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Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

Monday November 28 2016, 203rd Edition

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TIME TO WALK AWAY? MINERS DECIDING LABOUR HIRE NO WAY TO LIVE. >> Full report page 5

NO CANARY IN THE COAL MINE

What’s stopping critical coal dust technology? >> Page 6

IS IT A BOOM NOW?

Record price for metallurgical coal. >> Page 6

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CONTENTS NEWS

07 08 10 14

Record coal prices QRC chief steps down and reflects on last 11 years You can’t say “you suck Di$^” on a mine site Drone V Eagle

REGULARS

27-30 19 22

Miner’s Trader

Frank the Tank & Mad Mumzie Puzzles

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NEWS & SUBSCRIPTION

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Chinese committed to coal Predictions of an end to thermal coal power production across the world would appear to have been premature with China announcing that it will increase the amount of coal-fired power generation by 20% in under five years.

The Chinese National Energy Administration released a fiveyear report into how the world’s fastest growing and second biggest economy would power itself into the future.

The report said it would raise coal-fired power capacity from roughly 900 gigawatts today to around 1100 gigawatts by 2020.

To put that in perspective, the 200-gigawatt increase is greater than the total power capacity of Canada.

By comparison, the Chinese

agency said it would increase non-fossil fuel sources from about 12 per cent to 15 per cent of the country’s energy mix over the same period, meaning coal would still be responsible for more than half their power generation at the start of the next decade.

The Chinese report supports the forecasts made by the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) six months ago, which predicted coal would be the second largest source of energy globally for most of our working lives, and possibly slipping to third in around 2030.

The consumption of coal is expected to increase roughly half a percent a year and increase from around 150 quadrillion BTU in 2012 to around 180 quadrillion

BTU by 2040 - or 20 percent in the next 30 years.

“Throughout the projection, the top three coal-consuming countries are China, the United States, and India, which together account for more than 70% of world coal use,” the EIA said.

“China accounted for 50% of world coal consumption in 2012, and its coal use continues to grow through 2025, before beginning a decline along with slower overall growth in energy consumption and the implementation of policies addressing air pollution and climate change.”

The reluctance of countries to abandon coal as part of their energy mix reflects its almost insurmountable price competitiveness and the impact of new technologies on its emissions.

A RESEARCH report completed by the International Energy Agency and funded by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) last year, found there were more than 1,000 low emission coal-fired power stations planned or under construction across Asia.

“The findings of the report indicate a strong uptake of cleaner, high efficiency, low emission

(HELE) coal-fired power stations amongst the ten surveyed countries,” Greg Evans from the MCA said.

“Six hundred and seventy of these generation units are already operating in Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“Moreover, there are an additional 1,066 now under construction or planned, which is the equivalent of 24 times Australia’s current coal-fired generation, and is the fastest expansion and modernisation of coal-fired generation in history.”

According to the MCA, emissions from HELE coal-fired power stations are about 25% less than an average operating power station now, and around 40% less than the oldest power stations still in operation.

Further, the MCA says that if all coal-fired powered stations were updated with the latest technology, it would reduce carbon output by two billion tonnes - an amount equal to India’s total current emissions and 53 times more effective than Europe’s emissions trading scheme.

Cashing in on coal prices difficult

Making money out of the completely surprising recovery in coal prices this year is proving more difficult than imagined for some miners, and a windfall for others.

Statements released by Wesfarmers and Yancoal recently are good illustrations of how the price rises are benefiting shareholders differently.

In the case of Wesfarmers,

4 November 28, 2016

they have forecast that their Curragh mine will only just break even this financial year, despite steelmaking coal prices increasing 300% and thermal coal prices doubling.

The unusually wet spring and a seven-day shutdown of the CHPP for maintenance work at Curragh has slashed coking coal production in the last three

months by 24% and thermal coal production by around 17%.

“The decline in coal production resulted primarily from wet weather conditions, with rainfall during the quarter being 57% higher than the prior quarter and six times higher than the first quarter of the 2016 financial year,” Curragh said in a recent operational update.

“Export metallurgical coal sales are expected to be between 8.0 and 8.5 million tonnes, but due to the production disruptions, these sales volumes are projected to be weighted towards the second half of the financial year.

“Approximately 50% of Curragh’s export metallurgical coal sales volumes in the second quarter of the 2017 financial year are expected to represent carryover tonnage which will partially offset recent increases in metallurgical coal prices.

“As a result, the resources business is expected to report a broadly breakeven earnings subject to production, weather events, shipping and currency.

In contrast, Chinese owned and controlled Yancoal has seen

its shares as much as double on the Australian stock market.

Yancoal has increased production at the Yarrabee Coal Mine near Blackwater by 14% in the last year, although their joint venture at Middlemount has been disrupted by the same wet weather that hit Curragh reducing output by 15%.

However, it’s their refusal to rule out buying Rio Tinto’s thermal coal mines that seems to have got investors interested.

“Yancoal notes recent media speculation in relation to its potential interest in Rio Tinto’s Australian thermal coal assets,” they said in a statement.

“As one of Australia’s largest and leading coal miners, Yancoal continues to review and explore a number of development and acquisition opportunities.”

“Recent share improvements continue to be positively influenced by the cent strengthening of global coal prices, as demonstrated by the settlement of the coal industry’s quarterly benchmark for semi-soft coking coal at a new market high.”

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Is Labour Hire worth it?

Lack of any recognition of their achievements is the latest in a long list of grievances among the growing group of miners currently employed casually in the mining sector.

Using casual employees to fill short-term variable work demands is an important - and often mutually beneficial - part of the modern employment landscape across every industry including mining.

However informed, high-level managers in mining companies are now conceding privately that the current volume of casual or labour hire in mining is not sustainable.

“No one really knows, but my guess is that more than half the mining workforce is now on extended casual contracts,” one 20 year veteran of the sector told

Shift Miner.

“This industry has always had ups and downs, but it’s the first time that I’ve ever seen levels of casuals like this.

“But it’s not just the fault of mining companies, the whole industrial relations process, including the role of the CFMEU, has become so combative that companies feel like they have no other way to manage labour through the mining cycles.

“The irony of it all is that the big losers are the workers, and as things turn around in the sector we are going to lose the skills we desperately need.”

His prediction would appear to be validated, with yet another miner sending Shift Miner an email about his experience this week.

Having spent years working casually as labour hire the miner has decided to leave the industry.

“For years I have been doing the exact same job as full-time employees who are earning 40% more,” he said.

“Then when we work hard and achieve or beat production targets, they pay full-time employees bonuses, and we get nothing.

“This can’t be fair, and it seems they are counting on us to get fed up and leave so they can replace us with new labour hire to repeat the cycle all over again.

“If the government doesn’t change the laws, what’s to stop

How many still in mining?

Queensland Treasury’s latest count of the number of non-resident resource sector workers in Central Queensland hasn’t revealed any surprises, although it has underscored the dire outlook for the region’s motel operators who have had vacancy rates of more than 60% for three years.

The non-resident population counted in the survey represents the number of fly-in fly-out & drive in drive out (FIFO & DIDO) workers who were on-shift in the region at the time of collection.

However, it’s important to note that the actual numbers of FIFO and DIDO employed people in

Central Queensland, is much larger because workers not rostered for work on the day of the count are not included.

In the Bowen Basin, there were 13,500 FIFO & DIDO workers counted in June this year, which is 13% fewer than at the same time last year and nearly a 50% fall from the construction peak in 2012. In effect, the number represents the operational workforce in the Bowen Basin, which has increased between 20% and 30% since 2006.

In light of this, the report points out that the fall in employment does not represent the

mining companies doing this forever?

“I’m leaving the industry soon, but I hope something changes for the future generations of young miners.”

It’s an experience echoed by hundreds of other miners working in the sector.

Another miner told Shift Miner he didn’t think it was possible or sensible to legislate against labour hire because there will always be a need for casuals to feel short term vacancies.

However, in the last decade, he’s witnessed first hand a huge change in the way casuals are being treated.

“The problem with casuals in mining is that they are being put into permanent roles,” he said.

“When I started working, people would start out as casuals on a probation period (usually three months) then they would become permanent, and along with that came all the added benefits like leave, loading and bonuses.

“Take shutdowns as an example, you might work for three months, but once the jobs done you could be on the bench for four weeks, and that was just part of the deal.

“But at least when I was working exclusively in shutdowns we would be classed as permanent after we worked so many hours in the week (38 if I remember correctly) and for that week, we would accrue sick leave, holiday

leave, and we’d be paid any public holiday rates that might apply.

“I haven’t been to a shutdown in the last three years that does that now.

“In another example, I picked up a job with a company who secured a 2-year contract to maintain a wash plant and only the grey collar workers and higher were given “permanent” positions even though it was a 2-year contract.

“Try going to the bank to take out a loan for a car or house when you are casual, they don’t care that the company has a 2-year contract, all they see is casual mine employee.

“I suppose what I’m getting at is there is no doubt there is a need for casuals in mining, just as there is in any other industry, but like other industries, there needs to be some fairness involved.”

So why don’t more casual miners leave?

According to the same miner, many in the industry don’t see too many other options.

“For me, it was a job. It was the best I could get,” he said.

“Every man and his dog wants a permanent job, but realistically they are unlikely to get one.

“So they sit there in a casual roll, and they take the abuse from the bosses and do the dodgy things they’re asked because their casual spot at the trough is better than no spot at all.”

collapse of the Central Queensland coal sector.

“Much of this apparent decline was due to finalisation of construction for new projects and operational expansions,” the report said.

“The subsequent departure of temporary FIFO/DIDO construction workforces from the region, and the downward influence that this had on the non-resident population was widely anticipated and consistent with the transition of the resources boom from the investment phase to the production phase.”

There are currently 41 operating mines in the Bowen Basin, and more than 95% of FIFO/DIDO workers are staying in one of the 50 mining camps currently in operation (four shut over the last 12 months). The proportion of hotel/ motel rooms in the Bowen Basin that were vacant and available increased slightly, from 63% in June 2015 to 69% in June 2016.

Another defining characteristic of the Bowen Basin is that around 14% of the full-time equivalent population (locals plus non-resident) are there just for

work, which is very different to the Surat Basin where they comprise less than 2%.

Speaking of the Surat Basin, the impact of the downturn has been starker.

The number of FIFO / DIDO workers counted in the Surat Basin was 3,820 people at the end of June 2016, which is 30% fewer than in 2015 and more than 70% less than at the peak in 2014.

However, it’s also more than double the number in 2008 before the CSG boom.

