Coal news and updates

Struggling Griffin asks workers to take voluntary leave

The Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union is hoping for greater certainty for workers at Griffin Coal mine in the new year.

The operators of Griffin Coal called for workers to take voluntary leave just before Christmas due to a lack of equipment and reduced production capacity.

The mine, located at Collie in WA's south-west, has reportedly been unable to operate at full production since it cut ties with its workforce and equipment contractor Carna Civil Mining.

Griffin Coal mine is currently operating at about 40 per cent production capacity.

West Australian CFMEU district secretary Gary Wood told ABC Rural Griffin representatives met with the union to discuss leave options in December.

A decision was made to increase the number of voluntary leave places available over the Christmas and New Year period.

Mr Wood said Griffin Coal is attempting to repair machinery to replace equipment lost when the contract between Griffin and Carna was terminated.

Mr Wood said he hopes there will be an increase in mining production and a return to normal working hours at Griffin Coal by the end of January.

He said workers were doing a good job operating the mine at reduced capacity despite the circumstances.

A spokesman for Griffin Coal said the company asked employees to take coordinated annual leave in order to avoid stand downs over the Christmas holiday period.

He said Griffin Coal will commence negotiations with employee representatives to address long-term solutions for the mine's future in the new year.
Production drop affects coal supply

Griffin Coal secretary James Riordan says the reduction in production capacity has affected coal supply to two major operators.

Mr Riordan said Griffin had 'supply issues' to cement and lime supply company Cockburn Cement and BHP Billiton's Worsley alumina refinery.

He said he did not anticipate any other customers would be affected, but he was unable to confirm when production would return to full capacity.

"We're working on resolving the issue and working out a comprehensive plan for the future," he said.

Mr Riordan said the company was still working out issues of 'equipment health' and the company had not concluded whether it will need to purchase new machinery, or repair existing equipment.

He said machinery and equipment issues were a result of 'non-compliance by a third party', with which Griffin was no longer connected.

Source: www.abc.net.au