Glencore opened the gates of its Ulan mine to more than 600 people over the weekend as part of a community day aimed at showcasing both its open cut and underground operations.
The event highlighted the mine’s equipment and technology, and provided a history to Ulan Coal’s operations which date back to 1920.
Friends, family and local community members were able to tour both the mine’s box cut and underground mining operations, see the rehabilitation work taking place on site and get a close up look at the massive machinery it takes to run an mining project.
A jumping castle, face painting, ferry floss and sausage sizzle was also available for families to enjoy.
Glencore’s general manager of western operations, Dan Clifford, said community played a huge part in the mine’s profile.
Clifford said the mine was aware of the pressures it can place on the local area, and when that happened it stepped up to help support community programs.
“If our presence is putting pressure somewhere, we will support initiatives to help out,” he said.
Glencore are involved in supporting schools and childcare centres in the region and are also helping to encourage healthcare professionals to the area through its Doctors for Mudgee program.
Clifford’s passion for his operation and the local area, as well as the wider workforce’s, was on display, with all employees helping out on the day doing so on their own time.
Clifford said the workforce had all volunteered to showcase the mine, a fact he was clearly proud of.
“I’m so appreciative of what they are doing,” he said.
“They’re here because they are passionate about our business and getting our community in.”
Kylie O’Connor made the trip from Newcastle with her two children who were very excited to see where dad works .
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to have a look and see what they do on a mine site,” O’Connor said.
“I know it’s hard to oraganise but more days like this should be held at other sites.”
