Newlands is the latest such shutdown amid production and project cancellations Australia-wide, as thermal coal demand hits nearly five-year lows. The mine produced 2.75 million tons in 2013, according to Swiss-based Glencore representatives.
Development work at Queensland’s underground Bowen Basin will also end in June, leaving 50 employees, or 25% of its workforce, jobless. In 2013, the thermal coal mine produced 2.75 million tons, said Glencore. Officials would not discuss the remaining 150 employees’ fate, but said consultations are under way.
Elsewhere, Glencore suspended Ravensworth underground mine operations similarly owing to slackening demand, high production costs and geological challenges in future mining areas.
