Apr 22

Written by: Andrew Winckle
4/22/2010 12:00 AM 

MAXAM achieves outstanding results as they impact the mining industry in collaboration with NEW HOPE COAL in South East Queensland.  MAXAM currently service NEW HOPE’s Jeebropilly and Oakleigh mining operations, providing full down the hole services.



New Oakleigh operates an open cut coal mine near the town of Rosewood, 23 kilometres west of Ipswich and 92 kilometres from the Port of Brisbane. The mining method used at New Oakleigh is a multi-thin-seam operation utilising trucks, excavators and front-end loaders. Overburden is blasted prior to extraction.

Jeebropilly mine is located near Amberley, 12 kilometres North of New Oakleigh mine and 80 kilometres from the Port of Brisbane, utilises the same mining principles as New Oakleigh and commenced operations in mid 2008 producing approximately 89,000 tonnes per annum. Mining operations have increased to six days per week, ramping up to an annualised production rate of approximately 850,000 tonnes per annum in 2009.

MAXAM commenced blasting operations at Oakleigh mine in 2006, followed by Jeebropilly mine towards the end of 2008. These contracts were entered into by MAXAM with the aim and aspiration to work with NEW HOPE in a mutually-beneficial relationship rather than for NEW HOPE. This outlook from MAXAM has and continues to deliver world class blasting services within NEW HOPE’s operations.

MAXAM is currently contracted to provide daily operations at the Jeebropilly mine site, averaging 30 blasts per month and moving between 100,000m3 to 160,000m3 of rock monthly. Coal mined in this area occurs in the central to upper part of the Walloon Coal Measures. These seams occur over an interval of around 120 metres and with 43 individual plies. The plies have an average thickness of between 0.06 metres with partings of up to 2.7 metres. As a result MAXAM must apply and execute great precision when blasting these seams so as not to over or under blast. With NEW HOPE joining the growing number of mining operations switching to RIOFLEX the new benchmark in explosives, they now enjoy the benefits of using highly energetic, versatile and reliable product.

MAXAM has helped NEW HOPE COAL considerably reduce their blasting costs by working closely with them to identify
the most proficient blasting techniques and specialised bulk products for their needs. Over a six month period in 2009 MAXAM saved Jeebropilly and Oakleigh mines more than 3% in blasting costs. These blast savings were administered without infringing upon operational efficiencies, effectiveness and production rates.

With the development and implementation of MAXAM’s customer’s data base; U-MANAGE, NEW HOPE can access with the click of a button, an auditable and comprehensive list of records and videos of all blasting operations within their sites. This system enables the user to receive up-to-date, precise blasting data, removing the need for large amounts of paper work archived on site.

Moving forward in 2010, as production rates increase and MAXAM introduces more specialised products, there is great anticipation of a record year.