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15/09/09Queensland digging deep to support China mine safety push
Beijing: Trade Minister Stephen Robertson announced Queensland will lead a coal mine safety demonstration project near Beijing that showcases and aims to export Queensland's expertise in mines safety to one of the world's biggest mining countries, China. "China's strong interest in improving mine safety has the potential to become a multi-million dollar industry. This project will increase export opportunities for Queensland businesses and that means jobs," Mr Robertson said. "It will be supported by a trade mission to further highlight Queensland's expertise in mining equipment technology and services at the China Coal and Mining Expo in Beijing in late October 2009. "Queensland has a wealth of expertise in providing sophisticated, specialised mine safety equipment, technology, services and training, built over more than 100 years of mining in our State." Mr Robertson attended a briefing in Beijing on the joint China/Australia mine safety demonstration project with strong Queensland links. "There is enormous potential for the State's advanced and experienced mining equipment, technology and services companies to contribute to China's drive to make mines and mining practices safer. "Australia's coal mining operations are amongst the safest in the world and Queensland is well placed to provide the know-how and equipment to improve on China's mine safety record. "Our expertise can help to reduce mine fatalities, provide safer working environments for Chinese miners and improve efficiency and productivity of mining operations. "Queensland's mining industry has developed a wide range of innovative products, technology and practical training services for mine safety control and management. "Our companies are keen to share expertise, exchange ideas and strengthen industry ties with China to promote best practice mining safety practices. "The briefing I received from China's State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) confirms that an Australia-China coal mine safety demonstration project to be undertaken 150 kilometres from Beijing at Xuandong will provide an ideal opportunity to demonstrate Queensland's potential in this sector." Mr Robertson said the demonstration project will be managed by Simtars (Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station), a Bligh Government agency. Funding for this project is being provided by the Australian Government, the Chinese Government and a local mining company. "The fact that Simtars was chosen to lead this project confirms the State's lead status in mine safety and technology both within Australia and around the world," he said. "Simtars is recognised as a world leader in research, consulting, testing, certification and training services to improve mining industry safety and health. "Simtars exports its cutting-edge mine gas monitoring systems and other mine safety and health expertise to China, India, USA, New Zealand, Malaysia, Brunei, South Africa, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. "The Xuandong mine demonstration project will showcase Queensland and Australian mine safety technology, training and education in risk management and will adopt leading practices and technologies to minimise mine injuries and fatalities." Media contact: 07 3224 7332
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