This time last year John Richards was working hard to ensure his Bloomfield Group's Rix's Creek South Project was approved.
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As chairman of the Bloomfield Group he had worked alongside key staff on the project for a number of years as they waited and waited on planning approval to allow mining operations to continue for a further 21 years at the open cut mine just north of Singleton.
The project was eventually approved in October 2019 - a result not without its hiccups as the project went from approval to not being approved to approved again in the space of a week.
This year just to keep him on his toes the mining industry operated during the COVID-19 shutdown which brought with it plenty of late night planning meetings to ensure the health and safety of all staff.
Last week in recognition of his long service to the mining industry Mr Richards was named the 2020 winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Mining at the NSW Mining Industry & Suppliers Awards.
At the awards ceremony he commended the NSW mining industry's efforts to protect the health and safety of its workforce during these challenging times.
"The minerals industry's response to Covid-19 has shown just how highly they value employees. It's a credit to the industry and an opportunity for demonstrating the great careers that are available," he said.
"I'm honoured to be recognised by an industry that provides so much support for our Hunter communities. Covid-19 has presented challenges unlike any I've seen before. We're focussed on protecting our communities and local employees, while we work to maintain the vital contributions we make to the Hunter and NSW," he said.
He commenced with Bloomfield in 2002 and was appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in 2010, prior to his appointment as Chairman in 2016.
Mr Richards is the current Chair of COAL21, and is a member of the Coal Forum of the Minerals Council of Australia, the Institute of Company Directors, the NSW Minerals Council Executive Committee and Coal Innovation NSW. He is also a member of the Newcastle Institute of Energy and Resources Advisory Board.
Mr Richards is a former Director of Port Waratah Coal Services and former Chair of the NSW Minerals Council.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
