Four major coal mines in the Bowen Basin have been sold to Peabody Energy for $5.7 billion, leaving thousands of residents facing an uncertain future. Concerns are raised about potential changes to rosters and community assets.
The sale of four major coal mines in the Bowen Basin to Peabody Energy for almost $5.7 billion has left thousands of residents in two made-for-mining towns in central Queensland facing an uncertain future.
The sale, which is expected to be finalised by the third quarter in 2025, has raised concerns among locals about the potential impact on their lives and livelihoods. Anglo American, the current owner of the mines, has said that it will honour all lease and tenant arrangements until ownership is transferred to Peabody.
However, some residents are worried that a new mine owner could bring changes to rosters, which would have an immediate effect on people’s lives and behaviour. Local real estate agent Marie Dowie said that reopening the Grosvenor Coal Mine, which has been closed since a major underground fire in June, would benefit the community.
But there are doubts about whether the mine will reopen as workers were evacuated after the fire. The sale of the mines is also seen as a significant event for the regional community, with thousands of people potentially affected by changes to mining operations.
Some residents have expressed concerns that a new mine owner could exert more control over the life of purpose-built mining towns like Moranbah. Barista Joanne Child said that changing rosters would have an immediate effect on people’s lives and behaviour, and that it was not just about the company name but also about how people lived their lives.
The Isaac Regional Council has asked to meet with Peabody Energy to firm up the future of community assets. Residents are nervous about what changes the sale may bring, particularly regarding workforce conditions and community assets.
