integra - vale. · pdf fileintegra as we flagged in our last newsletter, a modification of the...

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Integra As we flagged in our last newsletter, a modification of the Project Approval for the Integra Mine Complex is currently being sought. The proposed modification (Modification 2) seeks to: remove the requirement to install and operate an overland conveyor from the Underground surface facilities to the Coal Handling and Processing Plant; modify operating hours to allow mining to commence one hour earlier within the North Open Cut pit (move from an 8.00am start to a 7.00am start) on Sundays and public holidays; secure an extension of time to establish the appropriate mechanism for securing biodiversity offset areas for the long-term (bearing in mind that existing offset areas will be maintained whilst replacement areas are found); and update land ownership information. Current status An Environmental Assessment (EA) report was recently prepared and submitted to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for its consideration. The EA report will soon be made available for public consultation. Notice of the public consultation period will be provided via public advertising, on the Department’s website and in upcoming editions of this newsletter. Community information session Many of our readers would know that we recently hosted a community information session where members of our Sustainability team were on hand to provide information and answer questions about the proposed modifications and the next steps in the process. Thanks to everyone who came along. For anyone who wasn’t able to attend the session and would like further information on the proposed modifications, please contact John Trotter (Environment Superintendent) on 6570 2187 or at [email protected] Project Approval update A Vale community newsletter September 2012 In recent weeks the team at our Underground Mine site have been welcoming the delivery of our new longwall mining system. Eighteen months in the making and valued at more than $105 million, this impressive state-of-the-art asset weighs in at more than 6,000 tons and will extend the length of two and a half football fields when fully assembled underground. For now, the various components of the longwall are being settled into a designated lay down area on site. Next steps will see the assembly of a longwall mini build – a 60 metre long section of longwall roof supports and associated systems that will be used for staff training and familiarisation prior to underground installation in 2013. Update from the Underground – new longwall

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Integra

As we flagged in our last newsletter, a modification of the Project Approval for the Integra Mine Complex is currently being sought.

The proposed modification (Modification 2) seeks to:

• removetherequirementtoinstallandoperateanoverlandconveyorfromtheUnderground surface facilities to the Coal Handling and Processing Plant;

• modifyoperatinghourstoallowminingtocommenceonehourearlierwithintheNorthOpenCutpit (move from an 8.00am start to a 7.00am start) on Sundays and public holidays;

• secureanextensionoftimetoestablishtheappropriatemechanismforsecuringbiodiversity offset areas for the long-term (bearing in mind that existing offset areas will be maintained whilst replacement areas are found); and

• updatelandownershipinformation.

Current status

An Environmental Assessment (EA) report was recently prepared and submitted to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for its consideration.

TheEAreportwillsoonbemadeavailableforpublicconsultation.Noticeofthepublicconsultationperiod will be provided via public advertising, on the Department’s website and in upcoming editions of this newsletter.

Community information session

Many of our readers would know that we recently hosted a community information session where membersofourSustainabilityteamwereonhandtoprovideinformationandanswerquestionsaboutthe proposed modifications and the next steps in the process. Thanks to everyone who came along. For anyone who wasn’t able to attend the session and would like further information on the proposed modifications, please contact John Trotter (Environment Superintendent) on 6570 2187 or at [email protected]

Project Approval update

A Vale community newsletter • September 2012

In recent weeks the team at our UndergroundMinesitehavebeenwelcoming the delivery of our new longwall mining system. Eighteen months in the making and valued at more than $105 million, this impressive state-of-the-art asset weighs in at more than 6,000 tons and will extend the length of two and a half football fields when fully assembled underground.

For now, the various components of the longwall are being settled into a designated laydownareaonsite.Nextstepswillseethe assembly of a longwall mini build – a 60 metre long section of longwall roof supports and associated systems that will be used for staff training and familiarisation prior to underground installation in 2013.

Update from the Underground –new longwall

In recent weeks the safety spotlight has shone on Integra with a team fromourUndergroundMinetakingout the runner-up spot in the HunterValleyUndergroundMinesRescue Competition.

The competition, which saw seven teams from across the region test their rescue skills across a series of gruelling mock scenarios, showcased top notch skills, strength, resilience and a resounding commitment to teamwork.

