The contractor operating one of Queensland\u2019s newest coal mines has warned employees of potential job losses and restructuring, in a letter sent ahead of the Easter long weekend.<\/p>\n
EPSA, a Spanish-based mining conglomerate, operates the Isaac Downs mine on behalf of Stanmore \u2014 an extension to the Isaac Plains complex bought by Stanmore for $1 in 2015.<\/p>\n
This masthead has seen a letter sent by EPSA to employees foreshadowing a \u201creview and potential reduction in the number of personnel\u201d and a \u201creview and potential restructuring of operational departments\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cEPSA has developed the 2026 Mine Plan for the Isaac Downs Complex, which will change operational requirements on site,\u201d it reads.<\/p>\n
\u201cEPSA is reviewing its operating model to ensure it remains aligned with production requirements and business needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 2026 Mine Plan involves changes to the current mining methodology and equipment requirements, which may impact the structure and resourcing of some work areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
The letter notes any confirmed changes will be communicated in writing prior to April 27.<\/p>\n
A Mining and Energy Union Queensland spokeswoman said the union was aware and supporting its members while seeking further information.<\/p>\n
Mine owner Stanmore said production at Isaac Downs is expected to scale down as the operation approaches the end of its current mine life. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is consistent with our mine planning and broader portfolio strategy, including progression of future development opportunities such as the Isaac Plains Extension project,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsaac Downs remains an important asset within Stanmore\u2019s portfolio, and operations continue safely and in line with plan. Stanmore regularly reviews mine plans and contractor performance to ensure alignment with operational requirements, safety standards and market conditions. <\/p>\n
\u201cThese reviews are part of normal business practice, and any adjustments are managed to support safe and reliable operations.\u201d<\/p>\n
A swath of Queensland coal mines were mothballed or placed into care and maintenance over the past 12 months, as the industry wrestled with lower prices, and high costs eating into profits.<\/p>\n
Coal prices have since rebounded and are expected to rise throughout the year, as a result of the Iran war, but will need a steady supply of diesel to keep operating.<\/p>\n
Queensland Resources Council chief executive Janette Hewson said the industry was carefully monitoring diesel supply and cost risks as it is a \u201csignificant\u201d cost for all operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cQRC is meeting regularly with Government and industry bodies to ensure the mining sector can continue to access diesel in the short-term and also secure long-term domestic supplies,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll Queensland coal producers have been under sustained pressure since 2022 when the state introduced the world\u2019s highest coal royalty rates. <\/p>\n
\u201cSince then, average production cost has increased by 29 per cent and there has been a 24 per cent year-on-year decline in coal jobs to May 2025 with another 1000 job losses since July 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cRising business costs including diesel supply and price increases are adding further pressure to margins. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe can expect coal companies to be forced to make tough decisions about their business and workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stanmore and EPSA were contacted for comment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The contractor operating one of Queensland\u2019s newest coal mines has warned employees of potential job losses and restructuring,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":595537,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[64,63,75,128],"class_list":{"0":"post-595536","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environment","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-environment","11":"tag-science"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595536","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=595536"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595536\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/595537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=595536"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=595536"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=595536"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}