LITHGOW is bracing for widespread job losses after the announcement on Tuesday afternoon that the Angus Place Colliery will be mothballed.
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Mine operators Centennial Coal said that the action is part of a restructuring necessary in light of the prolonged downturn in international coal markets.
Angus Place currently employs 268 people and Centennial expects to relocate about 100 staff to the Clarence and Springvale Collieries which the company says are not under threat.
The Angus Place blow comes on top of last week's rejection of the Coalpac project at Cullen Bullen, which had the potential to create 80 jobs.
The announcement creates a distressing scenario for mining families in the lead up to Christmas and beyond.
Centennial said in an announcement on Tuesday that production is to be increased at both Springvale and Clarence while Angus Place will be placed on a care and maintenance.
The company plans at this stage to reopen Angus Place in 2023 when Springvale reserves are exhausted, or earlier if market conditions improve.
Angus Place has been a major supplier over the years to the nearby Mount Piper and Wallerawang Power Stations.
Earlier this year, the new owners mothballed the Wallerawang Power Station in response to dwindling demand for electricity.
