Iron ore production is set to resume at Queenstown’s Mount Lyell Copper Mine in two months; operations were stopped last January as a result of the tragic deaths of three miners in just six weeks.
Copper Mines of Tasmania reportedly plans on resuming mining in stages, with the use of automated systems in order to keep miners as far away as possible from dangerous areas where mud rushes might occur.
Around 200 miners have been working on half pay while the future of the mine is being discussed, with at least 60 jobs on the “axing board”, reports the ABC.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) Tasmanian Secretary John Short claims the company will be taking all necessary steps to ensure that safer mining methods are implemented, while doing all it can to save as many jobs as possible.
“They’re looking at a completely new method of mining. What they’re saying is that because of these new techniques and methods, they’ll be starting off at a lower level of production. So, there won’t be as much need for as many people there,” he said.
“The suggestion is that there will be up to 34 direct Copper Mines Tasmania jobs that will be affected. A similar number of contractor jobos will be affected as well. The main thing is to ensure that when it does open, it’s going to be as safe as humanly possible, and we’re supportive of that.”
CMT’s General Manager Scot Clyde says he will be consulting unions and workers.
“We will certainly take suggestions and input to try and minimise the impact on people. Currently there are 303 people on-site and the number of positions is going to be reduced to about 239,” said Mr Clyde.
“We’ll obviously need a reduced workforce, so over the next couple of weeks we will have to be talking to the union’s representative on site.”
Despite the expected significant losses over the next two years, the company says it is willing to keep the mine open.