Like in the Bowen Basin, most live in mining camps - although a key difference in the Surat Basin is that the mining camps have been smaller and mobile so they can move with pipeline activity, and aren’t anchored by a cluster of coal mines.

Notably, the number of camps fell by 30% in the Surat Basin last year as mobile workforces finished their work and went elsewhere.

In Gladstone, the non-resident population is now just 1,540 people about 72% lower than in June 2015. This number will approach zero this year as all major construction projects are completed.

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People & training follow prices

Mining trainers and recruiters are reporting a significant increase in activity as skyrocketing coal prices trigger a scramble to find skilled people.

The coking coal price has risen from roughly $100 a tonne to around $315 a tonne, which based on current production estimates is likely to increase coal revenue to BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Glencore and Anglo American by $23 billion over

The right price to drill Drilling company Mitchell Services’ cash balance has gone from $131k in the red to $330k in the black in just three months, as improving coal prices drive demand for drilling services.

CEO Andrew Elf says they have seen a significant upturn in drilling demand and utilisation.

“In the September quarter just passed, we saw the company continue its growth path with the average operating rig count increasing to 21 rigs -up from 18 rigs during the same quarter in 2015,” he said “More significantly the average number of monthly operating shifts has increased by 45% during the quarter.

“This growth was driven in part by an increased number of Tier One contracts, but also by an increase in the scope of work from existing clients following increases in key commodity prices.”

The increased drilling activity is again another sign that the current improved prices - while not immune from falling - signal a longer term shift upwards in the floor price for coal.

6 November 28, 2016

this financial year.

However, the price rises are not expected to last forever, and won’t inspire a construction boom as we saw at the end of the last decade to expand capacity.

Instead, miners are looking to ramp up existing operations and revisit the economics of deposits in care and maintenance.

However, with the current workforce, the smallest in decades,

and output the highest on record, Nic Willis from ExtraStaff says they are starting to see demand for skills.

“We see more recruitment activity, but only with certain clients, particularly if they are looking to take advantage of a more flexible workforce,” she told Shift Miner.

“The demand is in the skilled areas like multi-skilled operators, and diesel fitters, but demand for administrative roles have really reduced over the last two or so years, not only in the mining community but also within the towns.

“The positions are predominantly casual, with very little permanent in the market, which is unlike the height of the boom when there were a lot of permanent roles on offer as companies fought to lock the skilled candidates in place. “[Back then]Companies were more open to employing for the right attitude and upskilling, now there are so many candidates looking for work employers can be more demanding in the types of skills and experience they require.”

Not surprisingly, with people re-entering mining, and the existing workforce feeling more confident about the future, Gregg Jones General Manager of Sharp Training in

Mackay says there’s also increased investment in training.

While they don’t track details of whether the training is for permanent, contracted or casual roles, he says an anecdotal observation is that the roles being offered are shorter term. ”We do see an increase, particularly with self-paying students for training due to work coming up and onboarding requirements for various work sites,”he told Shift Miner. “ It varies across a range of our higher load programs and is sometimes shutdown related through the peaks and troughs, but the activity ranges from STD 11 induction training through to our Working at Heights and Confined Space Training, where we see reasonable amounts of refresher training coming through. “ We are also experiencing high loads in Supervisor skill sets (G1,8,9 or S123) and Trainer / Assessor skill sets.

“There is a definite shift since the height of the boom with casual or contract personnel demands being much higher, with shorter work contracts that can be turned off or renewed due to the volatility we’ve seen in the sector.”

130 develop lung cancer annually

The Cancer Council is calling on the mining sector to take the threat of diesel fumes very seriously following new estimates that about 130 Australian workers a year are developing lung cancer because of exposure to diesel fumes at work.

Diesel is the primary source of energy on a mine site, with an average haul truck consuming around 6500 litres of diesel on a 12-hour shift - depending on the conditions under which it is operating.

Multiply that by the fleet of haul trucks operating in Central Queensland, and add all the ancillary earthmoving gear and smaller diesel powered tools, and you get a glimpse of the size of the risk in mining.

Terry Slevin, Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s Occupational and Environmental Cancer Committee, said an estimated 3.6 million Australians were exposed to cancer-causing agents at work.

However, he says awareness of the risks of diesel fumes is among the lowest.

“Awareness of the risks of exposures to asbestos and UV radiation is increasing, and is reflected in gradual improvements in work practices,” he said.

“By contrast, awareness of the hazards of exposure to diesel fumes is low, especially in relation to the potential harm.

“Exposure to diesel fumes is Australia’s second-most common

work-based cancer-causing agent.

“The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has upgraded its classification of diesel exhaust to a ‘Group 1’ carcinogen, confirming that it is an established cause of cancer in humans.

“IARC estimates that people regularly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes at work can be up to 40% more likely to develop lung cancer.”

The risk presented by diesel fumes is not just directly linked to the volume of diesel being used. It also has to do with the environment under which the fumes exist, meaning workers using generators, compressors, power plants or forklifts in a garage or workshop could even be at a higher risk.

“Taking simple steps, such as winding up the window and turning on the air con if you are driving a diesel vehicle, can reduce your cancer risk,” Mr Slevin said.

“Taking stronger action now, and increasing awareness, will go a long way to avoiding the worst kind of problems down the track [such as] employees being diagnosed with cancer that can be attributed to what happened to them at work.”

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Record $A coal price The Queensland Resources Council says the highest Australian dollar price ever for Queensland metallurgical coal has been settled this month at around $US308 a tonne.

“The recovery in coal prices is something quite remarkable in anyone’s language,” CEO of the Queensland Resources Council Michael Roche said.

It just shows how sensitive the coking coal price is to supply and demand shocks.

“We saw the same thing happen in 2011 when flooding in Queensland cut supply and pushed coal prices up above $US300 a tonne, and now with Chinese government legislation and seasonal flooding in China cutting their

supply, we have a record price in Aussie dollars of $US308.”

“I think the price for metallurgical coal will settle back down to a more realistic number, but at a number well north of where it was, but we are all guessing, no one has got it right.”

Around 60% of seaborne metallurgical coal trade is from Australia, with most of that coming from Central Queensland.

So when the supply balance shifts, demand for Queensland coal shifts as well.

While coal prices have been higher in the past, it’s been at a time when the Australian dollar was also higher, which lowers the returns to Australian miners.

Historically the coal price (which is listed in $US) and the value of the Australian dollar have moved together, but this time around the Australian dollar hasn't moved much because no one is sure about the fundamentals causing the coal price rises.

That’s because the meteoric price rise is mainly due to a Chinese political decision to reduce coal output at home, and with Chinese politics so difficult to

interpret, no one is quite sure how long it will last.

Whatever the case, the unforeseen sweet spot has thrown budgets and planning into turmoil across Queensland, with reports now that some of the biggest mines in the Bowen Basin have gone from breaking even, to making more profit than they did it at the height of the last boom.

However, with the lessons of the last six years fresh in everyone’s memory, no one is certain how to react, and the mining support sector is still under huge stress and financial pressure.

However, the most likely outcome locally is that the big miners will redouble their already enormous effort to increase production without increasing costs, meaning production records will fall again this financial year with the added benefit of more profits per tonne than anyone could have dreamt of just three months ago.

However this is some evidence that miners are looking for people on a longer term basis, with a report by recruitment business DFP Resources indicating vacancies in the resources sector generally have

Maintenance part price war

The war for maintenance business across the Central Queensland resources sector is heating up with Komatsu announcing it will reduce the price of excavator and dozer parts by as much as half.

According to Komatsu, the new pricing of their rollers, idlers, sprockets, track links, grousers and other hardware means original parts (OEM) are now the same price as parts made by other “aftermarket” suppliers.

At a BMA procurement meeting at Emerald in February, a spokesperson put OEM suppliers

on notice, saying that the current downturn meant they were assessing all options for parts, and OEM suppliers “could no longer rely on receiving premiums and sales simply because they were OEM”.

The fact that Komatsu has been forced to take this step, is a strong indication that upfront pricing appears to have been the key consideration for purchasing decisions in mining this year.

OEM suppliers have always justified their higher prices on the basis that their parts deliver longer term savings over the working life

of their machines.

Komatsu OEM Products Group Business Manager Stuart Moffitt, says the cost reductions are a short term initiative to allow operators to rediscover these benefits.

“With tested and proven greater hardness depth than aftermarket offerings, genuine Komatsu undercarriage components have a longer component life,” he said.

“This increased life means fewer replacements throughout the machine’s life, cutting the total cost of parts and labour and minimising downtime.

“Genuine components also received the reassurance and support delivered by OEM products and, when combined with regular undercarriage inspections, offer significant cost savings to businesses.

“Once you go genuine, you stay genuine.”

There are a few terms & conditions specific to the deal.

The discounts are up to 50% - not 50% across the board; they only apply from now until the end of January next year, and the parts can’t be bought online and have to be through a registered Komatsu branch. The discount also doesn’t extend to freight costs.

improved 8.3% in October and 29.3% in the last 12 months.

“Permanent vacancies increased this month by 10.6%, while temporary and contract roles increased 5.4%,” they said in their monthly report.

“The Queensland market performed the strongest with vacancies growing 14.2% and Western Australia also improved further, rising another 5.5%.

“Coal and Mineral Mining, Oil and Gas, and Metal Ore Mining all experienced growth with the former showing a significant increase of 24.8% in demand.

“The market for Engineering Professionals has shown signs of a resurgence with its strongest performance on record, a rise of 14.6%” Whatever the impact on the local economy, the QRC’s Mr Roche says the current prices are good news for Queensland.

“It’s good news for the QLD budget, Treasury were working on a metallurgical coal price being $88 a tonne, and this week it is at $308 a tonne.

“It’s a windfall gain for the budget.”

Last month for McAleese Everything from lifting gear to office desks is offered for sale in Mackay as administrators McGrathNicol commence selling off parts of the troubled McAleese transport business.

While the sales don’t necessarily represent the end of McAleese, they do mean the end of some of its business components which are considered unsalvageable by the administrators.

McAleese Transport has been trading under the control of an administrator since August, and in early October they commenced winding up local operations in Mackay, Gladstone, Biloela, Emerald, and Moranbah causing the loss of dozens of jobs.

The revival in the mining sector has no doubt had a bearing on the decision by administrators McGrath Nicol to put machinery on the market straight away, given some of the mining specific lifting equipment will only be attractive to the mining sector - who at this moment is enjoying some rare optimism.

