EXPLORING CADIA: Cadia Valley Operations senior specialist in public affairs Melissa Schumacher, Australian National Field Days chairman Robert Armstrong and feature coordinator Chris Solomon and Cadia Valley Operations general manager Tony McPaul announce the feature exhibition for the 2012 Australian National Field Days. Photo: MARK LOGAN 0501mlfieldday
THE importance of both mining and agriculture to the region’s economy will be recognised in this year’s feature exhibit at the Australian National Field Days (ANFD).
Cadia Valley Operations (CVO) has accepted the invitation of field days organisers to be the 2012 feature exhibitor.
While CVO has had a presence at the field days for more than a decade, the feature exhibit entitled Mining Unearthed - Exploring Cadia Valley Operations will provide an opportunity to educate more people about more aspects of the operation.
CVO general manager Tony McPaul said the exhibit would include a virtual reality underground tour and simulators of front end loaders and dump trucks.
“There are a lot of people out there who don’t understand what we do in our mining operation. People will be able to follow the whole process, from exploration to final rehabilitation,” he said.
Mr McPaul said the ANFD’s invitation to participate was an indication of a good relationship between mining and agriculture in the region.
“It’s fair to say we’ve had a very good relationship with the local farming community. It’s fair to say there are other areas which don’t enjoy the relationship we do,” he said.
“Agriculture and mining have very important parts to play in the economy ... and they need to coexist.”
ANFD chairman Robert Armstrong said many visitors to the field days would be curious to see the feature exhibit.
“There’s a lot of curiosity about mining. This is a great opportunity to expose what Cadia does,” he said.
The ANFD will be held on October 16, 17 and 18.
Mr Armstrong said good conditions around the state would see a strong turnout of exhibitors and farmers.
“Because the drought has broken there are a lot of opportunities for farmers to start restoring their properties. It’s a great opportunity for farmers to come and have a look,” he said.
ellen.jones@ruralpress.com