GUNNEDAH mayor Jamie Chaffey wants to see current staff retained at the Boggabri coal mine as mining giant Idemitsu undertakes an operations overhaul.
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It comes on the back of the Idemitsu-owned mine switching operators from Downer Group to BGC Contracting under a $700 million contract change.
“There’s no question that the extractive industry in and around the Gunnedah LGA plays a strong part in our economy,” Cr Chaffey said.
“If looking at the viability of (this mine) means changing contracts, it can only be a positive thing for the Gunnedah region. It would be our wish that anyone who works at the mine that their job is stable, their employment is stable.”
Cr Chaffey said the mining industry is one of two major ones to contribute to the shire’s economy.
“As far as council goes, it’s important for our economy that people who reside in the area are gainfully employed and their wages are re-invested into the local economy.
“Agriculture and the extractive industry are the backbones of our economy.”
