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Hundreds to lose jobs in coal mine closure
The company cited technical and market pressures as it phases out operations, with 60 workers told they will lose their jobs immediately.
- On Tuesday, Yancoal announced the staged closure of its Ashton coal mine in the Upper Hunter by early 2028. The company confirmed 60 immediate redundancies, including 41 production workers and 19 technical supervisors from the site near Singleton.
- Geological issues, including water seepage, forced the early closure of the Ashton underground mine. Yancoal cited significant technical challenges and operational risks as undermining the site's viability despite producing about 2.5 million tonnes annually.
- Hundreds of jobs will be lost over the next 18 months, with 69 additional redundancies scheduled for January 2027. MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Robin Williams called the announcement a "serious blow" for affected workers and their families.
- Singleton Mayor Sue Moore and Business Singleton president Anita White warned of cascading effects on local businesses. Moore stated, "This is almost 300 jobs being lost from our community, and that is quite a hit."
- Hunter MP Dan Repacholi emphasized government support for retraining and career advice, stating workers "deserve honesty, respect and real support." Activist Deidre Olofsson argued the mine's geological problems were foreseeable, calling for urgent regional diversification.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Newcastle Herald+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Hunter coal mine announces staged closure, immediate redundancies
Yancoal announces its Ashton underground mine will close by January 2028, making 275 workers redundant. Understand the geological challenges causing its final shutdown.
·Newcastle, Australia
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left7Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Left
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
64% Left
L 64%
C 27%
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