The Xstrata Mangoola Employment and Training Board will provide financial support for employment programs that will see Muswellbrook Shire residents land positions at the mine or at businesses related to the mine.

Xstrata Coal in conjunction with Muswellbrook Shire Council will launch the training board at a special function today.

“The Mangoola Coal mine revolves around the Muswellbrook community and Xstrata Coal is pleased to support the region in such an important and long-term project,” general manager northern open cut operations, Xstrata Coal NSW, Steve Hubert said.

“Xstrata Coal knows the importance of the relationships between its mines and the areas that surround them and we are committed to improving these communities through access to employment and development of skills.”

The board will be made up of representatives from council, Xstrata, Newcastle University and Muswellbrook TAFE to ensure the board’s role is effective at all levels in the community.

Proposals from education, training, employment and community organisations will be reviewed by the board and funded projects will be monitored for effectiveness.

The initiative is part of Xtrata’s 2008 Corporate Social Involvement (CSI) program.

The CSI program has been established to provide long-term education and training opportunities.

Xstrata Coal has injected more than $490,000 through scholarships at a number of universities and sponsorship of over 120 apprentices.