In 2014 it seemed every month brought news of more jobs lost among the Central West’s coal mines or another mining project remaining up in the air.
Moolarben Coal, owned predominantly by Yancoal, cut 25 full time positions and reduced its contract staff late last year.
However in 2015 the mine is likely receive planning approval for its much anticipated Stage Two development which proposes to collect 252 million tonnes of coal over a period of 24 years and extend the mine life to 2037.
Yancoal general manager investor relation, James Rickards, said Stage Two would enable Moolarben Coal “to create an additional 120 full time jobs as well as generate new contracting and investment opportunities for the region.”
“Stage Two would also significantly extend the life of the mine, providing greater certainty for our people and local services during these challenging economic conditions,” he said.
“[The] Moolarben Coal operation continues to make a significant economic contribution to the Mid-Western region via the employment of more than 300 full time employees and the engagement of local contractors and services providers.
“As we continue to expand our operations, we remain focused on operating to the highest safety and environmental standards as one of the leading mining companies in the country.”
Moolarben Coal’s neighbour, the Peabody Energy owned Wilpinjong Coal, also cut contract staff during 2014 but a recent modification will see the open-cut development increase run-of-mine production rate from 15 to 16 million tonnes per annum.
A Peabody Energy spokeswoman said Modification Six was approved in November 2014 and will add a seven year extension to the mine life.
“The Project would provide job security for the mine’s 550-strong workforce, delivering continued social and economic contributions to the local communities and the broader region, with mining continuing to 2033,” she said.
As part of the expansion there will be an augmentation of the site mobile fleet including an extra excavator, haul trucks and ancillary equipment – this alone has associated increases in operational workforce with about 75 additional operational jobs.
Both mines pointed out there strong contribution to the local and NSW economy.
“Wilpinjong Coal is a significant contributor to the NSW power supply through the provision of low cost domestic coal to AGL. This contribution accounts for approximately seven to 10 per cent of NSW energy consumption, securing the energy needs of thousands of NSW residents,” the Peabody Energy spokeswoman said.
Apart from Wilpinjong contributing significant annual expenditure on wages, taxes and superannuation and fees for local contractors and suppliers, the mine supports local initiatives including accommodation for trainee doctors; local emergency services including providing volunteers for rural fire services; and LifeSkills Plus – a Mudgee-based service providing essential disability support care to the local community.
Mr Rickards said Moolarben Coal is also supportive of numerous community projects.
“Through our annual Community Support Program, we have recently given more than a quarter of a million dollars in financial support to a range of local groups and initiatives, which may otherwise have struggled for funding. By actively investing in the communities in which we operate, we can assist locally based organisations make a genuine positive difference across the areas of education, health and the environment,” he said.
Author: Darren Snyder
Source: Mudgee Guardian on 19th Jan 2015
