Workers to Be Axed and Production Slowed at One of WA’s Last Remaining Coal Mines

Premier Coal has confirmed it will cut jobs and reduce production at its mine site near Collie in Western Australia, citing slowing demand for coal-fired power as a key factor. The company, which employs about 500 workers at the site some 160 kilometres south of Perth, announced the operational reduction in a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, with between 70 and 100 jobs expected to be impacted by the cuts.

The proposed reduction in operations will result in a downsizing of the workforce over coming weeks, according to the company’s statement. Initially, the decrease is focused on reducing reliance on labour hire and contractor requirements, with consultation with affected workers and stakeholders having commenced this week.

Greg Busson of the Mining and Energy Union said discussions with the workforce around the job losses would begin on Tuesday night. The Chinese-owned company supplies coal to Synergy’s Muja Power Station, and the announcement comes amid broader shifts in Western Australia’s energy landscape, including the state government’s stated intention to retire coal-fired power generation assets by 2030.

A Cook government spokesperson said it stood ready to support workers impacted by the announcement. The Premier Coal mine in Collie is one of Western Australia’s two remaining coal mines, and the development reflects ongoing market pressures on coal production in the region as demand for coal-fired power continues to slow.