Dross removal to get to the black gold

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day all

Coal mining has been with us for hundreds of years, and Aussie coal keeps the power stations around the world working to give us electrical power. While change is on the horizon, for many around the world, that horizon is still many years away

1)- driverless trucks transporting the overburden a kilometre or so away


exif- Panny FZ-300; 1/800s x F4,0; ISO-100; lens at 450mm FFequiv

2)- the new 'hills' created by the overburden. This lot were about 3km long by 1/2-km wide x 75+/- m high
It means thousands of tonnes of dirt and rock moved to get to the prize


exif- Panny FZ-300; 1/1300s x F4,0; ISO-100; lens at 105mm FFequiv

As always, feedback welcome
Phil

[wigz]

Very interesting Phil

[Isac]

I love the way these mining companies destroy the planet and promote to us laymen how wonderful they are. Outside of that, your photos are great, nice and wide to show the scene and give it some scale.

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day Isac

If you want more of an idea as to 'scale' here's two shots from the archives ...
these are the monsters in image-1 above
Phil

[Isac]

I did a tour of the Rio Tinto minesite (Channar) a few years ago and got to sit in one of their Haulpaks - monsters as you say. My eldest daughter used to drive them around and loved it. I took lots of photos but I lost those when I was hacked last year. Maybe I have then tucked away on an old drive somewhere.