In the wake of the economic impacts of COVID-19, CSA Mine is making some changes which will see their contract with Downer Mining Services soon come to an end.
CSA Mine general manager Peter Christen said the decision to move their development to owner/operator was part of a review that was in favour of taking services in-house.
He said the company was focused on continuing to run a safe, efficient, responsible and sustainable operation and would be progressing three previously approved projects which will support the long-term future of the operation.
These include investments in an underground ventilation system, mill refurbishments and water infrastructure.
Mr Christen said part of their plan going forward is to conduct future development in-house.
Since 2015 development at the mine had been partially contracted out to Downer.
In August 2018, Downer further secured another three year contract with CSA worth an estimated $120million.
Downer’s scope of work at the mine included mechanized decline and lateral development and haulage, as well as shotcrete and cable bolting ground support services.
Mr Christen said CSA plans to offer approximately 110 of Downer’s contractors full-time permanent roles which will increase the numbers of CSA Mine permanent full-time equivalent employees to 550.
He said the other 10 Downer positions were management which would be duplicates of existing CSA Mine staff roles.
As a number of development positions are entry level, Mr Christen said it would give locals and people who were wanting to get into the industry further employment opportunities in the future.
“There will be no changes to our existing permanent workforce’s arrangements as a result of this decision,” he said.
Mr Christen said this strategy demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring CSA Mine continues to make a contribution to regional jobs and business.
