Wollongong Resources notified its employees through an email sent out on Monday 5 February 2023, that its Russell Vale Colliery located in the northern Illawarra region will be closed.
The decision will affect approximately 145 workers at the underground coal mine.
After five subterranean fire incidents, the New South Wales Resources Regulator investigated the coal mine and issued a restriction order.
Following an investigation into the fifth “friction fire” conducted on 5 January 2023, the Resources Regulator issued an order prohibiting coal mining activities at the site due to safety concerns on 18 January 2023.
The email sent out by Wollongong Resources stated that the decision was made “by our owners due to ongoing regulatory risk and lack of support”.
Mining and Energy Union (MEU) South Western District Secretary Andy Davey said union representatives had met workers on site today and would continue to support members to ensure they received full entitlements.
“We understand the regulator has to do its job enforcing the safe operation of coal mines, leading to this decision by Jindal Steel and Power.
“It’s a sad day for the region because of the long history of coal mining at Russell Vale. It’s always difficult to lose so many local jobs, with the flow-on effect to families and community,” said Davey.
