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Workers at the Buzzard Mine in South Australia faced tearful goodbyes as they traveled to Adelaide following the announcement that the mine would be abandoned. The closure stems from failed negotiations between Agile Mining Services and its Chinese backer, the YG Group, over claims of tens of millions in unpaid debt. Hundreds of employees have been stood down, and up to 50 contractors have also been affected. As the sole user of the Horizon rail line for mineral exports and a key supplier to the Whyalla port, the long-term uncertainty poses significant economic risks. The state government is monitoring the situation and hopes to restart the commercially viable mine.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: SA mine closure leaves hundreds of jobs in limboThe workers boarded coaches in Coober Pedy on Thursday morning for the long journey to Adelaide, arriving at Agile Mining Services headquarters at Parkside.
It has been a day of tearful goodbyes after a whirlwind 24 hours for staff affected by news that the mine will be all but abandoned. Staff say management told them at a meeting that negotiations with the mine’s Chinese backer, the YG Group, had fallen through over claims of tens of millions in unpaid debt.
“We’ve got the meeting, sort of seen it on the news. We just got told we stood down and until further notice, take annual leave until we hear back,” worker Scott said. Credit: 7NEWS Sources within the Agile Group have revealed up to 50 contractors have also been blindsided by the news. Buzzard Mine is currently the only mine in South Australia to use the Horizon rail line for its mineral exports.
It is also a key exporter from the Whyalla port. Sources say there is enough iron ore to sustain the port in the short term, but the long-term future remains uncertain. The state government says it is monitoring negotiations between Agile Mining and the YG Group, hoping to restart the mine it says is commercially viable.
Agile Mining Services Buzzard Mine YG Group South Australia Iron Ore
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