Fresh from hosting the third annual Coal Industry Event in Brisbane, Grant Wechsel, Chairman of Mining Pro, updates us on the recent progress of the industry and how the event continues to grow.
TAKING PRIDE IN COAL
Grant Wechsel, Chairman, had the honour of hosting the third annual Coal Industry Event on Thursday 8th August, presented by Mining Pro and Coal Australia.
Mining Pro provides production and operational support services for the mining industry in Australia. Working with major clients including Coronado Global Resources and Stanmore Resources, the company executes operational mining plans that allow its client partners to focus on running safe, productive, and profitable mining operations.
The latest Coal Industry Event was again held in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, a state endowed with diverse coal, mineral, petroleum, and coal seam gas reserves.
Once more, the event got the mining sector together to openly celebrate the enormous benefits that it provides to Queensland and Australia as a whole, network with industry colleagues, and listen to an insightful and engaging panel discussion on hot topics.
Those in attendance shared an enthusiasm to stand up for the industry and restore pride in what coal mining does for the country.
Q&A WITH GRANT WECHSEL, CHAIRMAN, MINING PRO
Why is the coal industry so vitally important to Australia, and in particular the communities and economies of Queensland and New South Wales?
GW: The coal industry is vitally important to the Australian economy, jobs, and regional communities. Coal contributed just under AUD$100 billion to the economy in 2023, which is more than the revenue created from international tourism, beef and wheat exports, and international students combined.
How has the coal industry in Australia developed since we last covered Mining Pro’s Coal Industry Event in October 2023?
GW: The support for our industry has grown, with people 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 Mining Pro as the event’s co-presenting partner for 2024.
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?
GW: 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 the country. I also launched Jobs for Mining Communities, a new initiative shining a light on the importance of mining jobs to our regional communities. We’ve additionally enlisted the help of rugby league legends, Sam Thaiday and Danny Buderus, for an upcoming media campaign. Finally, in front of a packed room, there was a panel discussion to close out the evening.
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?
GW: This year’s panel also featured Senator Susan McDonald, Ian MacFarlane, and Nick Rees, who covered topics such as 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. Our fantastic panel members provided hard-hitting and insightful comments.
As the moderator of the panel discussion, what was a personal highlight of yours from the evening?
GW: As Senator Susan McDonald said on the evening, “united we stand”. The coming together of a wonderful group of panellists and audience members, all speaking up so strongly for our industry, was a personal highlight.
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?
GW: We needed a much bigger room in 2024, not only because of the volume of guests, but also the key support of MPs and senators in the room, which was noted and appreciated by all in attendance. The event in 2025 will no doubt be even bigger and better.
