The proposed plans are in response to a heavy downturn in demand for coal, and come after a consultation with the Angus Place workers.
Placing Angus Place mine on care and maintenance from November is part of the company’s plan to restructure its Western region operations.
Located 20km northwest of Lithgow in the Western Coalfields, the mine is adjacent to Springvale mine, Mt Piper and Wallerawang power stations. It has a workforce of 268 and produces around 4.5 million tons of coal each year using longwall mining methods.
Centennial plans to transfer around 100 workers to its Clarence mine and Springvale.
"The transfer of the Angus Place longwall and development crews will result in increased production, and accordingly, no loss of production during the traditional five week longwall changeover periods usually experienced every 7-8 months at Springvale.
"In effect, a second longwall will deliver continuous longwall coal from Springvale," the company added.
Centennial is working to renew state planning approvals for the Springvale and Angus Place, to secure long-term coal resources in proximity to local power stations. It is expected to receive approvals in 2015.
The Springvale and Angus Place are operated by a 50/50 joint venture of Centennial and Springvale SK Kores.
Image: The Angus Place will be placed on mine on care and maintenance from November. Photo: courtesy of Centennial Coal.
