EDMS to relocate Cobar staff
Wednesday March 11, 2009
Every Day Mine Services (EDMS) will relocate 25 positions out of Cobar due to economic and logistical reasons.
Company director of technical services Roger Jackson told The Cobar Weekly last Friday the decision was not an easy one.
“It wasn’t the plan six months ago and even three months ago.
“We had to assess our business model based on a pretty tragic downturn in metals prices,” Mr Jackson said.
He said the staff were offered relocation rather than redundancies, and most affected would be administrative staff.
“The decision was made to relocate what is essentially the back office staff (accounts and human resources) to Rutherford,” Mr Jackson said.
He said Cobar’s location was another factor.
At least 30 EDMS staff will remain in Cobar.
“Our pumps, waste management and fabrication sides of the business will remain, and there will still be some admin staff and a safety representative in town.”
Mr Jackson said the company has been hit hard by the downturn in metals prices.
“We had record revenue and production last August, then in September half the rigs were returned because contracts ceased.
“The copper price fell around 40 per cent in 40 days,” Mr Jackson said.
“You have to look at where the revenue is from a strategic position,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Mr Jackson said the company will not renege on any sponsorship or similar commitments made to Cobar.
“Obviously the whole budget has been cut across the board, but there are things we are committed to,” he said.
EDMS is now looking to further diversify, opening regional offices in Mackay and Mt Isa, as well as seeking contracts in other industries.
“We’re looking at the tunnel industry and there’s interest both here and abroad.
“There’s also been some interest from the infrastructure industry and overseas gold drilling,” Mr Jackson said.
The company is currently carrying out drilling work for exploration company Eastern Iron in the Cobar district, and Mr Jackson said there may be other contracts “down the track”.
“We have been assured by local mines that if there’s any ramping up there will be work,” he said.
Next story | News home
