This week, Downer EDI said it has been advised that its production targets at Boggabri Coal will increase from 4.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 4.9 Mtpn from October 1, 2013.

“As a consequence, Downer is advertising for 52 operator and 18 maintenance positions,” a spokesperson for the company said.

“This will bring Downer’s total workforce at Boggabri to around 320 people.”

The announcement comes just two months after the company axed 87 employee positions and 19 contractor roles in May, leaving 244 on the workforce.

The decision was blamed on a reduction in production targets and an issue with moving sufficient coal to port.

At the time, it was also said that Downer was undertaking an interim shift restructure to meet current business circumstances surrounding the mine.

Downer EDI said emphasis will be placed on local recruitment and people who were made redundant earlier this year are eligible to apply.

Fifty two operator and 18 maintenance positions will be advertised over the coming weeks.

Boggabri Coal has issued a statement saying it is “returning  to more normal production after the impacts of the interruption to rail services in late 2012”.

 “We are pleased that this will create new employment opportunities, especially for local people from the Narrabri, Boggabri and Gunnedah communities,” the statement said.