The last coal train has made its departure from Stratford Coal, marking the end of coal mining at the site, which has been attributed to the exhaustion of commercial coal reserves.
Since the first train departed the site in July 1995, Stratford Coal has operated an open-cut mine, employed a strong workforce and supplier network, and made a positive difference in the community by investing in local community projects and initiatives.
Despite Stratford ending coal mining, the company’s team will continue working for around four years, closing operations, decommissioning and removing infrastructure, and completing rehabilitation of the site to an approved final landform.
Stratford Coal Operations Manager, John Cullen, was proud of the work completed to reach this important milestone.
“As we work through the decommissioning process, we still believe in the value of the mine, and we are focused on continuing land rehabilitation and exploring potential beneficial uses for parts of the site.
“The actual works to rehabilitate and then maintain and monitor the land to achieve New South Wales Government signoff is expected to take between 10 and 15 years, so it is a long-term process.
“We are also continuing to assess the feasibility of the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub, which has been declared as Critical State Significant Infrastructure, for future use of part of the site and have commenced applications for New South Wales and Federal Government approvals.”
Mr Cullen thanked and paid tribute to the Stratford Coal mining crew and the team who have worked at the mine over the last 30 years.
“They are an incredible group of people who, every day, have endured the challenging geotechnical mining conditions that Stratford was renowned for.
“Additionally, I extend our gratitude to our suppliers for their invaluable contribution to our success, and the local community for their continued support of our operation. It was a humbling experience to see the last coal wagon disappear out of sight; however, now we look to our new path and journey of closure,” Mr Cullen said.
“I believe that with the people we have, who have grown with us over the years, we have the right mix of skills, commitment, and attitude to make this project both successful and rewarding.
“We will update stakeholders and the local community about the decommissioning, rehabilitation and other land use plans over the coming years.”
Yancoal is committed to supporting its people who are leaving the mine to continue their careers. This includes redeployment opportunities to Yancoal’s other operations, where possible.
Featured image: Fiordaliso/shutterstock.com
