Gold jobs concern

HUNDREDS of WA gold sector employees are facing uncertainty, following announcements by Sons of Gwalia and Newmont Mining last week.

Sons of Gwalia will shed 100 jobs in a restructuring designed to bring down cash costs per ounce by 10 per cent.

Newmont has placed its Yandal operations – the Bronzewing, Jundee, and Wiluna gold mines – into voluntary administration, following problems with creditors.

However, the company said last week that the associated 500 employee and 700 contractor jobs were safe, following its offer to administrator Mark Mentha.

As part of its restructure, Sons of Gwalia has also created two new executive positions – executive general manager, operations and executive general manager, resources.

The managing director’s position remains open, following Mark Cutifani’s departure in February this year.

The Yandal mines were acquired, with liabilities, by Normandy Mining, before it was swallowed up by Newmont last year.

A Yandal creditors’ meeting has been schedulled for today, July 10.