Experienced mine manager Mark Eaglesham has been appointed as the General Manager at the Wilpinjong Mine near Mudgee.
Mr Eaglesham has more than 30 years of experience in a range of executive and operational mining roles including general manager of the Goonyella Riverside Mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
He is excited to make the move from Queensland to the Central West as the mine plans for its future.
“I will use my experience to ensure our mine helps to build brighter futures for our community and our workforce,” Mr Eaglesham said.
“My experience includes being a general manager of another mine that has residential neighbours. Continuing to improve the way we minimise impacts on the community and the environment, as well as making smart productivity improvements, is key to ensuring a sustainable mine and maintaining our social licence .”
“We have a two stage plan to continue mining sustainably. The NSW and Australian governments will assess our plans to decide whether to approve them. There will be opportunities for the community to give feedback on the plans to us and to Government.”
“I’ve been quickly getting to know our crew. I am fortunate to lead good people who are proud to work at Wilpinjong and are proud of the significant contribution our mine makes to the local and regional economy. They have a positive safety culture which will remain an area of focus.”
“I am also looking forward to working with the local Council, other mines, business groups and community groups to build a strong local economy to benefit local people.”
Mr Eaglesham worked in Cobar for five years in the 1990s and played football across the region.
“I loved that time in my life, and I met some great people. I’m looking forward to settling into life in Mudgee.”
“My wife and I have been lucky to buy a house in Mudgee. With our kids working and studying elsewhere in Australia, it is us and the dog Charlie.”
Mr Eaglesham has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Mechanical Engineering from Sydney University and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Wilpinjong Mine employs 620 people and has another 200 specialist and general contractors working for it. Last year it spent $31 million with 340 local suppliers and provided $132 million in taxes, royalties and rates to state and local governments to support community infrastructure and services. Its thermal coal currently provides around 25% of NSW coal generated power supply, helping to keep the lights on in homes and businesses. For more information, visit Our Future Plans page.
