Mining giant Xstrata will shed 89 contractors and 60 employees at its Mt Isa zinc operation in response to the world financial crisis.
The restructure will involve the suspension of operations at the Handlebar Hill open-cut lead and zinc mine. As well, the planned upgrade of the Pac Rim crushing systems in Mount Isa will not proceed.
Customer contracts will be met from other Xstrata Zinc mines.
Xstrata Zinc Mount Isa executive general manager Kevin Hendry said current global economic conditions were extremely challenging and required strong leadership and tough decision-making.
"These operational changes are being made to reposition Xstrata Zinc's Mount Isa operations and secure their long-term future in the face of very challenging market conditions," Mr Hendry said.
"We are working closely with all those impacted by this decision to ensure they are appropriately supported.
"Xstrata Zinc is assisting affected employees to find alternative positions and we have identified a number of opportunities that will be available at Xstrata Zinc or Xstrata Copper Mount Isa operations," Mr Hendry said.
