Zinifex Century Mine to become owner-operated
1 May 2008
The management of
Zinifex Century Mine and Downer EDI Mining announced today that they had
mutually agreed to dissolve the successful Century Mining Alliance. To
ensure a smooth transition, both Downer EDI Mining and Zinifex have agreed
to stage the transition between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009.
Formed in 2004, the
Century Mining Alliance was intended to build the capacity necessary to
allow Zinifex to become an owner-operator of the mine. Downer EDI Mining
and Zinifex Century Mine are proud of the capacity built by their people
during the four years of their Alliance.
In that time, Zinifex
Century Mine has grown to produce around 1 million tonnes of zinc and lead
concentrates annually. It is Australia's largest zinc mine, and one of the
world's largest zinc mines. Zinifex Century Mine generated revenues of
approximately $1.4 billion in FY07, and employs nearly 1,000 people.
Downer EDI Mining will
continue to support operations during this business as usual transition
phase, and has agreed that its employees on site may become employees of
Zinifex Century Mine.
General Manager of Zinifex
Century Mine, John Lamb, said, "Zinifex Century Mine values the
contribution made by Downer EDI employees to the success of the mine. For
that reason, Zinifex intends to offer jobs to all current Downer EDI Mining
employees. They will be transferred across to Zinifex over this 12-month
period and will become Zinifex employees. It is expected that some will
choose to continue with Downer. "
Job losses are not
expected, and very few roles will be duplicated in the transition process.
Transmission of business laws commit Zinifex to offer jobs to all Downer
EDI Mining employees currently working at Zinifex Century Mine.
Ends/
For further
information contact: Kathryn Logan
Stakeholder Relations Officer
Zinifex Century Mine
Ph: 07 4769 5589
Mob: 0416 083 884
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