Integra Training Advisor, Rod Whitaker, said the competition exercises – which are usually based on incidents that have occurred within the mining industry in the last 12 months – were extremely challenging,buttheIntegrasquadshowed they were at the top of their game and well prepared for any situation.

“From assembling fire-fighting equipment,tofightingafire,to first aid, each of the seven drills tested potential real-life scenarios,” said Rod.

He noted that all of the guys in the Integra team assisted in the re-entry of the Blakefield South Mine, and training and competitions like this helped prepare teams for that real-life action.

“It’sahugeaccomplishmentforIntegratosecuretherunner-upspotnexttoWambo–awell-seasonedsquadwho’ve won the competition for the last seven years,” said Rod.

The Integra Community Consultative Committee is just one of the ways we’re engaging with local residents, Council and State Government on the issues about our operation that are important to you. The Committee meets four times a year to discuss key topics of interest that span everything from operational updates to environmental monitoring results. To stay posted on what’s discussed in the meetings, head to www.integracoal.com.au and visit the CCC Minutes page.

Integra shines at Hunter Valley Underground Mines Rescue Competition

Integra Community Consultative Committee

Uptothechallenge.Integratakesouttherunner-upspotintheHunterValleyUndergroundMinesRescueCompetitionthankstotheeffortsof(frontrow– left to right) Brendon Eckman, Brendon Wallace, Rod Whitaker and (back row – left to right) Mark King, Adam Wilton, Jamie Baker and Bryon Thomas.

Integra

Did you know?IntegraisafinancialsupporteroftheUpperHunterAirQualityMonitoringNetwork–anOfficeofEnvironmentandHeritageinitiativethat allows the community to access data around-the-clock from 14 monitoring stations in the local area.

2 INTEGRA COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER • SEpTEMbER 2012

At Integra we take great pride in the achievements of all our employees and in this edition of the newsletter we introduce a few of the people who work behind the scenes to contribute to our success story.

Glenn Warr – Dispatcher

Juliany Lupat – Graduate Chemical Engineer

Integra apprentices

With more than ten years in the mining industry and almost three years at Integra, Glenn Warr’s work is well known at Integra.

In his “day job” as a Dispatcher, Glenn is responsible for trackingandcoordinatingthemovementofequipment,materials and supplies across various locations at the OpenCutMine.AsvitalastheDispatcher’sroleis,somemight say it’s Glenn’s after-hours work as an artist that’s made him a household name on site.

For several years now, Glenn has been engaged by Integra mine management to produce safety posters for display across the site.

Whilst he’s humble about his talent for creating cartoons and caricatures, Glenn’s work brings to life important

safety messages in an engaging and user-friendly way. It’s a style that resonates with all employees on site and hits the mark.

“I’ve always found that cartoons are a good way to communicate and make sure a message gets across to a broad audience,” said Glenn.

“Cartoons are straight to the point and can be interpreted at a glance. When you’re dealing with a topic like safety on a mine site, you want the message to get across in a meaningful way to as many people as possible.

“A good cartoon will generate interest and grab people’s attention. And with a cartoon there’s less chance of people losing interest in a mountain of words.”

A relative newcomer to the world of mining, Juliany Lupat joined the Integra team in January through Vale’s Graduate Program.

With a double degree in Chemical Engineering and CommercefromtheUniversityofMelbourne,Julianyhas been a welcome addition to the Coal Handling and Processing Plant (CHPP) workforce. When asked about her experiences at Integra, Juliany is full of praise for her colleagues, the diversity of work and the sense of achievement that comes from contributing to the business.

“The opportunity to work on site from the first month of starting the Graduate Program is priceless,” said Juliany.

“It has been great so far and I’ve been treated like a family member at the CHPP.

“It’s been a valuable learning experience too. I get to work with a lot of operators who have up to 20 years of experience. They’re helpful and supportive and everyone is so willing to give me a hand when I need one.”

OriginallyfromIndonesiaandmorerecentlyMelbourne,Juliany moved to Singleton to take up her placement at Integra and is soaking up all the benefits of the local lifestyle.

“We’re surrounded by magnificent scenery, wineries and delicious gourmet food. What else could you ask for!?”

In early August the ongoing achievements of our two first year apprentices – James Drew and Jacob Pottinger – were acknowledged at the Muswellbrook TAFE’s Mining Skills presentation evening.

