Drayton Mine
Overview
Drayton is an open cut coal mine, based 13 kilometres south of the town of Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia. The mine commenced operation in 1983 and produces approximately 5.5 Mt of thermal coal each year for export and domestic markets. Drayton and the contiguous Saddlers Creek thermal deposit are situated in the Hunter Valley coalfields of the Sydney Basin.
The mine is currently developing a new life-of-mine plan based on an increase in reserves base to 61 Mt.
The mine utilises one dragline, excavators and a significant truck fleet to mine coal.
Mine
Annual production: 2006 5.5 Mt ROM coal, 5.4 Mt saleable coal.
Reserves; 61 Mt proven/probable.
Customers: Domestic power generators, overseas power utilities and steel companies in Asia and Europe.
Number of Employees : Approximately 300 employees.
Safety and Environmental Performance:
To comply with government regulations, additional information regarding Drayton's environmental conditions and performance is available here
In the 2005 Hunter-Central Rivers Coal Industry Environmental Awards, Drayton received a highly commended award.
Drayton mine won the Anglo Coal Australia CEO’s Safety Award in 2003 and 2004, and silver in Anglo American plc Safety Award for 2004.
Community
Drayton is located between the towns of Muswellbrook and Singleton in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Both towns are home to more than 10, 000 people and the area offers an ideal combination of country lifestyle and a challenging operational experience.
The Hunter Valley is recognised as one of the most significant coal deposits in Australia and in addition to mining and power generation, local industries include horses and vineyards.
Nearby cities include the port city of Newcastle which is around 100 kilometres away, and Sydney which is around 200 kilometres away.
Drayton plays an important role in the town of Muswellbrook supporting community events and assisting with the provision of important services.
The mine recognises the need to participate in and contribute to the local community. Drayton provides assistance through donations, sponsorship and in-kind support to organisations that provide a service which benefits a broad cross section of the community including:
- Youth achievements
- Charitable institutions
- Educational institutions
- Junior sport
- Disadvantaged groups
A Community Support Policy ensures all requests are considered in a consistent and equitable manner.
Numerous Services are available including:
- Employment
- Health care
- Schools and education facilities
- Child care facilities
- Council services
- Facilities and community groups
- Sporting
- Entertainment
- Accommodation
- Clubs and community groups
- Festivals and events
- Tourist attractions
Climate and weather
A warm temperate climate is characteristic for the Upper Hunter region. Hot conditions prevail for most of the summer months with winter generally cool. Maximum summer temperatures can exceed 40°c with a 10 year maximum of 44°c and a maximum summer average of 29°c. Minimum winter temperatures can drop to -2°c with a minimum winter average of 5°c.
Most rainfall is received during the summer months with the drier period generally occurring during winter. Average annual rainfall is about 650mm.
Other information
- Drayton mine Sustainability report
- Drayton Mine map
- Newsletter 1
- Newsletter 2
- Newsletter 3
- Newsletter 4
- Drayton Fact Sheet
- Drayton Mine Environmental Information