Mining in the 1970s
In the 1970s coal production returned to where it started at Lobe B. Previously unviable, improvements in machinery and mining techniques meant more of the coal at Lobe B could be reached. Much had to be done before mining resumed, including purchase of more pastoral land, diversion of local creeks and construction of new coal handling plant, railway loading facilities and mechanical workshops. Then in September 1976 ETSA decided the town of Leigh Creek would be moved to allow the coalfield to expand.
Coal Production Engineers
Ray Gray
1974 -1981
Peter Mussared
1971-1974
Back to Leigh Creek for Ron Clement’s Retirement - November 1970
1971 - Page 736 Dragline
The Page dragline was purchased in 1968, assembled at Northfield during 1970 and commissioned in 1971.
1975 - Lobe B Crushing and Loading Plant
1978 - The Southern Haulage Road
1979 - 155 Ton Terex GM 33-15B Hauler
155 Ton Terex Haulers were introduced in 1979 to haul overburden. A Terex weighed 109 tons unladen and could carry 155 tons.
In 1979 they cost $700,000 each.
1979 - P&H 2800 XP Shovel
1979 - The Retention Dam
To prevent flooding in the new Lobe B mining area a Leigh Creek retention dam was necessary.
Just like the old K Cut had been, the retention dam provided an excellent area or swimming, sailing and fishing.
1978 - The Abandoned Northfield
