International group GFG Alliance is set to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality within six years, resulting in over 50 contracted workers in the mining sector in South Australia losing their jobs or being transferred to other business units.
According to The Advertiser, as GFG Alliance gradually phases out its iron ore mining operations, around 56 out of the 741 workers contracted with construction companies Golding and SRG are expected to be affected.
Two years ago, GFG announced that its mining subsidiary SIMEC Mining had completed the first phase of a two-stage process, which would enhance the production of iron ore concentrates at its plant.
A spokesperson for GFG stated that the company is on its “journey to carbon neutrality by 2030,” focusing on the reserves of iron ore, a core material for producing green steel.
“After introducing new methods to extend the lifespan of iron ore mining, GFG has been working closely with its main contracting partners. With the iron ore reserves being depleted after 120 years of mining, the company is planning and preparing for the required reduction in production,” the spokesperson elaborated.
“This is a sensitive step towards transitioning to green steel, but GFG Alliance is committed to ultimately creating employment opportunities and driving growth, especially with the commencement of iron ore mining.”
The mining operations mentioned are separate from the troubled operations at the Whyalla Steelworks, which has been idle for seven weeks due to furnace issues.
According to The Australian, the plant has been shut down since mid-March following what was supposed to be a two-day maintenance shutdown, resulting in the furnaces being overly cooled.
Both the iron ore and magnetite ore mined by GFG are processed at the Whyalla steelworks.
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