MTW improvement project brings safety and environmental benefits

Recent results from a Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) improvement project to redirect the road network have shown increased efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions, as well as safety benefits.

It goes to show that positive outcomes for climate change can also add value to the business.

“The roads we had in place were not taking the most direct route, with some haul trucks traveling further than they needed and sometimes going in the opposite direction to their destination,” said MTW Coal and Partings Superintendent Mark Franklin, who came up with the idea.

“We also had issues with congestion at several locations due to interactions with mixed hauling fleets. It was clear things could be improved.”

A number of teams worked together to plan and implement the road network efficiency project, including the coal and partings team and the mining team.

Roads were realigned to bypass certain areas, others were straightened out to cut travel distance, link roads were installed and certain facilities, such as crib huts, were moved to more accessible locations.

“The project has increased the amount of overburden moved per kilometre, making the mining process more efficient,” Mark said.

“Our greenhouse gas emissions have also dropped by 810 tonnes over the past year as a result of cutting our diesel use by 286,000 litres.

“In addition, our routes are now safer because there is less congestion. We’ve seen a reduction in cycle time due to shorter travel distances and we getting less tyre and mechanical wear.”

MTW General Manager Operations Cam Halfpenny said: “The road network improvement project is bringing some notable operational, safety and environmental outcomes.

“Well done to everyone on site who worked hard at all stages to make this worthwhile project a reality.”