Maules Creek Mine On Target To Boost Jobs & Economy, Despite Protestors
Last week, Whitehaven Coalís Maules Creek mine in the Gunnedah Basin, received a visit from the NSW Minerals Council , examining firsthand the progression that has been made in starting the new mine and bringing it into production next year.
Maules Creek mine is 70 per cent completed, expecting to commence operations in early 2015, boosting the local economy.
The mine represents welcomed news for NSW mining jobs as the workforce will expand from 600 to 1,100 over the next five years, recruiting 75% of local people.
At Whitehavens annual meeting in Sydney last week, Managing director and CEO Paul Flynn hit out professional protesters who have entered the site illegally to disrupt work and endanger employees.
"They are doing something illegal hereÖ these people are getting in the way of our employees, average people who are just trying to come to work and do their job," he said.
Whitehaven Coal chairman Mark Vaile went on to say that global demand for coal will continue to rise steadily, and that he expects commodity prices will recover significantly over the medium term.
"Australian exports are estimated to rise to 437 million tonnes by full year 2019, up from 336 million tonnes in full year 2013, and prices are forecast to have recovered significantly from present levels over this period," Mr Vaile said.
The future is looking strong Whitehaven Coal, with Mr Vaile predicting that within a few years the company will be one of Australiaís largest, and lowest cost producers of high-quality coal.
