The Industry Capability Network (NSW) Ltd (ICN NSW), Australian Mining Services International (AMSI), and China Australia Mining Development Alliance (CAMDA) have worked together over the last 4 years to introduce Australian mining safety technologies and expertise to China’s largest coal mining company, the Shenhua Ningxia Coal Group.

Each organisation has become a vital link in the supply chain providing much needed services to improving safety in Chinese coal mines, and opening international business opportunities for Australian mine safety specialists.

Much deeper and more gaseous than Australian mines, Chinese coal operations are notorious for incidents related to the presence of methane gas, and it is a priority of the Chinese Government that the situation be rectified.

Australian companies that have won contracts to alleviate the problems include:

• GeoGAS is providing initial gas testing and analysis on coal seams before drilling and coal production.

• Valley Longwall Drilling is providing underground directional drilling to drain methane from the seam.

• Mitchell Drilling Corporation is providing specialised drilling services from the surface to seam, allowing methane to be collected at surface well-heads.

Gas is taken from the well heads as an energy source for industry as well as for domestic cooking and heating, leaving the mine safe for the workers, and reducing air pollution caused by methane seepage.

The path to success in winning Chinese coal safety contracts starts with Australian companies being introduced to AMSI by ICN.  CAMDA, a joint venture between AMSI and the China Coal Industry Research and Development Centre (CCIRDC) then acts as an in country agent, providing commercial, communication, and facilitation services to Australian exporters.

ICN Hunter Manager, Ken Ford visited Inner Mongolia and other provinces with AMSI in late 2007, by invitation of the CCIRDC to identify new customers, mine sites, and opportunities, and to strengthen relationships throughout the supply chain. More trade visits are envisaged.

The Shenhua Ningxia Coal Group has utilised Australian coal mine safety technology on two of its mines to date, with another eleven mines being surveyed for potential gas drainage. Further opportunities will be offered to Australian specialists in other mines owned by the company. The company is only one of many Chinese coal miners.

Chinese coal production dwarfs Australian output, with production of 2.5 billion tonnes per year. By comparison Australia produces approx 300 million tonnes per year.

ICN, AMSI, and CAMDA will continue to collaborate for the benefit of Chinese coal miners and Australian exporters.