Xstrata Coal is exploring the potential for an open-cut coal mine to be developed in the Wandoan district and has contracted Ostwald Bros. to complete auxiliary works, sample pit and access road construction.

Ostwald Bros. crews have completed the access road from the Leichhardt Highway to the sample pit. Work is ongoing with coal crushing, loading and haulage of coal to Xstrata’s Oaky Creek Mine, where it will be washed, all underway.

The sample pit is set to provide approximately 50,000 tonnes of coal for trial washing and coal sampling. Results on the pre-feasibility study of the coal project are expected by the end of the next year.

Ostwald Bros. CEO Brendan Ostwald said the Wandoan sample pit crews were performing above expectations and the project was likely to be completed ahead of schedule.

“A lot has been achieved in recent weeks and our crews are working effectively to complete civil works at the site.

“Our transport fleet is operating on the coal haulage project with all trucks equipped with satellite tracking and real time monitoring systems to allow full supervision of operations,” Mr Ostwald said.

If approved, the Project will comprise an open-cut mine, coal handling and preparation plant, train load-out, workshops, fuel, wash-down facilities and offices.

The mine is expected to produce an initial rate of 30 Mtpa run of mine coal, for export markets, with an expected mine life of 30 years.

Grosmont State School student Tallia McShannon (pictured at right) was one of a group of school students from Grosmont, Wandoan and Taroom who joined in Ostwald Bros “heavy vehicles” education sessions to learn about the sample pit activities.