Malabar marks start of longwall mining at Maxwell underground coal operation
Malabar Resources Ltd has announced the completion of the first full shears of coal from the longwall machine in the Maxwell Underground mine in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia, marking a major milestone on the pathway to becoming the newest and largest long-life longwall operation in the region.
Malabar Resources received approval for its Hunter Valley operation in December 2020. Underground construction commenced in May 2022 with the first coal produced from a bord and pillar operation early the following year.
The pathway from approval to first longwall coal has involved thousands of people, an enormous amount of work, and the support of our community, customers and financial markets, Malabar says.
The final transition from development production to longwall production was delivered through a concentrated month of activity involving relocating the longwall equipment from the mini-build pad on the surface to underground, upgrading conveyors and infrastructure, and completing civil and ventilation works to bring the longwall machine online.
Wayne Seabrook, Chairman, Malabar Resources, said: “First longwall coal from Maxwell Underground is the result of years of dedicated work by a remarkable group of people. Our employees, contractors and suppliers have shown extraordinary commitment to bringing this operation online, and I want to acknowledge each of them for what they have achieved.
“Maxwell produces high-quality metallurgical coal that goes into making the steel the world requires and high-energy coal for new high-efficiency, low-emission power stations.”
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