Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has commended Tahmoor Colliery for keeping workers employed and boosting staff morale during the current mine closure.

Mr Taylor was responding to reports that colliery workers would remain on the payroll and were being redeployed in a range of community activities while operations remain suspended after a lift failure last week.

“I was able to speak to the company on the night the miners were trapped, to check the safety of the men. It was apparent the mine would have to close for a period of time to allow the faulty equipment to be repaired,” Mr Taylor said.

“I applaud the efforts of SIMEC to keep staff active and employed during this closure. There are about 400 staff impacted, including contractors, many of whom are locals.

“It’s a strong signal about the value the company places on their staff and families and the awareness of the impact this has on the Tahmoor community.

“I know staff at the mine have helped out with a clean-up along Remembrance Drive, as well as other community activities in recent days.

“The colliery is working closely with Wollondilly Shire Council and National Parks and Wildlife to assess where labour can be best directed,” Mr Taylor said.

Tahmoor Coking Coal suspended operations after the mechanical failure of a lift on Wednesday 5^th September, requiring the assistance of local emergency services to safely bring two men back to the mine surface. Both men were uninjured, passing medical checks before being reunited with their families.