiency.
Queensland’s Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, joined Vitrinite staff and local leaders to celebrate the deployment of the HW300 Highwall Miner at the mine near Dysart.
Vulcan South is an open-cut operation producing metallurgical coal for steelmaking. The mine is projected to yield nearly two million tonnes per year and create around 450 jobs at peak production in 2027.
The HW300 Highwall Miner allows access to coal seams that conventional methods cannot reach, improving safety, reducing costs, and minimising environmental impact.
Vitrinite Chief Operating Officer Michael Callan noted that only about 90 HW300 units are in use worldwide. He described the launch as the result of six years of research into highwall mining methods, the HW300 system, and local geological conditions.
“The HW300 offers several key benefits for Queensland, including lower costs, enhanced safety, and reduced environmental impact,” Callan said. “We are proud to introduce Australia’s first dedicated unit and give this extraction method the focus it deserves.”
Minister Last praised the investment as a major boost for Queensland’s mining sector.
“This technology is a significant step forward in safety, efficiency, and sustainability,” he said. “It reinforces Queensland’s position as a global leader in mining innovation, while also creating skilled jobs in Central Queensland.”
He added that the investment reflects strong confidence in the state’s resources sector and aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting new and expanded mining operations.
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