Mining & Energy Union

A hydraulic excavator operating at a NSW open-cut coal mine suffered a major structural failure in May when its superstructure separated from the track frame during operation.

The operator was safely extracted and no injuries were reported, but the incident highlights the potentially catastrophic consequences of failures involving critical plant components.

The NSW Resources Regulator is investigating the incident, including the design, installation, inspection and maintenance of the slew bearing and mounting systems, as well as the mine's maintenance and risk management processes.

Incidents like this are a reminder that maintaining the structural integrity of mining equipment is not optional. Inspection, maintenance and defect management systems must be robust, properly resourced and rigorously applied.

Every mineworker deserves to go home safe at the end of their shift.

Positive news today as Tahmoor has finally been sold after months in liquidation!

The highly profitable mine retrenched hundreds of direct employees and long term contractors in March when it was tipped into liquidation due to corporate mismanagement. The new owners have indicated that they wish to restart operations as soon as it's safe to do so.

The MEU is now calling on the new owners to prioritise redundant employees and contractors as they re-staff the mine. These workers are some of the most professional and dedicated miners in the district, and they know the Tahmoor like the back of their hand.

But more than it being good business sense - it's the right thing to do.

We'll keep you looped in as Tahmoor moves towards restarting production.

Three sites. Three ballots. One clear message.

Hunter Valley mineworkers are united and ready to fight for fair agreements at Glencore. Mangoola returned a 97% participation rate with an average of 97% Yes to protected industrial action.

2.5% pay rises and cuts to bonuses. After weeks of rolling protected industrial action and with very little between the parties, Peabody will lock Wambo Washery workers out for two weeks from this morning.

Workers remain ready to reach an agreement.

Great to hear from Professor Michael Quinlan at the Mining & Energy Union QLD District SSHR Conference 2026!

Fresh off of the success of Guardians of Mine Safety, his report on the history and significance of ISHRs and SSHRs in the NSW mining industry, Professor Quinlan is finalising a second report on the check inspectors in Queensland and the rest of Australia.

This will be used to celebrate, defend and expand the role throughout our industry and into the high hazard industries of the future. It will also help us build a national best practice, so that you'll always be safe at work regardless of what side of the border you're on.

💪💪 Delegates from Wambo, Ravensworth and Mangoola came together at the Lodge Delegates Meeting last week as workers across the Hunter continue standing up against Glencore's push for lower-tier classifications and cuts that would leave future workers worse off.

For months, members have sat through bargaining meetings and put up with Gencore's delays while they push changes that would create a cheaper second tier of mineworker and refuse to backpay workers for the time spent waiting for a fair agreement.

We won't accept lower standards. We won't leave the next generation of mineworkers worse off. And we won't be divided.

95% YES

Ravensworth members have delivered an overwhelming Protected Action Ballot result, with members voting 95% in favour of every action.

This result reflects the mood on site. Members are united, informed and ready to stand together for a fair agreement.

Congratulations to every member who voted and every delegate who helped make this result possible.