Peabody Mines in Australia Approve New Labor Contracts

“These new agreements were approved by an average of 80%, indicating a clear show of support from workers at our operations in Australia,” said Peabody President-Australia Eric Ford. Peabody employees approved the new three-year Wambo enterprise agreement. Wambo employs 150 workers, producing high-quality thermal and PCI coal products. The mine’s underground operations shipped 3.1 million tons in 2011. The new four-year Wilpinjong agreement was reached with the mine’s current contract operator, Thiess. Wilpinjong will be transitioning to Peabody owner-operator status beginning April 1, 2013. Wilpinjong has a workforce of approximately 350 and produces thermal coal for both domestic and export markets. The mine shipped 9.8 million tons of coal in 2011 and recently completed an expansion.