Coal River

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

Walter Energy didn’t die because it owned bad coal.

It died because it bought big at the wrong time.

The Birmingham-based company was once one of America’s best-known metallurgical coal names, built around high-quality Alabama coking coal used in steelmaking.

Then came the move that changed everything.

In 2011, Walter completed its takeover of Western Coal for about $3.7 billion, adding mines in British Columbia, West Virginia and South Wales.

At the top of the market, it looked ambitious.

A few years later, it looked fatal.

Metallurgical coal prices collapsed from around $330 per metric ton in 2011 to below $110 by early 2015.

Walter had loaded itself with debt just before the price floor disappeared.

The company posted no annual profit between 2011 and 2015.

By July 2015, Walter Energy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with roughly $3.15 billion in unfunded debt.

Its Canadian gamble had already turned ugly.

Lower coal prices, high costs and weak demand forced write-downs, mine curtailments and a shrinking balance sheet.

The old promise of becoming a global met coal powerhouse turned into a court-supervised breakup.

In 2016, Walter closed the sale of its core Alabama assets to Warrior Met Coal, a company controlled by first-lien creditors.

That left the old Walter name as a warning.

In coal, timing can make a giant.

Debt can bury it faster than any market downturn alone.

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14/06/2026

Love it.

14/06/2026

This is the problem.
Coal mines were never this destructive.
This isn’t saving the planet.

14/06/2026

Help keep our industry afloat.

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10/06/2026

Mining firms face coronial probe over drug policies after worker’s death

A worker’s death at a 1700-room Central Queensland mining camp has triggered a coronial probe that will examine work-place drug and alcohol policies.
Janessa Ekert
Janessa Ekert

A pre-inquest conference into the death of Drew Alan Woodward at Civeo mining camp at Dysart in 2025 will take place in Mackay later this month.
The workplace drug and alcohol policies of a mining company and crane hire firm will be examined during a coronial probe into a worker’s death at a Central Queensland mining camp.
Mining coroner Wayne Pennell will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Drew Alan Woodward, who died between February 26 and 27, 2025 at the Civeo mining camp at Dysart, which is about 245km southwest of Mackay.

The mining camp is described as being a large, resort-style workforce accommodation with more than 1700 ensuited rooms and that services nearby mining and energy projects

The inquest will examine workplace safety cultures in the resources sector with a heavy focus on the adequacy of testing protocols and staff communication implemented by Foxleigh Management and Lee Crane Hire.

A pre-inquest conference will take place in Mackay later this month, with a four-day inquest in Townsville in July.

The list of issues Coroner Pennell will examine includes
1. the adequacy of the drug and alcohol testing policies at the two companies;
as well as
2. the adequacy of communication to employees regarding drug testing policies and procedures.

The inquest will further probe how both companies manage mental health and psychological hazards and risk, and whether they each offer support and/or rehabilitation referrals for employees who test positive for the presence of illicit drugs and/or alcohol.

The adequacy of the Queensland Police Service investigation into Mr Woodward’s death will also be examined, as well as if there are “any preventative changes to procedures, or policies could reduce the likelihood of deaths occurring in similar circumstances or otherwise contribute to workplace health and safety”.

07/06/2026

With Fifo Hire – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

07/06/2026

🚨 FIFO Mining News 🇦🇺⛏️

A bitter workplace feud at a Queensland coal mine has made national headlines after two FIFO workers were sacked following allegations involving workplace rumours, personal disputes, and claims surrounding an alleged s*x tape.

The dispute reportedly escalated over an extended period, with tensions between workers leading to complaints, investigations, and disciplinary action by the mine operator.

Both workers were ultimately dismissed from their roles. However, after taking their cases to the Fair Work Commission, they successfully challenged the terminations and won their jobs back.

The case has sparked debate across the mining industry about workplace culture, investigations, employee conduct, and whether companies are getting the balance right when dealing with serious allegations on site.

The Fair Work Commission examined the circumstances surrounding the dismissals, including the investigation process, the evidence presented, and whether the disciplinary action taken was justified.

The outcome serves as a reminder that while mining companies continue to strengthen policies around bullying, harassment, and inappropriate workplace behaviour, employers must also ensure investigations and dismissal processes are carried out fairly and lawfully.

What do you think?

Did Fair Work get this one right, or should the dismissals have stood?

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow for more FIFO and mining industry news

07/06/2026

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Let's get sharing legends. We wouldn't want the looney lefties to have a day go by without something to melt down about..😂
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