James and Jacob both joined Integra in January 2012 and under the guidance of Superintendents and tradespeopleatourOpenCutandUndergroundsitesthey have been working to complete their apprenticeships.Onaday-to-daybasis,James(who’sworking towards a Cert III HV Plant Mechanic) and Jacob (who’s working towards a Cert III Electrical) are learning about the mining industry and getting their hands dirty with practical training and hands-on site experience.

With eight apprentices onboard and a keen awareness of the mining industry’s need for a range of tradespeople (not to mention a General Manager who commenced his

mining career as an apprentice mechanical fitter and turner), Integra sees immense value in offering learning and development opportunities for those looking to build a career in the trades.

Whether he’s working on dump trucks or dozers, changing alternators or programming two-way radios, Jacob says an apprenticeship is an excellent way to start your career and gain greater knowledge of all aspects of the mining industry.

“My apprenticeship with Integra so far has been really great,” said Jacob.

“I’ve always wanted to be a fully qualified electrician and I’ve always been interested in the mining industry – so this is a great opportunity.”

Meet and greet

Putting safety in the picture – one of Glenn Warr’s safety posters for Integra.

Juliany Lupat – gaining industry experience at Integra through Vale’s Graduate Program.

Integra first year apprentice, Jacob Pottinger, (seen above on the right) receives an Achievement Award from Phil Cox, Institute Director Hunter TAFE, at the recent Muswellbrook TAFE’s Mining Skills presentation evening.

3INTEGRA COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER • SEpTEMbER 2012

At Integra we greatly value our place in the local community and we find it especially rewarding to be able to lend our support to special initiatives that directly benefit our community. Most recently, our sponsorship program has seen us support initiatives and events such as the:

• Maitland Polocrosse Club Inc. Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising event

• MotorNeuroneDiseaseAustraliaPainttheTownBlueforMNDfundraisingevent

• NorthernAgriculturalAssociationSingletonShow

• CerebralPalsyAlliance(EastMaitlandBranch)One-O-Sophfundraisingevent

• Singleton Dance Eisteddfod

• NewSouthWalesMineralsCouncilEnviroSmartProgramgrantsforSingletonschools

For further informationContact John Trotter on 6570 2187 or at [email protected]

IntegraOpenCut653 Bridgman RoadSingletonNSW2330T: 02 6570 2111F: 02 6570 2180

IntegraUnderground640 Middle Falbrook RoadSingletonNSW2330T: 02 6577 4200F: 02 6577 4235

www.valeaustralia.com.au

Integra Coal Community Hotline(including blasting information)1800 505 361

Integra in the community

ValewasproudtojoinACWhalanandMaxBaileyFirstNationalRealEstateintheirsponsorshipoftheSingletonRugby Club’s recent diabetes fundraiser day. Chris Bennett, Singleton Rugby Club Director and Integra employee (above on the left) and Andrew Betts, Integra General Manager (above on the right) present Kylie Stibbard (localadvocateforType1Diabetessupport)withthechequethatwillallow16localchildrenwithType1Diabetesattend an educational camp where they’ll learn about self-managing diabetes with the help of nurses, dieticians and volunteers. (Photo courtesy The Singleton Argus.)

NatashaandVictoriaLyallfromtheMaitlandPolocrosseClubgetreadytojointheaction at the Club’s annual carnival – a pink-themed event proudly supported by Vale that raised much needed funds for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation.

BackinJune,ValewaspleasedtosupporttheHunterValleyOffRoadRacingAssociationastheyhitthedirttohost their charity fun and fundraising day for the families and friends of Camp Quality and Witmore Enterprises.

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure that information in this publication is correct at the time of printing, and has been researched, assembled and included with all due care. However, Vale will not be held responsible or liable for any costs, losses, damages, charges or expenses incurred or sustained by any party relying on the material contained, incorporated or included in this publication.

This Integra community newsletter is printed on environmentally-friendly paper.

ENVI

RONMENTAL ACCREDITATION

Showing our support Vale’s sponsorship program is part of the company’s corporate philanthropy and is a voluntary transfer of resources from Vale to ensure responsible investment in our communities. If you’re interested in finding out how the program might be able to assist your community group, contact our Communities team on (07) 3136 0913 or email [email protected]. The team will be happy to supply application forms, answer your enquiriesandguideyouthroughtheapplicationprocess.

Integra