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.

The coal lobby describes Queensland’s progressive coal royalties scheme as the world’s highest levy on the industry and has run a years-long campaign against the scheme, since it was legislated under the former Labor government. Queensland premier rules out changes to coal royalty scheme despite pressure from mini

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