The transport components of the business have cross-sector appeal and will be marketed nationally through online and physical auctions.

GraysOnline has been nominated to handle the sale and head of mining and transport Fenton Healy told media he expected healthy buying interest.

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Queenslanders close but no cigar

A team from South 32’s Wollongong based Appin Colliery have narrowly beaten Central Queensland’s Oaky North team in the 54th Australian Underground Mines Rescue Competition held at Rio Tinto’s Kestrel mine this month.

While there was some “daylight” between the first two teams and the other six, overall, the competition was very close with

just a 50 to 80 point spread across the entire contest.

Manager of Queensland Mines Rescue Ray Smith, told Shift Miner while there were winners and losers - every team participating showed a very high level of competence.

“It’s hard to say what separates first from eighth because everyone is doing an outstanding job,” he said.

“We set the tasks and look at how teams meet the requirements we are looking for in that particular exercise.

“While they will often meet the vast majority of requirements, some teams might miss a few and are scored accordingly.

“However competition aside, this is a great opportunity for everyone to share knowledge and I think the Queensland teams got a lot out of the virtual reality tasks this year.

“All our rescue workers left the event feeling more confident about how to respond to safety incidents, and that, in turn, means other miners will feel more confident about approaching them on safety issues.”

The annual event involves eight mines rescue and emergency response teams from across Queensland and New South Wales competing in a range of simulated emergency situations.

There were a few notable achievements among the teams competing for Queensland this year.

Glencore had both their Oaky Creek rescue teams represented for the first time, Anglo’s Grosvenor team made the final four after just two years of operation, and the team from Caledon’s Cook Colliery were competing for the national title for the first time in 28 years.

Kestrel Mine acting General Manager Wouter Niehaus said Rio Tinto was proud to support the competition.

“It plays an important role in helping to continually improve safety in Australian mines,” he said.

The safety of our people is our priority, and this requires continuous planning and training for emergency situations, and mines rescue competitions put their skills to the test.

Coal boom excesses the low point For more than a decade CEO of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Michael Roche has been the calm and reasoned voice of big mining in some of the most raucous debates in Queensland's mining history.

However, after eleven years at the helm, Mr Roche will finish up this month, handing responsibility over to former Liberal Federal Minister Mr Ian Macfarlane.

Shift Miner spoke to Mr Roche about the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that face the industry.

[SM] Why the decision to leave?

[MR] As it turns out eleven and a half years is a very good innings in a role that is really seven days a week because you are always on call to members and the media. I have enjoyed the role, but it is healthy for any organisation to get new leadership, new ideas and new perspectives. We all like to think we are indispensable, but we aren’t, and the QRC will get the benefit of Ian Macfarlane’s vast political experience and networks in this role.

[SM] Your background is in economics how do you view the global economic outlook for commodities?

[MR] It has always been simply about supply and demand, and despite the downturn, demand hasn’t just gone away. However, the good prices from 5 years ago did attract a lot of extra supply for a whole range of commodities and with countries like China

8 November 28, 2016

slowing down far faster than anyone expected it will take a while for the oversupply in different commodities to work through.

[SM] What has been the worst handled issue for mining over your tenure?

[MR] Among the issues that industry could control, the cost blowout during the peak of the boom and the incredible pain experienced in the wake of it was controllable.

The industry took the view that it was worth spending and extra $25 on costs to get the $50 extra revenue from the high prices.

Well, we now know the $50 went away far quicker than anyone imagined, so we had to go through a very painful adjustment. People had got used to very good wages, and prices for their services, but they were never sustainable, and industry has to share its blame for the painful adjustment that had to occur when super prices disappeared.

[SM] That was painful for a lot of people...but Black Lung isn’t worse?

[MR] The issue of miners pneumoconiosis has been a terrible event for the industry, and a revelation for everyone. The entire system was not working. When mining companies were sending their workers to be tested, and the results were coming back saying there were no issues, everyone assumed the system was working, and there wasn’t a problem. What we now know is that workers were being misdiagnosed, and the in-

dustry was not getting the signals it needed around the distribution of the disease.

However everyone missed what was happening, regulators, mining inspectors, mining companies, the unions, and the government we all share responsibility.

Now that we have identified there is a problem, the whole industry is getting its act together, and I am proud that mining companies have been on the front foot plugging holes in compensation.

Soon all radiologists will know how to read ILO standard radiography, and in the interim, we are sending every x-ray to the US and encouraging any retired workers who may have fallen through the cracks to come in and be tested.

[SM] What other threats are there for the future?

[MR] I think where industry has been blindsided, is how well funded the green activists campaigning against the industry are. Dealing with green activists will now have to be factored into planning for any new projects. When these issues find their way to the media, there are often six different well-funded activist voices being heard, and sometimes just one alternative view being put forward by a peak body.

I think the mining industry has to stop hiding behind the skirts of the corporate relations team, and not just rely on the peak bodies to represent them They need to be more willing to fund

advertising campaigns to get their point across. We seem to lack the likes of Ken Talbot who spoke in defence of the industry, and people took notice.

I would also like to see more workers speaking in support of their industry and the jobs it creates. There is no reason why we can’t have the unions, companies and the workforce working together to remove impediments to the industry moving forward. I would like to see more events like the 700 people rallying at parliament house in support of the New Acland project a fortnight ago.

[SM] What’s been the best-handled issue?

[MR] I think the industry can be proud of its commitment to the plight of Indigenous Queenslanders, Women and youth through the Queensland Minerals and Energy Acadamy (QMEA).

Despite the downturn, we have stayed the course on investing in these initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.

[SM] Where to now?

[MR] I will still be involved with the industry doing a mixture of advisory and board work, doing two days a week with the Auscoal Superfund, trying to help coal workers get a decent retirement income. I am also doing some work with a law firm, so a few things coming together. But it will be a nice mix of roles and stepping back a bit from the seven-day-a-week demands of the last eleven years.

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Steve Bradbury in the room?

A global maintenance business is anticipating major demand from the mining sector from about March next year as haul trucks, and other significant mining equipment reach critical points in their working life.

SEW Eurodrive (SEW) specialises in the supply and maintenance of gearboxes and other transmission systems which are a fundamental part of the industrial machine that drives mining in Central Queensland.

The period since 2012 has almost universally been acknowledged by the local mine maintenance support sector as the most difficult in Central Queensland’s 50-year mining history - with an almost complete freeze on external maintenance work.

The freeze - during a time of

record production - has only been made possible by the unusually high levels of machine availability following the massive capital expenditure of the boom years.

However record coal exports have steadily eroded the working life of every machine in use, leading most in the industry to speculate that there would be a “Tsunami” of demand for major maintenance work, at some point.

This phenomenon has also led to the coining of the “Bradbury Effect” phrase now in common use in Central Queensland, referring to the possible business riches available to whichever company can navigate the downturn.

Last month SEW Eurodrive commenced building a new two thousand square metre maintenance facility in Mackay, which Operations Manager Daniel Dallari said will help meet this demand.

“SEW has established a service alliance with Werner Engineering to support gearbox service and repairs with local, state-of-theart machining and fabrication capabilities,” he said.

“Many gear drives within the region are now reaching a stage where they require some serious servicing/rebuild or possible replacement.

“SEW state-of-the-art Heavy Industrial Solution Service Centre combined with our product specialists and the support of Werner Engineering’s machine shop will provide assistance from repair of SEW products, all the way to replacing ageing non-SEW units with energy efficient, modern and space saving ‘drop-in’ engineered replacements.”

The decision by SEW Eurodrive to move forward with the project appears to be extremely well timed, coinciding with the peak of an extraordinary six months that have seen the price for steel-making coal increase by between 50 and 70 percent bringing a lift to the spirits of the local mining sector.

The Mayor of Mackay Regional Council, Cr. Greg Williamson acknowledged the confidence SEW had shown in the region during a visit to the site.

“The confidence shown in establishing a new centre in Mackay is indeed welcome,” he said.

“The fact that a multinational company, as highly regarded as SEW is willing to back itself in this region, in these tough times, speaks volumes for the ongoing future of the industry sector in the Bowen Basin region.”

Another mine on the market Wesfarmers has confirmed that it is exploring all options - including selling - the Curragh mine at Blackwater.

In a short statement the company said, nothing is in concrete, but it is looking at its options.

“Wesfarmers is continuing to consider a broad range of options, from operational to divestment initiatives, including recently seeking expressions of interest from external parties who may want to acquire the coal assets,” they said.

“There is no certainty this process will lead to a transaction and Wesfarmers will update the market further if and when appropriate.”

However, the recent explosion in coal prices has made it increasingly difficult to know whether now is the time to buy or sell a coal mine.

Early this year with metallurgical coal prices below $US90, the conventional wisdom among the risk taking mining entrepreneurs was that now was the cyclical bottom, with corporate sellers keen to do a deal. Today with record coal prices, things have changed.

November 28, 2016 9

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Court says you can’t say: “You suck d$%k”

Fair Work Australia has ordered BHP to reinstate Saraji coal miner Gary McDermott after the company sacked him in November last year following two separate incidents.

In the first one, Mr McDermott (and others) was issued a step 2 warning when he drove a light vehicle into an Active Mining Area before all machines working in the zone had been completely shut down.

The second and more debated incident involved a verbal altercation where BHP alleged Mr McDermott had called a Workpac contractor either a “scab” or “scabby or grubby bugger” [this is debated] and said to another nearby BHP employee “you suck dick”.

It is unclear how the exchange got the attention of BHP management, with none of the people engaged in the incident lodging complaints according to Mr McDermott.

However, when it did reach them, it was considered a severe breach of the BHP Billiton Charter values of respect, integrity and accountability, and in light of the earlier incident was considered grounds for sacking.

However Mr McDermott challenged his dismissal on the basis that what he said had been taken out of context, and while he conceded it was inappropriate, he argued with the support of the CFMEU that it was not a sackable offence.

“When I came out of the toilet, there were a number of people in the vicinity and I started talking to Nudge and Damian,” Mr McDermott claimed in his show cause letter to BMA. “I asked Damian how long to get RPL’d on the shovel and he said that he had not had much of a go in it yet, the conversation was of a general nature and of nothing

10 November 28, 2016

in particular.

“Nudge then asked if I had been “busting for a shit” and more general discussion followed.

“During the course of this discussion Nudge said words to the effect of we are here to pick up your dig rate you useless c@#t.”

“While it is not usual for Nudge to address fellow employees in such a manner, on this occasion I was taken back by the comment as it was not in the general context of the conversation and as a senior Shovel Operator on SHE 37 I was offended by the comment.

