3rd Coal Miner Threatens to Downscale Operations in Queensland, Hundreds of Jobs at Risk

QCoal is the latest miner moving to cut back operations in response to Queensland’s high mining royalty scheme.

Coal is stockpiled before being loaded on to ships at the RG Tanner Coal Terminal in Gladstone in Queensland, Australia on Jan. 20, 2012. The Terminal plays a vital role in delivering coal supplies to foreign markets. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Independent Queensland mining company QCoal has announced it will close one of its two underground units at the Cook Colliery near Blackwater in the state’s Bowen Basin.

The announcement comes amid a difficult week for the state’s mining industry with hundreds of jobs potentially at risk after two other companies said they would close down projects.