Blackwater threatened by mine closures

BY BILL MASON

BRISBANE — Mineworkers, their union and townspeople have condemned a decision by BHP to close two underground mines at Blackwater, 200km west of Rockhampton, and the resulting loss of 200 jobs. The closure of the Laleham and Kenmare mines in South Blackwater has led to claims that Blackwater will slowly die.

Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union Blackwater secretary Patrick Sullivan said on January 15 that BHP had made a purely economic decision. "The main issue for them is a 15% return for their shareholders — end of story", he said.

BHP claims more jobs will be created when its open cut "mega mine" at Blackwater is expanded, but union members are sceptical.

From GLW issue 433