Economy
Mount Lyell: ‘Terrible news’
Today’s announcement that the Mt Lyell mine will be placed into care and maintenance for 18 months is terrible news for the West Coast community and Tasmania generally.
“I want to assure Queenstown residents we will work with you and support you through what will be challenging times ahead,” the Premier Will Hodgman said.
“The past six months has been very tough for Mt Lyell workers, their families and the community.
“They are to be admired for the strength they have shown in very difficult times, and I can assure them that the Liberal Government will not abandon them over the tough months ahead.”
Resources Minister Paul Harriss said it is regrettable Copper Mines of Tasmania has had to come to this decision, however the Government is confident CMT has done everything in its power to try and keep the mine open and the workforce together.
“The Government has had ongoing discussions with CMT and has done everything we could reasonably do to assist the company to keep the mine operating, but the recent rock fall proved a bridge too far that could not be crossed,” the Resources Minister Paul Harriss said.
“However, it is important to know that CMT will be going onto full care and maintenance program to enable a potential re-opening in the future.
“This will include a significant exploration effort on the mining lease over the coming 18 months to two years to try and prove up new resources and re-open the mine.
“The Government will continue to work with CMT through the care and maintenance period to do whatever we can to maximise the prospects to capture any new mineral opportunities.”
The Liberal Government is taking immediate action to support workers, their families and the community including:
• The Department of State Growth staff and the Skills Response Unit are in Queenstown today providing support and advice;
• State Growth has arranged meetings with unions, labour hire companies, jobs service advisors and other stakeholders today;
• A financial support service will be offered through Rural Financial Services for three months. This will assist contractors, businesses and individuals to assess their finances, mediate with creditors and plan for the future;
• Centrelink services will be mobilised to the area; and
• Mental health support services will be provided through the North West Coast Recovery Plan.
The Premier and Mr Harriss will travel to Queenstown tomorrow to meet with those affected and discuss ongoing support.
• Kim Booth: Mt Lyell Mine Closure Blow for Community “It cannot be underestimated how devastating the decision to close the Mt Lyell mine will be for the 200 plus workers and their families.” … “The Mount Lyell closure is also sombre reminder that when a region’s economy is based on one industry, if that industry closes, the whole regional economy crashes.”