South Australian iron ore mine will be abandoned with more than 200 workers stood down
More than 200 workers were stood down from a South Australian iron ore mine over unpaid debt.
More than 200 workers arrived back in Adelaide on Thursday after being stood down from a high-quality iron ore mine in Coober Pedy. Family members greeted them with tears as coaches pulled in to Agile Mining Services headquarters.
Management told staff the news. Negotiations with the mine's Chinese backer, the YG Group, had fallen through.
There were claims of tens of millions in unpaid debt. The Buzzard Mine is the only mine in South Australia to use the Horizon rail line for mineral exports.
Up to 50 contractors have also been blindsided by the shutdown. Staff were told to take annual leave until further notice.
The state government is monitoring negotiations between Agile Mining and the YG Group. It hopes the mine can restart.
The mine remains commercially viable.
- More than 200
- Workers stood down
- Tens of millions
- Unpaid debt claimed
- Coober Pedy, South Australia
- Mine location
- Up to 50
- Contractors affected
Why it mattersMore than 200 workers and their families face an uncertain future. The closure also threatens South Australia's export capacity. Key infrastructure like the Horizon rail line and Whyalla port is also at risk.
AustraliaThis is a major employment and economic hit for South Australia, affecting mining workers in regional areas and threatening the viability of port operations and transport infrastructure the state depends on.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
