Within its first few years, the Firm began its long association with the coal mining industry. Initial focus was directed at operations in the Hunter Valley, assisting the (then) U.S. coal mining giant, Peabody, at Warkworth, Ravensworth, Narama and Bengalla. In parallel, assignments were developing with some of the other important players in that industry: railway operators like FreightCorp and port operators such as the Newcastle Port Corporation, as well as the coal load-out operator, Port Waratah Coal Services.

Other assignments followed, involving the participation of government and regulatory agencies in extensive studies of various aspects of coal operations in the Hunter Valley.

In Benoit’s words: “We have invested a lot of time and energy in understanding mining operations, the risks and challenges they face. Financial services aside, mining – and surface coal mining in particular – is one of the more significant commitments the Firm has made, not just in terms of learning, but also in terms of product development and actual contribution to client situations”.