Queensland’s deputy premier has labelled BHP “unAustralian” and defended the state’s mining royalties scheme after the mining company blamed it for its decision to mothball a coalmine and cut hundreds of jobs while also reviewing the future of its training academy.
On Wednesday, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) announced a decision to suspend operations at its Saraji South coalmine and slash 750 roles across the state, blaming “unsustainable” royalties and market conditions.