Grosvenor Mine push to start Longwall Mining in 2016. Did they cut methane drainage from 2014-5? Why did they decide to cut LW 101 short? Have they created the Methane and Ventilation problems through their own short-sighted costs and production drive?
I was contacted by an old friend and workmate in 2016 when Grosvenor Mine cut their first longwall LW 101 short, installed the Longwall and started producing Longwall Coal.
He was very concerned about the long-term impacts on Grosvenor Mine, particularly on layout of the longer subsequent blocks and the problems with ventilation that were sure to follow.
He was also very concerned about the obvious short-falls in gas drainage and the floor blowers.
My very experienced friend made the decision that he was off to get a job elsewhere.
As it turns out a very wise early call to get employment at another Underground Mine rather than stick with Grosvenor.
How did Anglo save $100M and come in 6 months early?
What costs did they cut?
Methane drainage and long term mine infrastructure?
Anglo was extremely pleased in 2016 that early than planned production was going to make the Mine more sellable
Anglo American’s Grosvenor mine has produced first coal ahead of schedule, raising its saleability prospects.
The mine, which was first approved for development at the end of 2011, delivered first coking coal from its longwall seven months ahead of schedule, and more than US$100 million below budget, according to Anglo American.
Anglo American’s Grosvenor Mine is a flagship project in the Moranbah Region, producing its first longwall coal in May 2016. The site is located approximately 190 kilometers south-west of Mackay, and has an anticipated mine life in excess of 30 years.
Mastermyne were engaged to follow on from the TBM drift construction and undertake the initial drift development works including pit bottom and tailgate works. This project helped Anglo to reach their first longwall coal milestone seven months early and more than $100 million under budget.
Mastermyne recruited and mobilised a workforce of over 280 personnel, including some statutory positions.
Mastermyne also completed the Drift Fitout works at Grosvenor Mine. Using innovative modified civil tunnelling construction methods, we were able to reduce the schedule from 43 weeks to 28 weeks. A suitable mine life running surface was required within the circular concrete lined drifts as delivered by the TBM. To achieve this result a floor piece was designed as precast T unit concrete sections.
In addition to the roadway surface man refuge bays were to be constructed. These required the removal of the precast drift lining, canopy tubes drilled and grouted for primary support, excavation of the refuges, and then lining with shotcrete. All constructed using Brokk underground compliant excavator.
This project was awarded the 2016 Queensland Contractor Awards ‘Time Saving Initiative’ Award.
Anglo American’s Grosvenor mine has produced first coal ahead of schedule, raising its saleability prospects.
The mine, which was first approved for development at the end of 2011, delivered first coking coal from its longwall seven months ahead of schedule, and more than US$100 million below budget, according to Anglo American.
It now aims to ramp up to 3.2 million tonnes for 2016, with eventual plans to become a 7.5 million tonnes per annum operation.
According to Anglo it will have an all in sustaining unit cost of $110 per tonne (US$84 per tonne), a price point just below current Australian government estimates of an average US$91 per tonne for coking coal.
This delivery strengthens the mine’s attractiveness as a sales prospect, with Anglo’s head of Bulk Commodities Seamus French promoting the mine, which has been on the divestment table, along with the rest of its Australian assets, since February.
Fellow Queensland coal miner BMA has been posited as a buyer, as has private equity form Apollo Global Management, which is working with US coal company Xcoal Energy and Resources.
“While Grosvenor may not fit Anglo American’s strategic portfolio choices, its long term commercial attractiveness is beyond question,” he stated.
He went on to state “we have delivered the Grosvenor metallurgical coal project ahead of schedule and below budget, with an outstanding safety record and in line with our environmental obligations”.
