Coal geologists keen on seamless networks
Published on 01 July, 2009
CQUniversity Rockhampton this week hosted up to 80 of the professionals who underpin the success of Queensland's coal industry (on July 1-2).
The University was also a sponsor of the Combined Bowen Basin Geologists' Group & ACARP (Australian Coal Association Research Program) Meeting, alongside ACARP, Velseis Integrated Seismic Technologies and CSIRO.
LINK here for video interviews from the event
Joan Esterle, Secretary of the Bowen Basin Geologists Group, said this is an important meeting.
"It provides a chance to hear of completed and planned projects relevant to coal geology, discuss the outputs and outcomes with the research providers and your colleagues, and contribute to directions for future research and development," Ms Esterle said.
Ms Esterle said the event included a dinner and the Leichhardt Award presentation at Rockhampton Heritage Village, on the evening of July 1. [The Leichhardt Award is given biannually to a coal geologist who contributes to the field, the knowledge of the Bowen Basin geology and the industry.]
The topics presented during the 2 days ranged from 'prediction of mining-induced movements in building structures' and 'roof condition monitoring ahead of a longwall face' to 'effective slope monitoring for open cut coal mines' and 'pit wall strength estimation with 3D imaging'.
CQUniversity's Associate Professor for Mining Dr Col Greensill said this biennial event helped his program forge long-term relationships with those active in industry, providing potential guest lecturers and teaching staff as well as laying the groundwork for future research collaborations.
ACARP representative Roger Wishusen said his organisation helped ensure industry priorities were at the forefront of research projects and this sort of gathering was important to sustain the collegial network of industry specialists.