Mining giant BHP is set to cut roughly 300 jobs at its Western Australian iron ore operations, according to reports, though the exact number is still subject to change. The positions will reportedly come from the company’s Pilbara operations at South Flank, Mining Area C, Jimblebar and Newman, which together employ around 16,000 workers.

ABC News reported that BHP claimed it was making changes to ensure the business could continue to “make a significant contribution” to Western Australia, confirming that the company will “seek to redeploy people into other roles elsewhere in the business where possible.” The spokesperson also said BHP began the consultation process with workers and unions on October 5, though several unions have come out in opposition to the job cuts.

The shift in structure comes at a time when the company is adjusting to the 14% drop in iron-ore prices since the beginning of the year, higher-than-usual shipping costs, higher-than-usual fuel costs and ongoing strikes at the company’s Port Hedland operations over fair pay.

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