PREMIER Coal mine yesterday celebrated having produced 100 million tonnes of coal by opening its shovel tourist site beside the Coalfields Highway.
Yancoal Australia’s chief operations officer, Peter Barton, joined Premier Coal’s general manager, Patrick Warrand, at the decommissioned shovel to mark the occasion.
Premier began mining operations in 1950 as Western Collieries, which produced 50,000 tonnes of coal a year.
Now, Premier produces 80,000 tonnes of coal in just a week.
The shovel had been placed near Premier Coal’s current mine Pit 1, and to the original Western Collieries underground mine that operated 60 years ago.
Mr Barton said Premier Coal had a proud history and continues to play a key role in the local community and economy.
He thanked the Rotary club for leading the restoration of the shovel and the other supporters involved in the preparation of the display.
Mr Warrand said Premier recognised that the coal produced supported the living standards and livelihoods of thousands of families and businesses.
“As part of the Collie community we take seriously our commitment to the local environment, as well as being a good neighbour.
“Premier has been a secure and reliable supplier of coal for the production of electricity and industrial use and has played a key role in the growth of WA and in particular Perth and the South West,” Mr Warrand said.
