An Xstrata spokesperson told International Longwall News there were no significant issues during the start-up.
Production is expected to continue until the end of the year at which point Xstrata will review the current market conditions.
The spokesperson said Xstrata had used the Oaky Creek complex’s existing workforce, which also supports the Oaky North longwall mine, through the redeployment of the development crew.
“We have the flexibility and people onsite to be able to start up operations again very quickly,” the spokesperson said.
“Some short-term employment opportunities will be filled through contract labour; however, we have not identified exact numbers at this time.”
Oaky No. 1 was reopened for short-term production after Xstrata won some spot coking coal contracts.
About 230 jobs were shed from the mine early this year after production was suspended in mid-December because of weak coking coal demand.
