Workers to be axed, production slowed at one of WA's last coal mines

Premier Coal has confirmed a significant reduction in its workforce at the Collie operations in Western Australia, signalling a strategic scale-back in production at one of the state’s final coal strongholds. Management is expected to brief employees this week regarding the exact scale of the redundancies as the facility adjusts its output to align with shifting market demands and energy requirements.

This decision follows a broader trend across the South West, where the transition away from fossil fuels has placed immense pressure on traditional mining hubs. The Collie site, which has been a cornerstone of regional employment for decades, now faces a structured wind-down as the state government’s commitment to exit coal-fired power by 2030 begins to impact the local supply chain.

“The downsizing at Collie is more than a commercial recalibration; it represents the sobering reality of an industrial twilight where the legacies of the past meet the mandates of a decarbonised future.”

Local union representatives have expressed grave concern over the livelihoods of those affected, calling for robust support packages and retraining initiatives to be prioritised. As the full details of the workforce changes emerge, the focus remains on the long-term economic resilience of the Collie community amidst a rapidly evolving national energy landscape.