BY EVIE JONES
The dispute between Origin Energy and Centennial Coal has persisted, with 300 workers livelihoods still hanging in the balance.
The Myuna colliery owners recently knocked back Origin's offer to extend their Eraring Power Station supply contract by three years.
It followed the rejection of Origin's first offer of only 12 months, which Centennial claimed did not align with Eraring's recent operation extension to 2029.
However, Centennial claims the new proposition was contingent on terms identical to the first.
Centennial's Chief Executive Craig Gilbards said they welcome the extension, but it does not address the cost of operating the mine.
"We welcome that movement after many months of negotiations," he said.
"But, a three-year extension on unchanged terms is not sustainable for the mine."
On Thursday, Centennial issued a statement flagging the current terms would cause the mine to lose around $1 million a week.
"That is not a sustainable arrangement for workers, communities or Myuna," a spokesperson said.
It noted Origin garnered a total of $1.5 billion in profits last year, with Eraring Power Station being one of the largest revenue contributors.
Meanwhile, an Origin spokesperson said Centennial's asking price was unreasonable, claimed to be at $50 above market value.
"The cost of operating Myuna is a matter for Centennial and its parent company, Banpu, a company of substantial size and profitability," Origin said.
"Origin and NSW households cannot be expected to wear those costs."
With the contract between Centennial Coal and Origin expiring in March, both workers unions and Centennial are putting pressure on Origin to provide a fair, sustainable offer.
Photo: Myuna Colliery
