Hail Creek mine of the year

Rio Tinto Coal Australia's Hail Creek won the Australian Coal Mine of the Year award at the 2008 Mining Prospect Awards in Sydney.

The award highlights best practice and innovation in the coal mining industry. Hail Creek had a number of achievements during the year that supported winning the big prize over a strong field of nominees.

These were the industry award for safety innovation, the state road safety award, record production rates in 2008 despite severe weather and flooding, the highest percentage of women in the mining operations of any coal mine in Queensland, low employee turnover rates, strong investments in the local community, regional trainee and apprenticeship programmes, Traditional Owner cultural heritage work, and receiving the Corporate Citizens' Award from Nebo Shire in recognition of community partnerships.