8,000 Minig Jobs to go. Queensland Hardest Hit We estimate total job losses well in excess of 8000 statewide -- with the impact being felt in the Bowen Basin, in Mackay, in Rockhampton, in Townsville and in Brisbane -- where in fact the biggest numerical losses have occurred, Mr Roche told an industry function today. The job losses announced yesterday will add to the 1500 direct mining job lost in Hunter over the last 18 months, he said. Job losses of this scale in other sectors would prompt urgent government attention and even an assistance package of measures, but it seems the Hunters miners have become the forgotten workers of NSW. Glencore had cut about 50 jobs from the mine, which now employs 130 full-time employees and three contractors, last May and moved staff from a seven-day roster to five days to curb costs. The miner also reduced the number of development crews and maintenance, support and services functions. The latest hit to the coal sector came as Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche highlighted the alarming number of job losses in that resources state alone. We estimate total job losses well in excess of 8000 statewide -- with the impact being felt in the Bowen Basin, in Mackay, in Rockhampton, in Townsville and in Brisbane -- where in fact the biggest numerical losses have occurred, Mr Roche told an industry function. He argued that the major impact had been from the oversupply of coal across the globe and that now was the time for the sector to prepare for when coal demand caught up with supply. Asias appetite for Australias high-quality coals has not suddenly evaporated, he said. For Australia and Queensland, its a battle of the fittest against rivals from the USA, Canada, Indonesia, South Africa and Mongolia. We are commodity price takers and to stay in the contest, we have to adapt accordingly. Glencores Ravensworth mine, which started producing coal in 2007, produced 2.1 million tonnes of coking coal in 2013 will shed 130 Jobs
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 02:29:51 +0000
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