COVID: Glencore NSW cutbacks, Hunter miners forced to take leave in September
A move by mining giant Glencore in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and suppressed demand for Australian coal, will see Hunter Valley mines shut down in the September school holidays.
Newcastle
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A number of miners in the Hunter Valley could soon be forced to take annual leave with mining giant Glencore announcing shutdowns at NSW coal mines in the September school holidays.
The company has indicated in a statement released on Friday morning, production cutbacks were necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has suppressed demand for Australian coal exports.
“This will include a combination of temporary site and equipment shutdowns at a number of operations,” the statement said.
“These measures will enable us to align our production levels with market demand, while providing the flexibility to ramp back up as economies recover from the effects of COVID-19.
“Our focus is on taking necessary steps to continue operations, manage the current market volatility and limit the impact on our workforce.
“The changes are consistent with measures we have put in place in the past in response to challenging global market conditions.”
It’s likely to affect Hunter Valley mines including Bulga, Hunter Valley Operations, Integra, Liddell, Mangoola, Mount Owen, Ravensworth, Ulan, Mount Owen and Glendell.
It has not yet been confirmed whether it will result in any jobs cuts, or whether it will flow on to its Queensland operations.