NSW mining had a nice little win in the jobs stake as the NSW Planning Commission gave its approval for Glencore`s Bulga Optimisation Project (BOP). This approval is a big winner for the workers as it not only extends the life of the mine another 21 years to 2035, but it will also provide much needed construction jobs for around 300 people.

“approval of Glencore`s Bulga Optimisation Project”

Mining in New South Wales has been hit hard over the last 2 years owing to weakening investment and global coal prices leveling out. News such as the approval of Glencore`s Bulga Optimisation Project is heartening for those who work at the mine as well as the local communities and small businesses that benefit from the mining operation.

300 or more mining construction jobs

If the approval had not been granted, its thought mining would stop around 2017. With the approval, a Glencore spokesman said the mining company can provide ongoing employment for the 700 workers on site, plus the additional 300 or more construction jobs as new work begins.

The 300 or so NSW mining construction jobs that are being created will focus on expanding the mine`s existing footprint. The project involves moving away from the villages of Broke and Milbrodale, with the modified mine plan to avoid relocation and disturbance of wooded areas that border the mine. Conservation was high on the agenda as Glencore fought for 3 years to gain this recent approval.

$173 million investment

Glencore is a truly global mining company and as such has a strong focus to operate within the parameters set by international conservation and noise pollution guidelines. So much so, the company is building a ‘sound wall’ to prevent mining operation noise affecting the local area.

As part of the scheme to minimise noise Glencore has sunk $173 million into utilising sound-suppressed mining equipment as well as having created an on-site noise and dust control centre.

Current production levels at the mine are about 6 million tonnes of saleable coal per year, with about 9 to 10 million tonnes of ‘run of mine’ coal and it is thought that production levels will not rise due to the expansion and construction project.

Long-term employment opportunities

Glencore work closely with the local communities and focus on bringing long-term employment opportunities to it’s workforce, which is dependent on Glencore earning and maintaining community support as well as their licences to operate the mine.

With 300 NSW mining construction jobs up for grabs, now is a good time to start finding out more about the project and what types of construction jobs will be available.

Research for job seekers

• Go to the Bulga Coal website: www.bulgacoal.com.au
• Find out as much as possible about the mine such as:
• Bulga�Coal has an open-cut mining project at the mine
• Underground operations are also at the mine
• There is an on-site Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP)
• The mine is located 15 kilometres southwest of Singleton near the village of Broke in New South Wales
• Coal from the mine is railed to the Port of Newcastle
• Coal exports are to China and Japan…
• Create a ‘targeted’ cover letter when applying for jobs at Bulga Coal
• Make sure the resume you send in is up-to-date and relevant to the company and job advertised

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