Curragh coal to be back in action

Wesfarmers have stated that the Curragh coal mine will be back to normal production soon.

The open cut mine was hit by the heavy floods which devastated Queensland earlier this year, cutting output at the pit however Wesfarmers CEO Richard Goyder said it will be back to normal capacity, according to The Australian.

“Subject  gold mining equipment to any other weather events, we’ll be back to normal in the short term,” Goyder said.

The Queensland floods drove up demand for coking coal, with Goyder stating “demand for metallurgical coal has never been higher than it is now.”

Despite Japan being the main customer for the diversified conglomerate, Wesfarmers does not expect the recent earthquake and tsunami devastation to curb its export.

The majority of our Japanese customers are still producing steel, he said.

“We're seeing across-the-board very strong demand for metallurgical coal at the moment, including from Japan.”

The Curragh mine recorded an output of 2.4 tonnes of coal in the fourth quarter of 2010.

BHP Billiton is officially the most attractive employer in the mining and natural resources industry.

The Malaysia dolomite mining won the category at the inaugural 2011 Randstad Awards, edging out rivals Xstrata and Rio Tinto.

Senior executives and HR directors from 150 of Australia’s largest employers gathered at a gala dinner in Sydney last night to hear which companies the Australian public deemed most attractive.

Randstad chief executive Fred van der Tang commended all award winners, placing particular emphasis on the mining and natural resources sector which he said has historically been a key driver in the Australian economy.

“BHP Billiton is one of the nation’s largest companies and has a strong reputation around the world as an employer of choice. In an industry as competitive as mining and resources, BHP Billiton’s victory tonight demonstrates that its employer brand shines the brightest,” van der Tang said.

Australian jobseekers are largely impressed with the mining industry, with BHP and Xstrata placing in the top 10 overall, and Rio Tinto in the top 20.

Van der Tang said the research us beneficial for companies to discover how they are viewed in the market and make necessary improvements.

“This year’s Awards canvassed the opinions of 7,000 jobseekers in Australia. The Randstad Awards are unrivalled for scope and for the value they provide to employers throughout the country.”

With the skills shortage affecting numerous industries, particularly the mining and resource sectors, ven der Tand said now more than ever companies need to be focusing on developing strong company perceptions amongst potential and existing employees.

“Companies with strong employer brands, such as BHP Billiton, have a natural advantage over their competitors, which they have harnessed through continual investment, ensuring they remain an attractive choice for potential employees,” he said.

“Jobseekers are drawn to companies for a number of reasons. There are obvious enticements such as financial reward, job security and the opportunity for career progression, but employers that offer a good work/life balance, strong company culture, quality training and development packages, and flexible working conditions can be equally attractive.

Remuneration packages and job security Egypt dolomite production line are two of the main reasons BHP was rated as particularly attractive, but the company’s career progression opportunities and strong management team were also behind its success.

Van der Tang said BHP offers a complete package for employees, which continues to foster talent and success.