Source : Perth Now news
A coal mine in the Upper Hunter region of NSW has announced it will close its doors in 2028, leaving countless workers at risk of losing their jobs.
The mining and energy union announced on Tuesday that 60 mine workers at Ashton Underground were told they would be losing their jobs, with the mine set to close in stages by early 2028.
“This is tough news for the workers, their families and the wider Hunter community,” the MEU said.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Robin Williams said the news was a “serious blow” to the workers and their families and is calling on Yancoal, the company who operates the mine, to cooperate on redeployment opportunities across their other mines.
“The prospect of further job losses in 2027, ahead of the mine’s planned closure in early 2028, is sobering news and will leave many local families deeply concerned about their future,” Mr Williams said.
“We expect Yancoal to actively pursue redeployment opportunities across its broader Hunter Valley operations, particularly given the strong performance of its other mines in the region.”
Yancoal said they were “committed to working closely with affected individuals” as the mine closed, and that the closure came after “significant technical challenges and operation risks” associated with the mine.
“We recognise the significant impact this decision will have on our employees, contractors and the broader community,” a Yancoal spokesperson said.
“Yancoal remains committed to engaging openly and respectfully with community members, local businesses and regional stakeholders as we move towards the end of mining operations.”
