North Qld coal mine closure will evict 500 says report

A mining giant’s decision to shut down some fossil fuel production will displace hundreds of people.

Glencore recently began closing its Newlands Coal Mine, 198km west of Mackay. The decision is also expected to result in Glenden’s full demolition.

An estimated 500 residents still call the town home. The proponent owns most of the properties and subsidises local suppliers.

“A number of operations personnel have already been offered redeployment opportunities at other Glencore sites,” a spokesperson told the Seven Network.

“These workers can continue to live in Glenden for the remainder of their employment at Newlands.”

The employer has offered to transfer management rights to an anchor tenant who agrees to take over responsibility.

“Glencore would welcome an agreement between QCoal and the Queensland Government, which would see the community of Glenden continue,” the spokesperson said according to News Limited.

However, competitor QCoal has no plans to reverse its decision to house 450 fly-in fly-out workers in an accommodation camp next to the new Byerwen mine, 20km west of Glenden.

Mayor Anne Baker described her town’s looming destruction as “outrageous”.

“This would be the catalyst for the final demise of the community. It is so reckless and frustrating,” she said according to the media outlet.