b'PROJECT STORIESOvercoming adversityFar from a typical mining operation, the Burton project in the Bowen Basin in Queenslandwas a test of resilience, innovation and teamwork.From the outset, the site faced daunting challenges. A failingThe teams ability to reverse-engineer radar data to predict 270-metre highwall and a corresponding low wall made coalpotential failures turned the tide, solidifying Burtons reputation mining not just difficult, but dangerously unpredictable. as an innovative and reliable operation.Though the risks were real, they ignited the teams determinationThe mines legacy dates back to its official opening in 1997 by to overcome what seemed impossible, leading to groundbreakingQueenslands then-premier, Rob Borbidge. In just three years, solutions, like the introduction of the Marion 305 dragline Burton became one of Australias leading coking coal suppliers, in April 2014. producing 5.7 million tonnes of coal and moving 26 million cubic metres of overburden.The dragline didnt just mine waste in the traditional sense; it also loaded haul trucks with coal, recalls Gus Jorquera, ProjectEven as the mine approached its final years, its impact General Manager. That was a first for the industry. remained significant. In 2014, two years before closing, Burton received multiple Thiess Australian Mining Safety Awards and The early relationship between Thiess and owner Peabodywas recognised as the Most Improved Peabody Mine.was fraught with tension, shaken by the highwall failure and the weight of uncertainty that hung over the site. But throughThe culture we built at Burton is still talked about today, collaboration, trust and relentless effort, the two sides beganmentions Gus.to rewrite their story.Burtons success was forged in the face of its challenges,The significant highwall failures demanded we implementdriven by the strength of its relationships, relentless hardstrict risk management measures, like radar highwall monitoringwork, game-changing innovations and the enduring spiritand daily rockfall analyses, says Gus. of the Thiess team.70'