BMA has previously not pinpointed how many cuts would occur across each of its operations, or how many of the job losses would be specifically facing contractors or permanent staff.

“We are consulting with our workforce to determine the best way to undertake the process for reductions in workforce numbers,” A BMA spokeswoman told ICN last week.

However, Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union district secretary Tim Whyte put the number of jobs likely to go from the mines at: Goonyella Riverside (138), Peak Downs (132), Saraji (61) and Blackwater (231).

“In an email to the union, BMA indicated that 562 jobs would be lost across the four sites,” the Mackay Daily Mercury reported.

“The remaining positions could be axed from administrative positions at the Brisbane head office, Mr Whyte claimed.”

Echoing other comments from union leaders, Whyte told the newspaper that the job cuts were only for permanent workers.

“Overall, BMA, along with the Queensland and Australian governments, wants to try to 'contractualise' its operations," he said.

"This is all about getting a cheaper workforce, getting rid of unions and the higher pay scale to save money, which they'll only be doing in the short-term.

"The company's rationale for these redundancies is due to the high Australian dollar."

BMA’s workforce includes 6000 employees and 5000 contractors.

The BMA spokeswoman did not reveal when the job cuts would be implemented.

“We need to work through the process so don’t have a date at this time,” she said last week.

Whyte has forecasted that 138 BMA jobs will need to go from head office/administration – roughly 20% of the 700 planned redundancies.