Without thinking I retorted with a comment to him to the effect that all he does is suck dick.

“While I am not completely sure of the next statement I made, to the best of my recollection I said words to the effect of next the scabby/grubby (not sure which) from down the other end will be here on the shovel.”

“This comment was not directed at anyone participating in the conversation or any particular person.”

For obvious reasons the word “scab” - or variations of it - is highly sensitive on a mine site, so what was said and to whom was critical in the deliberations by FWA. In its show-cause letter to Mr McDermott BHP claimed they had proof of what was said.

“The investigation has substantiated that on 15 October 2015 you engaged in a verbal altercation with two fellow coal mine workers, a contract employee and a BMA employee,” they wrote.

“During the verbal altercation, you directed the following comment to the contract employee ‘scabs’ (or words to this effect), and the following comment to a

BMA employee ‘you suck dick’ (or words to that effect).

“In your written statement dated 18 October 2015, you acknowledge the comment you suck cock to the BMA employee, and also acknowledged making the comment the scabby/grubby to the contract employee.” “ In your written statement dated 16 October 2015, you have also acknowledged you were deeply remorseful when you said it was off the cuff not directed at anyone just general stupid comment.”

However, in the end, FWA decided the context of Mr McDermott’s comments was important and ordered that he get his job back, although in an acknowledgement of the seriousness of the incident did not require BHP to back-pay him for the nearly 12 months he had been unemployed.

“It is acknowledged that there is some recognised tension on the mine site with the use of labour hire employees in order that the

Employer, which is their entitlement, can be operationally responsive to the changing coal market, and the applicant was referring to this in the second incident,” Commissioner Spencer said.

“However, the evidence of the exchange demonstrated that this was an off the cuff remark made by the Applicant, not specifically directed at any employee and certainly not in the industrial context as seen in the case law.

“The termination of his employment is disproportionate to the circumstances where it had not been made clear to employees that the use of the word scab in any circumstances would result in dismissal However, the language used in the exchange was a breach of the Code of Conduct and is still considered to be a serious matter, given the Employer’s emphasis on maintaining respect and integrity for all at the workplace.

Better time for bed providers Accommodation solutions business Morris Corporation say they are seeing a slight improvement in occupancy rates across their complexes following resurgent commodity prices over the last six months.

The good news for the big miners has just kept on coming this financial year, with not only metallurgical coal sustaining its meteoric price increase, but this week coal futures in China traded at their highest level ever, and iron ore prices reached their highest level for the year.

Even the outlook for copper - a commodity often seen as an index or “bellwether” for all commodities - seems to be improving with BHP saying they expect prices to recover soon because of demand from the solar and electric sector.

According to BHP, electric cars use four times as much copper as conventional ones.

However, despite the positive outlook, Executive General Manager of Business Development for Morris Corporation Chris Jury, says broader confidence in the sector tends to lag the real world by around a year, meaning businesses are still treading cautiously.

“There has been a slight improvement in occupancy rates, and I am quite bullish about the sector,” he said.

“We see at least a dozen

copper and gold projects moving ahead around Australia, and locally we have Byerwen and Eagle Downs which will happen.

“But you have to remember that there is always an uptick after every downturn, which is what we see now.

“The market tends to overshoot at the top and the bottom, so it remains to be seen whether these prices will last.

“But it’s nevertheless good to see some positivity returning to the sector.”

Mr Jury says one of the most encouraging signs he’s observed is a renewed spirit of cooperation among businesses operating in this new post boom, post - bust era.

“At the height of the downturn there was a real sense that if you were not prepared to meet the price expectation and disregard all other considerations, you would be quickly shown the door.

“More recently we have been encouraged by a willingness of the big miners to collaborate with us on how we can adapt to the new reality, and change our approach to get the best outcome.

“Every day I feel more optimistic about the market - and that is definitely not something I could have said three months ago.”

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Still no canary in coal mine The lack of investment into real-time coal dust monitors suited to Australian mining conditions continues to make a mockery of attempts to deal with Black Lung according to the CFMEU’s Greg Dalliston.

Mr Dalliston says while the effort going into improving testing for the disease is important, he says it doesn’t solve the root problem, which is miners working in dusty environments.

Under the current regime in Queensland, mine operators must ensure workers do not breathe an atmosphere containing respirable dust exceeding concentrations of 3 milligrammes per cubic metre of air during an 8-hour shift.

Leaving the controversial threshold level aside, he says there’s a lot of problems with the current sampling technology.

“The biggest problem is that it can take between 1 and two weeks for the results of a dust sample to come back,” he said.

“Meanwhile, miners are expected to continue working.

“We have been criticised for not shutting down dusty work sites in the past, but the problem we have is that we have no technology that can give us accurate real-time average dust readings.

“I can go in and take an instantaneous dust or gas reading, but the legislation works on a time-weighted average, which means even when we know it’s a dusty environment, we can’t prove it.

“The technology to do this has been around since 2004 in the US but it isn’t intrinsically safe for use underground in Australia because of our combustion legislation.

“If companies were really concerned about dust they would have been spending money on adapting that technology to our environment - but they haven’t.

“Mining companies can’t say they want to deregulate, and take responsibility for themselves then blame government, they need to take responsibility and they haven’t.”

Big bonus for Clermont

TerraCom, the new owner of the Blair Athol coal mine near Clermont says revised estimates of the Blair Athol coal deposit, increase the theoretical life of the mine by at least two years.

Two months ago Terracom reached a binding agreement to buy the mothballed Blair Athol mine for unannounced value, although there was the usual headline $1 nominal price paid, and vendor Rio Tinto provided $80 million for mine environmental rehabilitation costs.

With a plan to be mining at Blair Athol by Christmas, Terracom was quick to recruit Xenith Consulting to review the known exploration data at the mine, including analysing 687 cored holes, 724 open holes and 19 large diameter cores with an average drill spacing of around 100m.

The headline result of the review

was the twelve million tonne increase in the JORC “measured” resources at the mine. Enough is known about the size, quality and shape of a “measured” resource to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.

The review also increased the “indicated” and “inferred” resources at the mine by 32 million tonnes, but these estimates will need significantly more exploration data before investors could feel for about them.

Executive Chairman of TerraCom, Mr Cameron McRae says the results allow them to plan for a seven-year mine life on current known resources, and possibly more in the future.

“The resource upgrade to 44Mt provides the potential to increase the mine life further should some of this additional resource be able to be converted into reserve,” he said.

“Re-opening the Blair Athol mine will not only mean 300 jobs for the local Clermont community but also boost the Queensland Government Treasury.

“On current pricing over $133 million will flow to the Queensland Government in royalties alone over the seven years projected mine life.”

In answer to the question of why the CFMEU hadn’t also made better testing equipment a headline issue over the last decade, Mr Dalliston said they had done what they could.

“Well, first of all, we didn’t know Black Lung was back, but we have been making noises about dust for a long time,” he told Shift Miner.

“But it’s the mining companies responsibility to take samples and do the testing.

“There have been times when we knew the dust levels were above guidelines, but without the ability to get instantaneous moving average dust level data we didn’t have the evidence we needed.

“In the old days we could stop work because we could see it was getting too dusty, but if we try that now, the company lawyers are asking for evidence.”

However, Peak body the Queensland Resources Council backs calls for better monitoring equipment.

“We go by what the regulator allows us to do,” a spokesperson said.

“The government sets the laws about what we can use under-

ground, and we abide by those laws.

“Real-time monitoring is the holy grail, and it is where we all want to head - but the fact is that there are some technical issues in underground mines around combustion, which haven’t been resolved.

“We have no objections to the technology; we just want to make sure we are not introducing another danger to the mining environment.

“Some large companies have been very active in this space, but ultimately we are constrained by the regulator.”

According to the CFMEU, all US coal miners will soon be equipped with individual monitors on their cap lamps that can calculate real-time average coal dust levels.

However no such technology - adapted to our environment appears to be anywhere near ready in Australia.

Shift Miner understands the State Government body SIMTARS which handles this type of research has been looking at the issue, but they have yet to respond to enquiries.

Contractor punts on Blair Athol Blackwater based Link Mining is remaining tight lipped about their decision to buy into the re-start of the Blair Athol mine near Clermont.

The mining contractor has not yet responded to enquiries from Shift Miner about the rationale for paying nearly $12 million to the mines prospective owner Terracom, for the privilege of becoming the primary mining contractor for the next five years.

The contracting arrangement will not take effect at Blair Athol until the mining lease is transferred to Terracom, which in turn, won’t happen until they get final approval from the State Government to buy the mine from Rio Tinto.

According to TerraCom Executive Chairman Cameron McRae, the 5 year deal with Link Mining will cover all operational aspects.

“TerraCom and Link Mining are now finalising a detailed mobilisation and integration plan which will ensure a seamless transition from the management of the BACJV to the TerraCom & Link Mining team,” he said.

“A key element of the contract is the provision through Link Mining of $11.6 million. “$4.1 million will be paid to TerraCom for general working

capital requirements, and $7.5 million will be paid for upfront recommencement mining and beneficiation costs.

“The provision of the funding has resulted in Link Mining paying for all material mining and beneficiation recommencement costs, thereby reducing Terracom’s exposure substantially for recommencement cost activities.”

Link Mining has a two decade long history in the Central Queensland coal sector.

Originally known as CE Marshall & Sons (CEM), it was formed in 1997 with a contract to haul 1.4 million tonnes of coal a year at Yarrabee Mine. Three years later they won a topsoil removal contract which lead to further coal removal, rehabilitation and bulk prestrip removal contracts.

According to Link Mining Services, by 2003 CEM was the primary contractor of choice at BMA Blackwater Mine and by 2007 they employed 350 people.

In 2007 the business was purchased by John Holland Mining services on a Walk in Walk out Basis.

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Anglo finalises Callide deal

It took more than six months longer than expected, but private company Batchfire Resources has officially taken control of the Callide mine near Biloela.

Neither company has released any details on the price paid for the mine - although the sale is on a walk in, walk out basis and includes all plant and equipment.

The recent sale of the Isaac Plains and Blair Athol mines were defined by calculating the asset value based on a very depressed coal price and outlook, and then subtracting the restart and environmental rehabilitation costs.

That explains why you have a situation at Blair Athol where the sale price was just one dollar and the seller Rio Tinto also threw in

4 more Mackay business in doubt.

