Ulan Underground apprentices give back to the community

Media statement
Newcastle, Australia

Apprentices at Glencore’s Ulan Underground coal operation have answered an SOS from Mudgee Playgroup for assistance with a range of projects that have given the centre a much brighter start to 2022.

Fifteen Ulan apprentices recently undertook a working bee for Playgroup as part of their Community Giveback Program, an initiative which provides in-kind labour and support to local, not-for-profit community groups.

Following a difficult couple of years due to closures and restrictions on attendance numbers during the pandemic, the Playgroup needed assistance with maintenance and building some much-needed new equipment for the children.

The Ulan apprentices spent two days rejuvenating the facilities under the guidance of Apprentice Coordinator Chris Harrington, Mark Roth, from MA Roth Plumbing, and Playgroup Coordinator Kim Gribble.

The scope of work included:

• construction of a new mud kitchen
• installation of a new change table in the bathroom
• formation and paving of a new pathway
• repair of damaged guttering
• hanging new signage
• replacing the rear door of the main building, and repainting and repairs to  the front of the facility
• assembling a climbing wall
• repainting and cleaning up around the facility
• planting trees and a garden.

Coordinator Chris Harrington said the Community Giveback Program provided an opportunity for apprentices to utilise skills learnt on the job in community projects.

“Our fourth-year apprentices take the lead in planning and coordinating the projects, but everyone gains a sense of pride and satisfaction from helping their community,” Chris said.

In addition to the working bee, Ulan Coal also donated $5,000 to help with purchase of materials for the working bee and much-needed equipment such as paint for craft activities and new furniture.

For further information, please contact:

Nathan Ryan
m: +61 487 549 843
e: Nathan Ryan

Notes for editors

About Glencore

Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 responsible-sourced commodities that advance everyday life. The Group's operations comprise around 150 mining and metallurgical sites and oil production assets.

With a strong footprint in over 35 countries in both established and emerging regions for natural resources, Glencore's industrial and marketing activities are supported by a global network of more than 30 marketing offices. Glencore's customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation and oil sectors. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities. Glencore's companies employ around 135,000 people, including contractors.

Glencore is proud to be a member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Council on Mining and Metals. We are an active participant in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050.

For more information, visit Glencore's website. 

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, silver and gold from 26 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.

We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.

We employ 17,690 people in Australia and in 2020 contributed over $13.8 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $9.5 billion with 7,890 businesses across the country, as well as $2.1 billion in government tax and royalty payments.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.

Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.

Visit Glencore Australia's website to find out more.

About Glencore's coal business in Australia

Glencore is one of Australia's largest coal producers with 17 operational mines across New South Wales and Queensland.

We provide employment for almost 10,000 Australians and in 2020 managed the production of about 99 million tonnes of thermal and coking coal, predominantly for export.

We have a strong safety and environmental performance and play an active role in the development of low emission coal technology. Find out more about Glencore Coal Australia.