Just three months after cutting 100 jobs at Boggabri coal mine, Downer EDI have announced plans to hire 70 new positions at the project, with an emphasis on recruiting locally.
Downer said it has been advised by mine owner Idemitsu Coal that production targets would increase from 4.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 4.9 from October 1st.
“As a consequence, Downer is advertising for 52 operator and 18 maintenance positions,” a spokesperson for the company said.
“This will bring Downer’s total workforce at Boggabri to around 320 people.”
The recruitment drive comes just three months after the mining service company cut 87 fulltime workers and 19 contractor positions as a result of Idemistu reducing production targets.
The unions slammed the move at the time, accusing the company of sacking locals while six Papua New Guinean workers brought in on 457 visas kept their diesel fitting jobs maintaining the site’s trucks.
"It’s a horrific blow to the community, particularly if local employees are losing their jobs that have families and live in the community and contractors from outside the place are keeping their jobs,” CFMEU district president Peter Jordan said.
The new fifty two operator and 18 maintenance positions will be advertised over the coming weeks, Namoi Valley Independent reported.
Boggabri Coal issued a statement saying it will be “returning to more normal production after the impacts of the interruption to rail services in late 2012”.
“We are pleased that this will create new employment opportunities, especially for local people from the Narrabri, Boggabri and Gunnedah communities,” the company said.
Image: eex.gov.au