Illawarra Metallurgical Coal operations are in the Illawarra and Wollondilly regions of the southern coalfields of New South Wales, about 75 kilometres south of Sydney. We mine high quality metallurgical coal for use in steel making. Much of our coal goes to the local Port Kembla steelworks, supporting local manufacturing and regional jobs.

Steeped in coal mining history dating back more than 150 years, the region’s first coal mines opened in the early nineteenth century. Our history of coal mining around these parts began in 1935 at Wongawilli Colliery.

Soon after, collieries were developed to mine coal for the growing local steel industry and labourers settled into the area, bringing their families with them. Roads, schools and hospitals followed, and communities flourished.

It is a legacy etched into the way of life. We still work with our communities on local projects and provide grants to schools, sports clubs, community groups and others to help build strong communities.

South32 is now a globally diversified mining and metals company, headquartered in Australia with operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America.

We use the longwall mining method which involves removing coal in one long rectangular block using a shearer.

The shearer is a circular piece of equipment with picks which shaves coal from the longwall. The shearer moves forward on tracks as coal is continuously removed. The removed coal falls onto a conveyor behind the shearer to transport it to the surface.

To support the roof of the longwall during the mining process, large mechanical roof supports or ‘chocks’ hold up the area where the shearer is working. The chocks move with the shearer and allow the roof to safely fall behind the working area, forming what is known as the ‘goaf’. The falling roof is what causes movement on the surface known as subsidence.

Under the Mining Act 1992 we are responsible for your safety during mining. As part of this we can undertake pre-mining inspections on your behalf.

The inspections vary depending on what buildings and natural features are on the property. Inspections can include:

Structural inspection

A condition report and assessment of structures such as houses and sheds, involving a visual inspection inside and outside.

Geotechnical inspection

A condition report of dams and safety assessment of steep slopes, involving a visual inspection of the land.

Survey

Monitoring of land movement around structures and dams, involving the installation of physical survey marks and ongoing surveying during mining.

These inspections and ongoing monitoring give you an important record of your property and any changes that occur if you lodge a claim for compensation for mining related subsidence.

Your rights are protected by law and you can seek compensation to fix damage caused by mine subsidence through the New South Wales government agency, Subsidence Advisory NSW.

Subsidence Advisory NSW is an independent body. They will manage your claim throughout the process and liaise with us as required. This ensures an independent process is maintained.

To lodge a claim with Subsidence Advisory NSW and learn more about the process, call (02) 4677 6500 or visit www.nsw.gov.au/subsidence-advi...

You are also welcome to contact us on 1800 102 210 or illawarracommunity@south32.net

If you would like more information on the mine plan please contact illawarracommunity@south32.net or phone 1800 102 210.