The future for Mackay employees of Hughes Drilling, Express Hydraulics and Hughes Equipment Hire, hangs in the balance following a decision by directors of parent company Hughes Drilling Pty Ltd to call in Administrators.

The decision also threatens jobs in Collinsville, Moranbah and Blackwater where another Hughes drilling subsidiary - HydElec Australia - operates.

Administrators McGrathNicol have kept the businesses open while they undertake an “urgent financial and operational” assessment .

The development is not altogether surprising, given trading in the company’s shares have been on hold since June, while it explored various options to refinance its debt with its major lender and the ATO. According to the Hughes Drilling website they are Australia’s largest coal production and delineation drilling specialist with a client base consisting of Australia’s major mine operators and owners.

12 November 28, 2016

$80 million for rehabilitation costs to sweeten the deal.

However, in this case, only the cost of the environmental liabilities can be viewed in the same light, because Callide is being sold as an operating mine, and following a major spike in global coal prices.

In an average year, Callide produces around 8 million tonnes of thermal coal, most of which is sold directly to local coal-fired power plant operator CS Energy - based on a pricing formula that essentially tracks global coal prices.

This year production at Callide was down to around 5 million tonnes probably reflecting both lower coal prices and lower de-

mand from CS Energy.

However interestingly, at the same time as Batchfire negotiated to buy the Callide mine from Anglo, a spokesperson for CS Energy told Shift Miner they have also renegotiated the pricing formula for Callide mine coal.

“CS Energy has negotiated with Batchfire amended terms to the Coal Supply Agreements (CSAs) that will ensure the ongoing supply of coal to the Callide Power Station at a consistent quality and quantity,” the spokesperson said.

“Details of the CSAs remain commercial-in-confidence, but the amended CSAs will enable CS Energy to plan the operation and maintenance of the power station with a renewed level of confidence and greater certainty.”

Batchfire isn’t releasing any details on whether it plans to resume development work on the halted Boundary Hill expansion.

However Chief Executive Officer, Peter Westerhuis says they met with their workforce to provide details about where they’re headed.

“With significant remaining

recoverable thermal coal reserves, Callide Mine has a bright longterm future as a low-cost domestic and export producer,” Mr Westerhuis said.

“Batchfire’s acquisition is on a ‘walk-out, walk-in’ basis meaning that Callide Mine will continue to operate uninterrupted.

“Our priority is to engage with the Callide workforce, contractors, suppliers and the broader community to ensure the smoothest possible transition after six years of uncertainty over the mine’s future direction, which I can assure them is positive.”

Between 400 and 500 miners plus contractors are employed at the mine and some jobs are expected to be lost from the operation.

Callide is an open cut Dragline, truck and excavator operation comprising four pits: Dunn Creek, Trap Gully, The Hut and Boundary Hill.

Run of Mine reserves are approximately 220 Mt of domestic and export thermal quality coal, with an additional 525 Mt of mineable in-situ resources outside the current mine layout.

Miner to nearly triple minelife

Stanmore Coal has lodged a mining lease application for the Isaac Plains East (IPE) deposit adjacent to its current Isaac Plains coal mine, in a move that could significantly increase mine life and improve average strip ratios and quality.

Isaac Plains East was formerly known as the Wotonga coal deposit which Stanmore purchased from Peabody for around $7 million just one month before buying the mothballed Isaac Plains mine from Vale and Sumitomo in August last year.

According to Stanmore, the 8.3 million tonne IPE reserve (if approved) will increase the mine

life of their Isaac Plains operations from three to 10 years at current production and deliver a suite of other improvements.

“The Coking coal on the adjacent tenures has improved coking properties and coking fraction compared to the existing Isaac Plains operation,” Stanmore said.

“It [Isaac Plains East] has a low strip ratio starting at less than 6:1 on average over the first four years, and 10:1 after that which is lower than Isaac Plains.”

The most attractive thing about IPE for Stanmore is that it can be exploited with very little new infrastructure.

Under current plans, IPE coal

will be hauled three kilometres to be processed through the current Isaac Plains processing and transport infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Stanmore is exploring ways to increase output immediately at the Isaac Plains operation.

The recent introduction of Highwall underground mining adjacent to the main open cut operations is expected to increase total coal production this financial year by around 220,000 tonnes.

They are also looking at the feasibility of a board and Pillar underground operation which they believe could unlock underground measured resources of 20 million tonnes on the eastern side of the existing mining lease.

Current operations employ around 150 people.

The Stanmore purchase of Isaac Plains for $1 (plus millions of dollars of mine environmental and startup liabilities) is shaping up to be the deal of the decade, given that in 2011, Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation paid $430 million for a half share in the Isaac Plains mine.

Further, coal prices have more than doubled since that time pushing their share price up from $0.20 to as high as $0.75.

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Death from above

The roll-out of military grade drone technology to aerially map, survey and record mining operations from above is regarded by many as the biggest cost and technology breakthrough in mine planning for at least two decades.

However, it appears the technology faces some unforeseen challenges, with a Western Austra-

lian based Gold Miner telling the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Open Pit Operators’ Conference that local Wedge Tailed Eagles have attacked and destroyed nine drones, at a value of more than $100,000.

Remarkable as the technology is, Rick Steven from the St Ives Gold Mine near Kambalda, says

Charlie peaking

The state’s only significant gas related construction project has reached peak employment and activity this month with the delivery of large pre-assembled compressor station units to QGC’s Charlie project west of Wandoan.

Unseasonal Spring rain had slowed construction at the site down, however QGC says they are back on track.

“With improved weather conditions, the construction teams have made excellent progress, and the focus for November will be planning and preparing for a safe close-out of the work in progress prior to the Christmas holiday break when the site will be fully closed down,” the company said.

The connecting gas pipeline between the Charlie field com-

14 November 28, 2016

pression station and the main gas processing facility at Woleebee Creek further South has now been completed, while the adjacent water pipeline has been laid in its trench and is being backfilled.

With the increased capacity provided by the Charlie field compressor station, QGC is also upgrading the power supply to both locations.

The Charlie project will expand QGC’s coal seam gas supplies which have started to plateau, and involves the construction of around 350 gas wells, creating more than 1000 construction jobs.

The $1.7 billion project is on track to finish sometime late next year, falling within the planned two year time frame.

the carbon fibre 1-metre wingspan of the Trimble UX5 drones are no match for the highly evolved Wedge-Tailed Eagles.

“At more than twice the size, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle is the natural enemy of the UAV,” he said.

“People couldn’t believe I was able to get such a good photo of an eagle airborne, but I didn’t, another eagle took that photo.

“I was flying the tailings dam out at St Ive’s, and I was getting attacked by two eagles simultaneously.

“I was trying to fly my UAV away from them and all of a sudden, at a high point, the eagle came down and sunk both its claws into the inside of the control box of the UX5.

“It turned the UX5 sideways and took a photo of the other eagle as it was coming in for an attack.

“I think that’s the first recorded eagle selfie in history.

“That [wedge-tailed eagle] is my single biggest problem in the environment where I work with the UX5 , and I am onto my 12th UAV.” Survey teams across the Bow-

en Basin are now routinely using drones or UAV’s to improve the speed, cost and accuracy of their aerial data, while QGC has started using drones to undertake well site inspections - which is understood to be a world first.

QGC uses the drones to survey a variety of things that help indicate whether a well is operating as expected, including the integrity of the gas well structure and whether there has been any ground subsidence nearby.

“After successful trials in 2015, QGC’s Woleebee Creek operations will be the first to have a dedicated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) site,” QGC said earlier in the year.

“The use of RPAS has substantial benefits for landholders because the drones can inspect well sites from about 1,500 feet above ground, instead of operators having to physically enter a property.”

To date, Shift Miner is not aware of persistent issues with Eagles in Central Queensland, despite being home to a large population of the bird.

Cannibalised trucks & rumours The massive jump in coal prices in the last three months is inspiring lots of rumours, but only a modest increase in real activity in Bowen Basin mining communities.

One of the first communities to feel the full force of the mining downturn was Dysart. The nearby Norwich Park mine - a key employer in the town - was one of the first operations to be shut down in 2012 costing the community hundreds of jobs.

Since that date rumours of a reopening of the mine have been in constant circulation, however, with metallurgical coal prices recently above $A400 a tonne, the rumours have grown louder.

Dysart Community and Business Group representative John Crooks recalls comments by BHP that reopening Norwich Park would be considered at $170 a tonne - a level nearly half of where the current spot price is.

However he says he’s heard nothing concrete about the mine recently.

“Maybe BHP is waiting to see if the coal price can stay consistently above the $200 a tonne mark in the new year,” he told Shift Miner.

“There are lots of rumours about what’s planned out there, especially because there is a lot

of coal exposed, just waiting to be mined, but the mines owners themselves have not said anything.

“However even if they do decide to start mining, it’s not going to be a quick process, because I don’t think too much equipment out there is viable.

“A lot of the parked up machinery has been cannibalised for parts needed by machines still operating at their other mines, which is something that we didn’t see in past downturns.”

Mr Crooks recently expanded his Dysart based hardware business to Tieri and says while things are still quiet, there is evidence of increased activity.

“Glencore has been doing up some of the houses it owns in Tieri and Middlemount,” he said.

“There are also rumours that the big miners have been buying properties adjacent to their mining leases, but those sales may have been in process for a long time.

“Locally more people seem to be arriving than leaving, and the businesses I speak to say there has been a slight improvement, with one shop I know of looking for an apprentice.

“But I am not aware of any really big projects; perhaps it will be clearer after Christmas.”

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Meat on the menu there are now two butchers and three if you include the supermarket.

“But a bit of competition is good for anyone.”

Mr O’Loughlin is no stranger to operating a shop in a town impacted by mining, having opened a shop in Springsure in 2013 after that town had been without one for two years.

Like a lot of small business owners, Mr O’Loughlin is driven more by a passion for his trade, than the likelihood of becoming rich.

He says Blackwater people seem to appreciate what he’s offering.

“Bloody oath they do,” he said.

“People are grateful to be able to get real meat, not the moisture infused stuff offered through some outlets.

“However the Central Highlands is a big beef area, and finding good quality beef at a reasonable price is very hard at the moment - especially if you are after that grass fed stuff.

“So we see more chicken sold, which is a bit cheaper.” a large population of the bird.

40 jobs go in voluntary liquidation Liquidators SV Partners Mackay are working through the process of closing down Spartan Mining after the director placed the business into voluntary liquidation.

