Drayton mine Mobile Fleet Planner Philip U'Ren today said his family is a living, breathing example of coexistence, happily living in Muswellbrook with four daughters in their home that boasts partial views to a mine with four much-loved horses kept on their property.
Philip said that after 10 years in the area, from his personal experience he's confident all industries can continue to prosper alongside each other.
"I know there's a debate about whether coal mining should stay in the Hunter Valley, but the reality is we need the mining industry to keep local jobs and to therefore keep our towns alive," Philip said.
"My view is of course we can all work alongside each other.
"Drayton South will mean everyone – local businesses, horse breeders, wine growers, shop owners and the miners we employ - will all have continuing work.
"From my house, we have Bengalla mine on one side of us and Mr Arthur on the other.
"We also have four horses, one of which is a thoroughbred, kept on our property.
"My four daughters love living here and take full advantage of the vibrant lifestyle the Hunter Valley has to offer, they are proud to be a part of the local Pony Club and look after our horses at home every day.
"However, if Drayton South doesn't go ahead, it won't just be my job that suffers, my kids won't have the same opportunities anymore and we will most likely have to move away.
"People are going to lose their jobs if the Drayton South project doesn't get up, it's as simple as that.
"In this environment, it is already difficult to find work and with fewer work opportunities in the area, our house values go down too.
"To ensure we all to continue to enjoy the prospering Hunter Valley, we need multiple industries, new projects, new business and the boost to the economy new investment will create and the jobs that come with it.
"I support the Drayton South project and look forward to a continuing future in the area," he said.
In March Anglo American submitted a new mine plan for Drayton South that included a retracted mining area and shorter mine life that takes into consideration stakeholder views on the project. Philip's comments come as Anglo American continues to promote coexistence, shared community benefits and their willingness to compromise to help all industries in the Hunter Valley work alongside each other.
ENDS
Caption: Miriam, Phil, Isabelle, Penny, Matilda and Olivia U’Ren balance their love of horses with pride for the mining industry.
Contact: Jacqui Strambi 0439 774 526
Notes to editors:
Anglo American is one of the world's largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Our portfolio of mining businesses meets our customers' changing needs and spans bulk commodities – iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals and minerals – copper, nickel, niobium and phosphates; and precious metals and minerals – in which we are a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. At Anglo American, we are committed to working together with our stakeholders – our investors, our partners and our employees – to create sustainable value that makes a real difference, while upholding the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all our businesses and geographies. The company's mining operations, pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.
www.angloamerican.com.au