NSW: 50 miners out of job as mine closes

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2000
NSW: 50 miners out of job as mine closes

Up to 50 coalminers on the New South Wales south coast are jobless following the financial
collapse of another mine in the Illawarra region.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union southern districts vice president GRAHAM
WHITE says the workers were only told of the possible closure of the Avon Colliery, near
Dapto, late yesterday.

Mr WHITE says workers expected the mine to remain open until Friday, but the mine's
owners told union officials this morning the closure would take effect immediately.

He says the CFMEU has secured all final entitlement payouts for the miners, with the
money expected to be handed over on Friday.

Mr WHITE says mine owner South Coast Equipment told union officials they couldn't compete
with larger coalmines opening up in Queensland.

South Coast Equipment was unavailable for comment.

NSW Mineral Resources Minister EDDIE OBEID says the closure of the Avon Colliery is
a concern to the Illawarra community.

AAP RTV nd/tsm/smf/jn

KEYWORD: AVON (SYDNEY)

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