Spartan Mining started back in 2007, and at its peak employed more than 200 people on contracts at Anglo American’s Grasstree and Moranbah North mines, BMA’s Broadmeadow mine, and projects in NSW. SV Partners Senior Manager, Mr Frank O’Neill told Shift Miner the closure reflected the ongoing economic conditions.

“General economic conditions in the mining sector made it very difficult for the business to continue,” he said.

“A number of key contracts recently ended and were not renewed, and when we were appointed, there were not enough funds to keep trading.

“Unfortunately 40 of the 43 employees have lost their jobs, with the final three assisting with the winding up process.”

The failure of Spartan Mining is yet another hit to the Mackay economy which has been devastated by the size and length of the mining downturn.

The weeks, when there was no Butcher in Blackwater, might end up being a marker for the low point in the mining cycle.

In March this year, it seemed liked things had hit rock bottom when the town’s only butcher in the mall closed - for a long list of reasons including the fall in trade after big redundancies around Blackwater.

However, since that time another two entrepreneurial butchers have seen an opportunity in Blackwater and set up shop, meaning consumers now have a choice of three places from which to buy their meat.

Both independent butchers are

hoping their gamble will pay off - and with coal prices staging an astonishing recovery in the last two months - they might.

However, Jason O’Loughlin of Fair Dinkum Meats in the Mall is not getting carried away “We don’t see any spike in business from the improvement in coal prices yet,” he told the Blackwater Review.

“There isn’t a lot of confidence, and I think it is going to take a while for that to come back.

“But business is not too bad, although it could always be better.

“When we started, we were the only one in town, and of course

From Cats to Cabling

Blackwater unfair dismissal rejected

Thieves are continuing to focus on the Bowen Basin around Blackwater with police reporting that around 300 metres of heavy duty mine cabling has been stolen from the Anglo-American owned German Creek mine near Middlemount.

Police say sometime in the last month the thief cut through a barbed wire security fence, to access an unlocked shed where thousands of dollars worth specialised cabling was stored.

However, it appears the thieves were not too worried about the dangers of getting caught because they left clothing and a cigarette lighter at the crime scene.

Police currently have no suspects but are hopeful they can discover something from the nearby CCTV systems.

The break-in comes just a week after Police issued a warning to Blackwater residents following a spike in criminal activity in the last month.

Among the items to have been stolen have been cash, wallets, mobile phones and even a Maine Coon desexed male cat that was reported stolen from a Comollatti Street address.

Blackwater resident Peter Garratt has failed in his attempt to challenge his redundancy at Curragh mine through an unfair dismissal process at Fair Work Australia.

Mr Garratt was employed as an operator by Thiess for four years but was made redundant in late 2015 following a decision by the mines owners Wesfarmers Curragh Pty Ltd to reduce output at the mine costing around 150 jobs.

However, Mr Garratt’s situation was unique because he had been absent from work for several months on Workcover because of an earlier workplace injury.

Mr Garratt argued against his redundancy on the basis that he had not been adequately notified of the reasons for his termination, and that the job he had previously done was still required.

Notably, he claimed to be one of just 12 employees at Curragh mine who were competent shovel operators and that the shovel was the “highest priority machine”, and continued to be operated by “other employees” after he was made redundant.

He also claimed labour-hire was being used “to maintain a

ROM contract at the expense of permanent Thiess employees”.

In response, Thiess representative Adrian McCowan said that after announcing the operational changes to site personnel on the 16th and 17th of September, he contacted Mr Garratt by telephone “to advise him on the content of the above-mentioned meetings, and to confirm his email address”.

He also subsequently emailed Mr Garratt a notification letter, a copy of the employee presentation and a voluntary redundancy form (which Mr Garratt did not fill out).

Then, on the 5th November Mr Garratt was advised by Curragh management that he was redundant, and supplied with an opportunity to express an interest in some other roles that Thiess had available.

He chose not to.

Mr McCowan also defended the role of Labour Hire, saying that around 200 Labour Hire staff had already lost jobs over the last six months and that the small group that remained were allocated only to perform work “under a particular short-term ‘ROM’ contract”.

He said this was considered a “more commercially-appropriate

and flexible mode of engagement geared to the particular nature of the work requirements”.

In the end, FWA Commissioner Spencer agreed with Curragh and dismissed the claim.

“Mr Garratt conceded that he did not return the expression of interest form, and he didn’t identify any of the jobs on the redeployment list or express to Mr McCowan that he sought redeployment,” he said in his concluding remarks.

“Mr Garratt took issue with the retention of labour hire employees

by Theiss, given that full-time employees like himself had been made redundant.

“For the aforementioned reasons, Mr Garratt’s job was made redundant, and no alternative redeployment was available.

“In the circumstances of this matter, the restructure required the operational downsizing, and the relevant considerations were undertaken with Mr Garratt, and he did not respond to the expression of interest form for the redeployment job list.

“Therefore it is considered that the dismissal was a genuine redundancy.”planned two year time frame.

November 28, 2016 15

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News

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Around News Town

PRESENTING BLACKWATER CRUSHERS! A big night for Blackwater Crushers, Crushettes & supporters

Sara and Chris O’Brien

Desley, Mariah and Simone Storch

Tshinta Schulga and Kelly Gage

Jed and Bry Brunner

Roy and June Mac Gregor

Mr and Mrs Palmer

Jenny and Ian Napper

Adam Richards and Amy O’Loughlin

Tracey and Jason O’Loughlin

Cody Alexander and Stacey Johnston

Brittany Coppo and Shanae Mundt

Demi Brown and Dwayne Parsons

Trent White and Megan Latchford

Chris Johnson and his daughter Willow

Maree Taylor and Di Clemesha

Anita and Cody Lawrie

Skye Barry and Andrew MacGregor

Rebekka Taylor and Peter Sampson

T �� A � ���

S

GR n� F

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(L-R) Scott, Anita and Cody Lawrie

16 November 28, 2016

November 28, 2016 17

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Around Town

MORANBAH ROTARY HOME AND LEISURE EXPO

Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

FRANK THE TANK’S Dear Frank,

Arabella Rose with cows

Brendan Lally

Bridgette and Sebastian Young

I am a soon to be a married 27year old woman and am really looking forward to the big day.

However, I overheard my fiance’s best man discussing his buck’s party and it seems there will be a number of strippers involved… including one named Kinky Karla!

I don’t want him to have strippers but I don’t know how to tell him

Colourful cow

Isaac SES Roxanne Howarth Mary-Anne Bramberry and Brandon Davies

Lara and Aurora Wright

The Hangover. I’m not sure I want my wife knowing what goes on at buck’s parties so I think I’ll take my laptop to the pub.

Dear Lisa,

Ok, I’m at the pub now and if you are reading this it means that I haven’t spilt beer all over my expensive technology. Lisa, I’m going to do something really, really bad. I’m going to tell you a secret that men have for centuries kept hidden. As far as I’m aware it is known by all men and no women.

I’m going to tell you what REALLY happens at buck’s parties.

Oh man, buck’s nights are the best. They are the greatest nights of a man’s life. I remember one I went to in Las Vegas. Me and my buddies woke up the next morning having no idea what happened the night before, with the groom missing, a baby in the closet and Mike Tyson’s tiger in the bathroom. We then embarked on a hilarious adventure trying to figure out what happened the night – hold on, sorry. My wife just looked over my shoulder and reckons I just described the movie

The fact of the matter is this: you women think that when we get together to celebrate a man’s impending imprisonment that the night is all about booze, strippers and running naked through nursing homes. But here’s the truth. On my big night - me and 20 mates hired the penthouse suite in a flash Brisvegas hotel. After we all arrived we collectively thanked the traditional owners of the land we were on. After everyone was sorted out with a mug of steaming camomile tea we sat

– Lisa

(L-R) Clay, Kyra and Sam Kilkelly with IRC Director Scott Riley

Life News Style

Streaking good love advice down on some cushions to begin the evening’s festivities. First there was team scrabble. Then a 20 minute meditation break.

Mentally refreshed, we then had a couple of games of celebrity heads and charades before swapping organic muffin recipes. Then we moved onto “time of sharing” where each attendee spoke for 10 minutes about how refreshed and invigorated they are by basking in the transcendent serenity of the love of their friends, co-workers and of course their life-partner/ soul mate.

we did to his sheep at your bucks?

Now mate, THAT was a wild weekend. Man, imagine if my missus ever found out that I’m still technically married to that stripper!

Anyway, see you Friday – F [Editor’s note: At the time of printing Frank was missing. His wife was helping local police with their inquiries.]

SENSIBLE SUSAN

Lastly we finished the night off by being quite naughty and having a piece of really scrummy low-fat cheese cake and by 10 we were all in bed. So you see Lisa, there is nothing to worry about.

Well, as you can no doubt tell from the above, it is now apparent that Frank had a mix-up with the email addresses and sent this week’s column - with the added paragraph at the end - to the editor (as well as cc’ing it to his wife). Instead of sending it to his mate Johnno. Frank you’re in our prayers and we hope for your safe return.

Cheers, Frank Hey Johnno, thought you’d like to check out this week’s column – can you believe the absolute rubbish I just sold to this poor girl.

Hey, did you ever get around to paying off that farmer for what

Susan

MadMumzie.com John Calleja and Grant Goulevitch Rotary

IRC stall

Trinity White

BLACK LUNG

Meika Dejun

18 November 28, 2016

Mhel Caple and Bryce Hamilton - Moranbah Rotary

Moranbah SHS Felicity Roberts

SES stand

Recently the first open - cut Coal Miner was diagnosed with Black Lung, which until now was thought to be just an underground Coal Miner’s disease.

My partner, “The Real Miner” works underground and I am a “Gravel Scratcher” open cut operator. Both our work families are at risk and a lot must change, fast, to prevent any more of our peeps learning they too have Black Lung.

Currently the Qld Government are holding an inquiry into this awful disease. Did it ever go away, or did the reporting and follow up processes fail us? Let’s hope the inquiry is not all words and the blame game. We want actionable outcomes because whilst they talk, we continue to work hard in our dusty coal mines.

A mate of ours recently had a “routine” chest x-ray which showed an unusual scratch on the film. He was sent for an MRI to have a better look, and luckily was given the all clear. It was a worrying time for us all. What was the

next step if the scratch was still there? Wait 6 weeks until his x-ray was looked at by a “qualified” person in the US? I find it amazing not one person in our country is qualified to diagnose this for our fellow Aussies. How has this happened?

Can’t we get one of those in the US to come here and teach our Docs how to do it? I’m sorry but I can’t get my head around this part of the whole disgraceful debacle.

