For the second year in a row Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business has taken out the Coal mine of the Year Award at the 10th annual Mining Prospect Awards, this time Moranbah North mine receiving the top honour for their dramatic transformation that has taken place over the past 20 months.

Also announced on the night, Moranbah North’s Coal Handling Preparation Plant was a surprise entry in the Minerals Processing Plant of the Year category, winning from a group of four finalists as a result of their inspirational six year Lost Time Injury Free performance.

Accepting Coal Mine of the Year Award, General Manager Jim Canning said he was absolutely delighted Moranbah North had been recognised by industry peers, telling the room of 300 people from across Australia that the award was the result of a lot of hard work from a committed team of people.

“It is a true honour to receive this award, which belongs to the fantastic group of people who were determined to turn Moranbah North into the safe and productive operation it is today,” Jim said.

“Moranbah North is now achieving what many thought wasn’t possible – week upon week of 100 longwall cutting hours and the best safety record we have ever seen,” Jim said.

“In 2013 we have seen significant safety improvements, record production rates, best practice longwall performance and innovation which together have positioned us as an industry leader.

“We are currently sitting at eight weeks in a row of consecutive 100 hour plus weeks and we know we can continue to keep this up and reach great heights in the future.

“I couldn’t be happier to accept this award and after a delivering record production in the first half of 2013, we are now on track to delivering our most productive and safe year in our 15 year history,” Jim said.

“On a personal note, I would like to add that we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we have if it wasn’t for the unwavering support we receive from our families at home, our husbands, wives, partners and children, everyone who stands by us as we work hard to run a 24 hour operation every day of the year.

“This award is just as much theirs as it is ours,” he said.

Met Coal Chief Executive Officer Seamus French congratulated Head of Underground Operations Glen Britton, Jim Canning and the Moranbah North team on their “well deserved” awards.

“A fantastic effort by everyone involved – Moranbah North is now delivering safe, world-leading longwall performance, showing us what is possible at our existing undergrounds and setting us up for the future Grosvenor operation,” Seamus said.

Grasstree General Manager Adam Garde and Underground Technical Services Superintendent Claire Stevens were both also recognised at the awards ceremony, finalists in the Mine Manager of the Year and Mining’s Woman of the Year categories respectively.

Also a finalist on the night, Met Coal employee and entrepreneur Kym Clark was recognised for her She’s Empowered business which produces a women’s maternity wear high-visibility range.

Last year Capcoal Open Cut received the Coal mine of the Year Award at the Mining Prospect Awards.