To purchase this space contact Gordon

PYBAR

PYBAR Mining Services has been named the preferred contractor for access drift development at the Maxwell underground coal project in New South Wales.

Maxwell is a developing operation owned by Malabar Resources, about 120km northwest of Newcastle. The company is approved to produce up to eight million tonnes of coal per annum for 26 years.

PYBAR’s 12-month contract will begin later in 2022 once the companies sign a binding mining services agreement generating “significant revenue,” according to PYBAR.

In September 2021, Mastermyne acquired PYBAR for $47 million to expand its hard rock mining services.

Managing director of PYBAR parent company Metarock, Tony Caruso, said this kind of contract was exactly the inspiration behind the acquisition.

“Mastermyne’s transformation from an underground coal contractor to a diversified mining services provider is taking shape and the awarding of this project is a major vote of confidence from customers in the new larger business,” Caruso said.

“We are growing more confident in the strength of PYBAR’s business and culture and its alignment with our broader values and direction as our businesses come together.”

PYBAR’s scope of works at Maxwell include twin parallel drives roughly 1.3km long, providing access to the targeted coal seams.

Excavation will be performed using metaliferousstyle drill and blast equipment.

The contract will employ about 100 people, while a further 350 will be employed once the mine is operational.

Malabar expects the operation to generate $55 million in annual wages, up to $700 million in annual export income, and up to $1.2 billion in royalties for New South Wales over the mine life.