Business
5 November, 2025
Colliery workers face tough Christmas, uncertain future
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has called on GFG Alliance “to be honest about the future of Tahmoor” as hundreds of local residents face a tough Christmas and an uncertain future.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has called on GFG Alliance “to be honest about the future of Tahmoor” as hundreds of local residents face a tough Christmas and an uncertain future.
Around 250 workers have been stood down from the Tahmoor Colliery by contractor RStart Mining.
The colliery is owned by SIMEC Mining – a subsidiary of GFG Alliance – but has been closed for the past nine months.
GFC Alliance is owned by billionaire metals magnate Sanjeev Gupta.
The Southern Wire understands the mine ran out of critical materials after failing to pay its suppliers.
The Mining and Energy Union has called on Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos to revoke Mr Gupta’s lease on the mine – but GFG says it is finalising funding arrangements and remains committed to meeting its debts.
Mr Taylor said the decision to stand workers down was “deeply disappointing” and would have serious consequences for the workers, families and businesses who depend on the mine.
“My first concern is for the employees and their families who are affected by this decision. Operations at the mine have been scaled back for several months, leaving workers without answers, suppliers out of pocket and the local community in a prolonged state of uncertainty.”
Mr Taylor said he had written to Mr Gupta to make it clear that GFG’s management had “failed to provide the stability, financial integrity and long-term certainty required for on-going operations”.
“I put two choices to Mr Gupta. Either restart the mine or if that is not possible, pursue an orderly exit to allow new ownership to restore the colliery’s viability.”
Mr Taylor said the colliery was a critical asset for the region and for Australia’s steel and resources industries.
“With the right leadership and investment I am confident Tahmoor can once again prosper, securing jobs, supporting local businesses and delivering long-term economic benefits for the community.”
Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan has previously called for tough assurances from the government to ensure a transition to a new company that would keep local workers engaged.
Wollondilly mayor Matt Gould has also described the mine as “very viable” and has previously said that broader issues within the company had adversely impacted the Tahmoor operation.
Liberty Primary Metals Australia – the holding firm for shares in the Tahmoor colliery – was placed into voluntary administration this week ahead of a Federal Court hearing into whether it should be liquidated.
GFG has reportedly said that LPMA administration would not impact on its Tahmoor operations but would help “clear the decks at the corporate level”.
GFG’s Whyalla steelworks were placed into administration by the South Australian government in February.
More to come.
Read More: Wollondilly, Tahmoor