The Real Miner asked if he could please have a refund for all the x-rays he has paid for over the years to keep his job underground.

Have they even been looked at yet, or are they in a box somewhere?

On the good news front, I hear that many Open Cut mines are now paying for their workers to have chest x-rays if they choose to. I am yet to confirm if they are also paying for the contractors on site, or is that up to the labour hire companies themselves?

This coal mining ain’t all it’s cracked up to be at times. You start

to wonder if it’s worth it? The long hours, being away from home, job security going out the window and now this Black Lung disease to boot.

A few mines are again hiring newbies to the industry and people are still keen to get their families in, so I guess they don’t think it’s all that bad yet!

I wonder if I could drive a cane tractor? Hmmm don’t know if I could breathe that awful smelling dunder all day?..so coal mining it is!

Stay safe, be real, be special and have fun, for we only live once.

Cheers, Mad Mumzie MM

November 28, 2016 19

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Around Town

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(L-R) Michael-Ann Cronin, Kylie and Jason Webley

Gino and Natalie Mauloni

(L-R) Taleah, Charmaine and Frances

(L-R) William Chan, Angie Hunter and Les Latcham

Pat Welsh enjoying the prawns (L-R) Summer and Michael Muller and Kristy McLaughlin

Chris and Steph Kelly

(L-R) Olivia, Kayla, Melissa, David, Tamara and Adam

20 November 28, 2016

Around Town

Breanna and Jeff

The McAuliffe Family

(L-R) Melinda, Eli and Flynn Gorman

Kerry Christensen and Andrew Douglas

(L-R) Melanie, Shelley and David

Mark Leishman and Carla Cubeta

(L-R) Paul, Karren, Shaye and Savanna

November 28, 2016 21

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Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

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Woodbury, QLD

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Puzzles

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05 Jun 05

Rural Executive Living On The Capricorn Coast • Lot 1: 498m2 of Executive living on approximately 19.2 hectares - 48 acres

• 4 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, open plan and fully air-conditioned

CROSS WORD 8 7 4 3 5 2 6 9 1

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1. Rugby league position Company 1 9 7 5 bonds 4 6 2 3 8 9. Enraging 4 5 3 9 8 2 7 6 1 10. Hinder 2 6 8 7 1 3 5 4 9 12. Far-reaching 3 7 5 2 6 1 8 9 4 13. Jewelled 6 1 4 8headdress 9 7 3 2 5 14. Utilises 8 2 9 3 5 4 1 7 6 16. Come 9 8 2before 4 3 5 6 1 7 19. Fetched 7 4 1 6 2 8 9 5 3 21. Zodiac 5 3 6 crossover 1 7 9 4 8 2 24. Larceny 25. R otate (between tasks) Page 1 of 25 27. Major towns 28. Glossy publication 29. Enclose 30. C ar safety harness (4,4) # 35.

Property ID:

Down

• Lot 2: Executive home on approximately 9.3 hectares - 23 acres

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• Lot 3: 9.9 hectares vacant lot with dedicated house site, power and bore

# 2.

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PROPERTY

SBB REAL ESTATE

Alton Downs, QLD

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85 Paradigm Road Woodbury, QLD Bill Hamilton 0408 884 895 or Bill Beck 0417 762 438 10693817

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• Landscape gardens and shed - If not sold will be offered as follows: Across

SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 11.00AM ON SITE

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KING OF THE DONGA QUIZ

(use your imagination for styling!!)

QUESTIONS

ANSWERS

1. In 1969, promoter Harry M. Miller labelled Brisbane the “wowser capital” after which rock musical was banned?

2. “Who wants to stick together with them and get your stick feet, you know, if you get, stick foot on sticky paper, you get both of them on, you fall over,” said which premier?

3. What came down with water during a storm at Rosewood, near Ipswich, in 1989 (a) bank notes (b) fish (c) frogs?

4. “This Quisling Quasimodo from Queensland,” was Robert Ray’s description of which Senate colleague in 1997?

5. Which Queensland town is named after a year?

6. Dubbed “the world’s most boring experiment”, the Pitch Drop project has been operating at which university since 1927?

7. When Robert Herbert became the first premier in 1859, his age was (a) 26 (b) 28 (c) 30?

8. Part of which 2008 movie starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman was filmed in Bowen?

9. In 1965, the mother of which actor chained herself to a foot-rail at Brisbane’s Regatta Hotel to protest against the banning of women from public bars?

10. Which Queenslander won three swimming gold medals at the 2008 Olympics?

1. Hair.

2. Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

3. (b) fish. (Thought to have been taken into the atmosphere by an updraft).

4. Senator Mal Colston.

5. 1770.

6. University of Queensland.

7. (b) 28.

8. Australia.

9. Sigrid Thornton. (Merle).

10. Stephanie Rice.

Fitroy River Frontage & Irrigation • 140 acres with absolute Fitzroy River frontage is offered for genuine private sale • Newly constructed 5 bedroom brick home which incorporates 3 bathrooms, theatre room, entertainment area, and open plan living

FOR PRIVATE SALE - $1,350,000 Address:

400 South Yaamba Road, Alton Downs

• Ex thoroughbred breeding complex including 4 horse stables and 12 small horse paddocks

Contact:

Bill Hamilton 0408 884 895

• Permanent water allocation of 150 megalitres and opportunity allocation of 220 megalitres

Property ID

898267

• Approximately 60 acres under irrigation using 2 travelling irrigators. 6” main runs the length of the property

22 November 28, 2016

• Hay shed 24 m x 12 m x 6 m, Machinery shed 24 m x 9 m

PROPERTY

13 11 14

SBB REAL ESTATE

www.ruralcoproperty.com.au

Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

Around Town

ISAAC LIBRARIES TECH FEST SOCIAL PHOTOS More than 150 budding coders packed Dysart Library for the inaugural Isaac Libraries Tech Fest

Robotics Champs: The Moranbah Mindstorm Creators took out the robotics challenge at the inaugural Isaac Libraries Tech Fest. Left to right: Mentor Calum Goodman, Stephanie Price, Aaron Hamilton, Alana kerr, Angela Lally, jake Williams, Daniel Brackley, Dibet Alfonso, mentor Edy Alfonso.

Masterminds: The Middlemount Masterminds team ready to compete in the Lego robotics challenge at Dysart Library. Left to right: Mentor Sandra Rasmussen, Lachlan Rasmussen, Noah Symes, Artur De Sousa, Madison Symes.

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Around Town

MAYORS CHARITY BALL 2016 More than 250 guests helped bring down youth suicide in Isaac at Mayor Anne Baker’s Charity Ball

(L-R) Isaac Regional Charity Fund Board Directors Deputy Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff Bethel Mayor Geoff Bethel, Mayor with wife Ruth Bethel Anne Baker and Ian Joblin

Michael and Shirley Eve.

Luhong Min and Mike Russell

Toby and Melissa Westcott, event organiser - Moranbah Blooms and Events

(L-R) Craig Forsyth, Emma Lyons and Shane Ritchie

DeTerminators: Mentor Michelle Botma, Lewis Semple, Caleb Moham, Julius Chiaraealloti, Harmony Old, Gemma Bath, Tyler Macklin, Faustina Samick and mentor Royce Bailey from the Dysart DeTerminator’s FIRST Lego Robotics Team.

Breaking code: Madison Symes, Artur De Sousa and Lachlan Rasmussen from the Middlemount Masterminds working through their Lego challenge.

Hannah Campbell and Erin Brough

(L-R) Declan and Jenny Crowley, Therese and Hardy Wincen

Clash of mega minds: The Glenden Codebreakers Rebecca Ward and Hailey Crompton face off with Aaron Hamilton and Daniel Brackley from the Moranbah Mindstorm Creators.

Super Spheros: Jono and Kane Urbanek using an iPad to control a Sphero at the Isaac Libraries Tech Fest.

(L-R) State Member for Mirani Jim Pearce, Mayor Anne Baker and State Member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth

Bob and Megan Mills

Making an entrance in a Mustang - (L-R) Chantelle and Sheryl Sterritt Mayor Anne Baker with husband and Ivy Esguerra Frank in the Moranbah Town Square

Codebreakers: Beau Beaven, Rebecca Ward, Tobias Quakawoot, Kyle Markcrow, Hailey Crompton, Bayleigh-Blu Hartfiel, Amber Beaven, Deklin Niethe, Kayden Nelson, Thadius Quakawoot and mentor Maria Baldry from the Glenden Codebreakers.

Budding techies: Lewis Semple, Dominique Hawkin and Tyler Mackland program the Spheros at Dysart Library.

24 November 28, 2016

Awesome Osmos: Hayley Challenge accepted: Kayden Nelson and Beau Crompton and Amber Bevan try- Beaven from the Glenden Codebreakers ing out the Osmo drawing app. completing the robotics challenge.

(L-R) Cr Nick Wheeler, Cr Jane Pickels, Deputy Mayor Geoff Bethel, Mayor Anne Baker, Cr Kelly Vea Vea, Cr Dale Appleton and IRC CEO Gary Stevenson PSM

(L-R) Successful bidder Central Highlands Cr Paul Bell AM with Mayor Anne Baker and auctioneer Trevor Chapman with the highest fetching auction prize - a donated artwork by World renowned contemporary Aboriginal artist Lloyd Hornsby Gawura

November 28, 2016 25

Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

Around Town

Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

Miners Trader

A VERY SENIOR CHRISTMAS Blackdown Seniors Christmas Party at the BICC. THE BEST PLACE TO FIND GOOD GEAR

CAR FOR SALE

(L-R) Val Beak, Leone Philysson and Denise McKenzie

(L-R) Anette Davison, Rosemary Warren and Rachel Wight

CAR FOR SALE

1979 TOYOTA HJ45

2010 MINI COOPER HATCHBACK

Diesel “H” Engine, CD Player, Roof Mounted Gauges, 4Speed, Second Fuel Tank, Rear Work Lights, Just Replaced Clutch and Rear Main Seal, Great Condition.

2010 Mini Cooper 4cyl Turbo Diesel 6 speed Manual 142838 k.

$ 10,000

Make an offer

Call: 0417 611 759

Call: 0488 237 999

CAR FOR SALE

CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM COUPE RHD 425 BIGBLOCK

Just had 4x new tyres and a wheel alignment, plus a new gearbox mount Car is in very good condition with no rust Runs and drives excellent with beautiful Cadillac comfort.

