Hundreds of employees at the Tahmoor Colliery are one step closer to returning to work following the completion of the mine’s sale to the GEAR / M Resources consortium.
Approximately 150 mine workers have already returned to the site to carry out initial operations. The new mine operator is targeting a progressive ramp-up in activity over the coming months to facilitate a full resumption of underground mining and bring further personnel back on the job.
The transaction provides significant economic relief for the Wollondilly and broader Illawarra regions in New South Wales.
Tahmoor Colliery remains a major source of local employment and a key driver for regional businesses. Beyond its local impact, the mine plays a critical role in the state’s industrial supply chain by producing essential metallurgical coal used in New South Wales steelmaking.
The resolution comes after two years of close collaboration between the state government, the Mining and Energy Union, liquidators, and the local community to secure the asset’s future.
State officials maintained that restoring operational activity and bringing the workforce back were top government priorities.
Tahmoor Colliery was forced into liquidation in March following nearly two years of financial turmoil surrounding its ownership group, GFG Alliance.
Before the transfer of mining leases could proceed, the NSW government required the full repayment of outstanding royalties as a mandatory condition precedent.
The recovery of these funds delivers an important financial result for NSW taxpayers while establishing a clean slate for the incoming consortium.
As activity accelerates across the site, the Resources Regulator will maintain strict oversight to ensure the operation satisfies all regulatory safety standards and environmental rehabilitation obligations.
“This is a great outcome for the Tahmoor community,” said NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.
“We have long said the mine is a valuable asset and, under the right owners, has a bright future.
“While we all wish this process didn’t take as long as it ultimately has, this is great news for workers, businesses and the Wollondilly and wider Illawarra communities.”
