Cadia general manager Peter Sharpe said since the commencement of construction of the Cadia East Project in 2010, CVO’s manning numbers have increased using a mixture of permanent employees and contract labour hire to manage fluctuating development and operational requirements.

“Long term operational plans, including workforce requirements, have been discussed openly and directly with our workforce and contracting partners, and changes to employment are communicated in line with individuals' employment contracts,” he said.

However, he acknowledged it was not an easy time for the people affected.

“Cadia will [strive] to become as efficient and productive as possible to ensure we maximise the life of the mine and continue to provide long term employment for approximately 900 personnel,” he said.