Bowen Coking Coal Ltd (BCC) has announced that the Burton Mine Complex will transition to an owner-operator model as part of its ongoing strategy to optimise operations, increase flexibility, reduce costs and provide consistent high-quality metallurgical coal products to its customers.
The transition to owner-operator becomes effective from July 1, 2025 upon expiration of the existing
contract mining services agreement with BUMA Australia Pty Ltd on June 30, 2025.
BCC said the transition reflects its commitment to building internal capability, increasing operational control and flexibility, and enhancing productivity across its mining activities. “By moving to an owner operator model, we aim to deliver greater consistency in performance, improve alignment across
all aspects of Burton operations, and provide new opportunities for our workforce, strategic partners
and local communities.”
The transition works are expected to occur quickly, albeit in a staged manner, aimed at minimising
disruption to production and a smooth handover of responsibilities. Bowen says it will seek to maintain steady-state production by utilising the services of mining equipment supplier Emeco International to provide a fully maintained fleet solution, as well as mining production and operational support expertise from Mining Pro. The company will recruit additional resources to complement its experienced site management team.
Chief Executive Officer, Daryl Edwards said: “At a time where Bowen is looking to expand and deliver high-quality products at a lower cost, we have reached an amicable agreement with our mining services partner BUMA Australia not to renew our current contractual arrangements and transition to an owner-operator model. This decision reflects the strategic direction of Bowen Coking Coal to establish greater autonomy, streamline operations, and effectively address the dynamic demands of the market.
We sincerely thank BUMA and its workforce for their contribution to the operations since mid-2022.
Over this period, BUMA have played a significant role in delivering stable operations and a lower
cost profile within a challenging industry environment where labour, fuel and other inputs have
increased substantially.”
He adds: “In recent times, the Burton Mine Complex has recorded steady-state production while markedly reducing costs, leaving the business well positioned to now take responsibility for the mine plan, workforce and fleet. Once the transition has been completed, we expect to see further
improvements across the mine under a single leadership voice. This transition is a critical first step towards our next stage growth plans to expand our Burton operations to incorporate tonnages from our Plumtree North, Isaac and Lenton pits, as well as plans to execute expansion works to refurbish the second module at our CHPP to increase production and sales. The company is actively exploring funding solutions to support these plans. Our business remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders, including current contractors, suppliers, employees and community partners, to support a well-executed and successful transition.”