Anglo American's Callide Mine spearheads cancer fundraising

Two Komatsu customers in Queensland have recently pooled their resources to raise significant funds for cancer awareness, research and support programs.

The two customers are Anglo American's Callide Mine in Central Queensland, which operates a WA1200-3 wheel loader and a WD900-3 wheel dozer at the mine, and contractor Civil Australia, which has recently purchased the first two Komatsu 35 tonne Hybrid excavators in the state.

In mid-October, Anglo American hosted an event at Callide, where it handed over a cheque for $10,000 to the Cancer Council Queensland.

The mine had painted two of its haul trucks one in pink, one in blue to highlight men's cancers to promote cancer awareness, health checks and early detection for breast and prostate cancer.

It then made a donation of $5000 to the Cancer Council for each truck, representing the 5000 hours each had logged in these colours.

The event was hosted by Callide Project Manager Brett Thompson, and was attended by Jeff Seeney, Queensland Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Member for Callide and Deputy Premier, by Natalie Wust, Cancer Council Queensland's Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator.

The morning tea for the function was sponsored by Komatsu Australia.

In presenting the cheque to Natalie Wust, Brett Thompson said the mine's participation in this event had raised awareness of the importance of early cancer detection across the site and raised valuable funds for key research to combat the awful disease.

"This was a constant reminder about cancer detection and prevention that couldn't be missed," Brett said.

"Tragically cancer has touched many Callide employees, their families and friends, and we all recognise funding cancer research is the key to understanding and finding a cure".

"Anglo American is proud to continue our support for the outstanding work Cancer Council Queensland does," he said.

At the event, Civil Australia provided a presentation on its new Komatsu HB335LC-1 Hybrid excavators, and the fuel savings these machines were achieving while working on environmentally sensitive projects at Callide.

Civil Australia's Managing Director Jason Wagner also announced that the company would be donating $2 for every machine hour the two excavators worked on Anglo American and other mining house sites around Australia.

"Civil Australia is proud to support the wonderful work of the Cancer Council Queensland," said Jason.

"We could not think of a more worthy cause to support. Inspirationally, their vision is to eliminate cancer and diminish patient suffering from this disease and which is aligned to our vision of Zero Harm.

"Over the next 12 months and from a zero base, we expect to achieve a minimum of 1200 hours from each excavator resulting in a $4800 donation to the Cancer Council Queensland and we'll certainly be doing our best to exceed expectations," he said.