June 18, 2026
The sale of Tahmoor mine as announced today is a relief for retrenched workers, and for a community that has needlessly suffered due to the financial mismanagement of an offshore conglomerate.
Hundreds of Tahmoor workers were forced to choose between redundancy and indefinite leave without pay in March, while dozens of long-term contractors were told their services were no longer required.
Mining and Energy Union South West District President Bob Timbs welcomed the news, saying that he hoped that today’s announcement would spell the end of the chaos at Tahmoor and the mine returning to full operation.
“Workers at Tahmoor should have never been put in this position. It was a highly profitable and productive mine staffed by some of the most experienced and dedicated underground miners in the industry.
“Today’s announcement is positive development for a community forced to foot the bill for corporate mismanagement.”
The Mining and Energy Union will now shift focus to ensure that workplace and safety standards are upheld, and that all redundant Tahmoor workers and long-term contractors have the opportunity to return to the mine if they so choose.
“Workers at Tahmoor had a great workplace culture, which was reflected in their tremendous output. It’s only fair that those who were made redundant take priority when the new owners look at restaffing the mine.
“They know the mine like the backs of their hands and have been eager to return to work for well over a year now. It’s not only the right thing to do morally – it makes great business sense.”
The MEU will be having early discussions with the new owners of Tahmoor prior to the return to full operation.