Grant Wechsel, Chairman of Mining Pro, had the honour of hosting the third annual Coal Industry Event on Thursday 8th August 2024.
The event will be back on a bigger scale in 2025 to continue to promote the industry but also spread the message that coal will remain a vital part of the mining industry in Australia for decades to come.
Many industry luminaries were in attendance contributing to the knowledge base via question-and-answer sessions and panel discussions.
Q: Firstly, could you reintroduce us to Mining Pro with an overview of your mining services, locations, client base, number of employees, etc.
A: We are a mining services partner, providing production and operational support services for the mining industry in Australia. We work with major clients including Coronado Global Resources and Stanmore Resources to execute operational mining plans that allow our client partners to focus on running safe, productive and profitable mining operations.
Q: Why is the coal industry so vitally important to Australia, and in particular the communities and economies of Queensland and New South Wales?
A: The coal industry is vitally important to the Australian economy, to jobs and regional communities. Coal contributed just under $100B to the economy in 2023, this is more than the revenue created from International Tourism, Beef & Wheat exports and International Students combined.
Q: How has the coal industry in Australia developed since we last covered Mining Pro’s Coal Industry Event in October 2023?
A: The support for our industry has grown. People are speaking out and showing pride in the industry. The formation of Coal Australia, an industry body representing the major coal mining companies of Australia has given a formal voice to the industry. Coal Australia joined Miming Pro as the co-presenting partner for 2024.
Q: Can you provide some key details about the recent 2024 Coal Industry Event presented by Mining Pro? How did the event celebrate the enormous contribution the coal industry makes to Australia?
A: Firstly we heard from Nick Jorss, Chairman of COAL Australia about their plans to win back the hearts and minds of the public regarding coal mining in Australia. I also launched Jobs for Mining Communities a new initiative shining the light on the importance of mining jobs to our regional communities. We’ve unlisted the help of rugby league legends Sam Thaiday and Danny Buderus for an upcoming media campaign.
Finally, in front of a packed room, a panel discussion to close out the evening.
Q: Who were some of the key panellists at the event, and what key factors affecting the industry were covered in the panel discussion that you moderated?
A: This years panel featured Senator Susan MacDonald, Ian MacFarlane, Nick Jorss and Nick Rees covering topics like the importance of coal mining to Australia, coal royalties and government engagement, coal as part of the energy mix and the investment outlook for coal.
Q: As the moderator of the panel discussion, what was a personal highlight of yours from the evening?
A: As Susan MacDonald said on the evening, “United we stand.” The coming together of a wonderful group of panellists and the audience all speaking up so strongly together for our industry.
Q: Finally, how did the 2024 Coal Industry Event compare to the previous edition in 2023, and are you excited about the future of the event?
A: We needed a much bigger room in 2024. But it wasn’t just the volume of guests, the key support of MP’s and senators in the room was noted and appreciated by all in attendance. The event in 2025 will no doubt be even bigger and better.
