BOBADEEN IRRIGATION SCHEME OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MINISTER KERRY HICKEY MP
Sydney, 5 November 2003
The Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme located at Xstrata Coal's Ulan Coal Mines was today officially opened by the Hon. Kerry Hickey MP, Minister for Mineral Resources. The Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme is an industry-first environmental solution for the management of surplus mine water.
Ulan historically released surplus mine water into the Goulburn River under its EPA licence, consistent with its licence to operate. Now, however, with the commissioning of the Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme earlier this year, surplus mine water is used to irrigate 242 hectares of land specially planted with perennial pastures maintained at an optimum level by beef cattle.
Peter Coates, Chief Executive Xstrata Coal, said, “The Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme is an excellent example of the principles of sustainable development being put into practice and has been heralded by community, government and industry alike as an outstanding solution to a complex water management problem.
”In 1999, a Pollution Reduction Programme was attached to Ulan's EPA licence requiring a nil discharge of mine water. This posed a major challenge to a water-surplus site. I congratulate the team at Ulan on their diligence and commitment in achieving environmental excellence with the design of this groundbreaking concept. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the local community and government agencies for working together with us to arrive at this solution.
“Bobadeen represents a $7 million investment and exemplifies Xstrata Coal's commitment to best practice environmental management. I am pleased to advise that project has been short-listed as a finalist in the 2003 Hunter Coal Industry Environmental Management Awards.”
The Hon. Kerry Hickey MP, Minister for Mineral Resources, declared Bobadeen officially open at today's plaque unveiling ceremony. The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Mudgee and Merriwa Shires, including the Mayor of each Shire, Clr Denis Yeo and Clr Ean Cottle respectively. Other guests included representatives from the Department of Mineral Resources, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources and the Department of Environment and Conservation, as well as members of the local community and representatives from Ulan's Community Consultative Committee.
Ends.
For further information:
Justine Winn
Corporate Affairs Manager Xstrata CoalT: 02 9253 6748 M: 0416 196403
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Xstrata Coal
Xstrata Coal is the world's largest exporter of thermal coal and a significant exporter of coking coal. It is also the largest of the five commodity businesses housed within Xstrata plc, a diversified metals and mining company, listed on the Zurich and London Stock Exchanges and included in the FTSE 100 index.
Xstrata Coal produces thermal and coking coal for export and domestic use in coke making/steel production, electricity generation and industrial application.
The company has interests in over 30 operating coal mines located in Australia (NSW and QLD) and South Africa and employs around 10,000 people worldwide, including contractors.
Ulan Coal Mines
Ulan's underground and open-cut mines are jointly owned by Xstrata Coal and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, with each holding 90% and 10% respectively.
Managed by Xstrata, Ulan has over 300 employees and currently produces 6.4 million tonnes of thermal coal each year, of which over 5 million tonnes is exported with the remainder supplied to domestic power utilities. Ulan is located 40 kms north-east of Ulan mine near Mudgee in the Central Ranges of New South Wales.