This list notably does not include BMA’s Caval Ridge and Daunia open cut mines, which have received considerable community and political criticism for being based on a 100% fly-in, fly-out workforce.

It also doesn’t include the Broadmeadow underground coal mine, which has been achieving lower unit cost outcomes since it implemented longwall top coal caving technology there last year.

Apart from predicting which mines were most affected, Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union mining and energy division Queensland district president Stephen Smyth also believed that most of the cuts were to permanent employees.

“The company's aim is to reduce its permanent workforce and increase the casual workforce,” he told ICN.

“There is no better example than the company making it clear they want to maintain the approximately 4000 contractors and labour hire workers while getting rid of 700 permanent workers.

“We are ensuring that the agreement is complied with and considering all legal options.”

Smyth said the cuts occurred on the back of record production and volume.

“Also close to $500 million profit out of these BMA mines,” he said.

The union would outline options to BMA on how to reduce job losses, Smyth said.

In response to the claims, a BHP spokeswoman said the company had not provided the level of detail over how many of the job cuts would affect permanent workers.

“We are consulting with our workforce to determine the best way to undertake the process for reductions in workforce numbers,” she said.

On the mines most affected, BHP said it had not provided this level of detail.

BMA’s workforce numbers were revealed, which included 6000 employees and 5000 contractors.

No deadline was provided on when the job cuts would be implemented.

“We need to work through the process so don’t have a date at this time,” BHP said.