$ 17,500

Call: 0428 198 390

CAR FOR SALE (L-R) CHRC Councillor, Charlie Brimblecombe, Gladys Richards,Jenny Plampin, CHRC Councillor Gail Godwin-Smith and Shirley Pidgeon

CAR FOR SALE

(L-R) Eugene McDonald, Ruth and Norm Wroe

THIS SPOT FREE for subscribers

(plus access to all the news and jobs as they happen)

Go to www.shiftminer.com

2010 LANDCRUISER V8 GXL UTE

2012 E3 HSV GTS

RWC. Rego, June 2017. 106,000 Kms. One owner , never been on beach. Fitted with Dual Batteries, Bull Bar and Tow Bar.

Regretfully selling this beauty as it is barely driven and circumstances have changed.

$ 53,000

$ 53,000

Call: 0411 726 559

(L-R) Min, Oliver and Barbara Lau

(L-R) Una Oates, Rhonda Atkinson and Mary Anderson

(L-R) Heather Dellar with Trish and Tas Gadd

(L-R) Annette Wight, Leola Barclay and Jenny Whitehouse

CAR FOR SALE

Call: 0439 486 436

CAR FOR SALE

CAR FOR SALE

2006 NISSAN PATROL WAGON

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER V8 SWB

2008 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER WAGON

Selling my 2006 Nissan Patrol - Auto 3L Diesel - Bargain!!

Car was built in 2004, has 28,000 klms on it since build. Motor is 327 stroker , bluprint balanced, roller rockers, hi voltage msd type ingnition, Brand new 750 double pumper fitted this year. Motor was 12,000 dollars to build.

Turbo diesel auto, GX, 8 seater, bullbar, towbar, comes with RWC. This is a private sale.

$ 16,800

$ 12,500

$ 26,000

Call: 0403 837 870

Call: 0415 651 824

Call: 0403 248 042

SELL YOUR ITEMS FOR FREE. BECOME A SUBSCRIBER 26 November 28, 2016

November 28, 2016 27

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Miners Trader

Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

THE BEST PLACE TO FIND GOOD GEAR

CAR FOR SALE

Miners Trader News

THE BEST PLACE TO FIND GOOD GEAR

CAR FOR SALE

CAR FOR SALE

ATV FOR SALE

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE

ATV FOR SALE

2004 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER UTE

2004 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT

2008 TOYOTA HILUX UTE

2010 KX450F MINT CONDITION

YAMAHA GRIZZLY 700

YAMAHA 450CC

This is an excellent vehicle and has had only one owner. Lots of extras (Shown in photos) plus. Center console and UHF Radio.

Brand New 33” Tyres. Brand New Soft Top. New Paint (professional respray).

Extra cab Hilux ute with custom aluminium tool boxes, excellent service vehicle (or standard tray can easily fitted) with many extras.

2010 kx 450 fi very low hours, mint condition no $$$ to be spent!

No longer have any use for this bike. Has new stator, bash plate, bull bar, seat cover, rear mat.

2007 450, Set up for racing, A Arms , suspension, too many extras to list. Well looked after machine

$ 25,500

$ 11,500

$ 26,000

$ 5,600

$ 6,500

$ 4,000

Call: 0407 739 856 TRUCK FOR SALE

Call: 0400 341 141

Call: 0429 796 053

TRUCK FOR SALE

Call: 0412 361 482

Call: 0429 965 253

ATV FOR SALE

TRUCK FOR SALE

Call: 0487 635 613 TRACTOR FOR SALE

ATV FOR SALE

TRUCK & DOG - UD CW 445 TRUCK

MITSUBISHI FUSO CANTER 4X4

DAF LF55 TILT TRAY

2015 YAMAHA GRIZZLY LE 4X4

2008 RAPTOR 700

35 MASSEY FERGUSON

2007 Nissan UD Tipper - CW 445 Series Rego Number - 679 KMA.

4x4, 37” Hankook Tyres- including spare (10000km’s old), 200L Long Range Fuel Tank fitted, UHF, Tinted Windows, Black Duck Seat Covers all round.

Auto transmission. 6.2 Ton capacity, container pins, rear loading stablizers, full remote control all chains and dogs straps.

Barely used Yamaha 700 grizzly, extremely low hours, low kms. 4x4 and diff locks.

Starts, Runs & rides perfect.

1954 Massey Ferguson Tractor, Petrol, 4 Speed with High and Low Range.

$ 140,000

$ 59,000

$ 65,000

$ 11,000

$ 4,000

$ 5,200

Call: 0417 500 049

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE

Call: 0417 611 759

Call: 0418 875 837

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE

Call: 0400 689 511

Call: 0457 677 315

BOAT FOR SALE

Call: 0429 963 044 BOAT FOR SALE

BOAT FOR SALE

TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE LAMS 660

CUSTOM CHOPPER. HEAD TURNER 300

XVS650 V-STAR CLASSIC (BOBBER)

ELIMINATOR SKI BOAT

3M STACER WITH MERCURY OUTBOARD

4.2 QUINTREX 40 YAMMY

Fast bike, runs beautifully, always serviced, always garaged loads of extras.

2012 model softail frame , nothing on this bike is harley - it is all custom. And all within road rules and standards. Currently registered till march.

Learner Approved 22000kms Fantastic Bike Lots of $$$ spent.

All the maintenance done over the winter season ready for the summer ski season.

Runs, sounds & performs great.

3m stacer with 4hp mercury 2 stroke motor.

Safety gear ect $2800 firm don’t bother wasting my time if you want it cheaper.

$ 9,999

$ 39,500

$ 9,800

$ 9,000

$ 1,000

$ 2800

Call: 0478 049 947

Call: 0418 993 717

Call: 0407 109 380

SELL YOUR ITEMS FOR FREE. BECOME A SUBSCRIBER 28 November 28, 2016

Call: 0488 142 015

Call: 0439 507 881

Call: 0408 071 151

SELL YOUR ITEMS FOR FREE. BECOME A SUBSCRIBER November 28, 2016 29

Shift Miner Magazine www.shiftminer.com

Real State

Expand your mind

Airlie Beach And Whitsunday Real Estate 800m2 ALLOTMENT. CLOSE TO TAVERN & BEACH.

NEW HOME 4 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM ON 2.7 AC

2.18 ACRES OF A BOTANICAL GARDEN LAYOUT

POWER & WATER AVAILABLE. CHEAP BLOCK

POSSIBLE FIRST HOMEBUYERS GRANT

OVERLOOKING NEIGHBOURING DAM. BEAUTIFUL

$74,500

PRIVATE FAMILY HOME ON 5 AC +GUEST ACCOM, DBLE GARAGE & C/PORT CONCRETE DRIVEWAY

$355,000 An “Expand your mind” education day was recently held in Blackwater by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

The day was broken up into three study elements that mirrored the sort of processes you will see on a mine site. In the first element, students had to program a robotic dump truck, in the second they

had to complete a chemical processing challenge, and in the third, they had to design and deliver a small engineering project - which in this case was a twenty cent coin launcher.

Organiser Tammy Grady said it was a great opportunity for students to learn from representatives from BMA, Jellinbah and

Wesfarmers Curragh about the sort of processes that happen on a mine site.

“There were a lot of challenges designed around what you might find on a mine site, and the kids did really well,” she said.

“I think the message from our sponsors and the Queensland Resources Council, is that despite

the cycles in mining, the industry is always looking for the best of the best.

“And by exposing the students to these real-world practices through the QMEA, they are much more advanced when they are competing for jobs later in life.”

Ph: 07 4947 6269

Terry McMullen: 0408 760 994 E: abawre@bigpond.com www.realestatewhitsundays.com.au

MAN/FISHING WEEKENDER ON 6.3 AC CLOSE TO BEACH, TAVERN, SUBDIVIDABLE INTO 2 LOTS

$300,000

$405,000

313 ARABLE ACRES, DESIGNER 4 BR 2 BTH HOME REGISTERED ENDURO & MOTO TRACKS

$710,000 OFFERS

2 BRM, 2 WAY BATHROOM VILLA FURNISHED. LIVE IN, HOLIDAY LET OR PERMANENT LET

$159,000

$240,000

CHEAPEST 5 ACRES IN THE AREA, WONDERFUL VALLEY VIEWS. BUSH BLOCK, 10 MINS TO BEACH

$87,000

SEA VIEW HOME 3 BRM 2 BTH 3 CAR, BALCONY IMMACULATE GARDENS CLOSE TO AIRLIE BEACH

$425,000

ForSale FREEHOLD GYM & SQUASH COURTS 3 BRM UNIT

5.4 ACRES, 3 BRM 1 BTH HOME WITH 160 MANGO

INCL ALL EQUIPMENT. CENTRE OF PROSERPINE

TREES. MAYBE INCOME EARNER. BEACH 10 MINS

$350,000 OFFERS

•

Set on a 799m2 corner block this rendered block home has been refurbished with next to nothing needs to be done.

This block

home offers a spacious layout of 3 generous sized bedrooms with built-ins in the main house and separate bedroom and bathroom at the rear.

Inspect by Appointment

• • • • • •

Freshly painted and well maintained, the home offers a good sized kitchen with brand new dishwasher overlooking an L shape lounge and dining area.

Enclosed entertaining area that separates the 4th bedroom and 2nd bathroom with separate toilet and laundry.

Tropical tiled swimming pool with brand new pool chlorinator and energy saving pump.

3 phase powered shed built to a high standard giving the possibility to become a granny flat or office.

New roof installed on house and shed 3 years ago.

Fully air-conditioned throughout with inverter split systems Currently returning $550pw until March 2017.

Ralph Westera

0418 187 161

ralph.westera@quaid.com.au

Quaid Real Estate | 35 Lake Street, Cairns | 4051 3300 | www.quaid.com.au

30 November 28, 2016

SEPTIC & POWER. READY TO BUILD ON

$170,000

Mid $400k’s

Savvy Investor Seeking Family Home 82 Marti Street, Bayview Heights, Cairns

$345,000

4.6 AC 104,000 LT TANK, GAZEBO, PLAYGROUND,

ARMSTRONG BEACH VACANT RESIDENTIAL LAND

5 AC TWO HOMES. 1 X 2BRM + 1 X 1BRM. INCOME

2.5 ACRES WITH POWER & WATER CONNECTED

SIZES FROM 805 m2– - 1040 m2 CLOSE TO BEACH

EARNER. TOWN WATER. SHORT WALK TO BEACH

CORNER BLOCK. GREAT CRABBING AND FISHING

$105,000—$120,000

H/L PACKAGES AVAILABLE

$299,000 OFFERS

$150,000