Nov 10, 2026 · about 265 roles, by press reports
Not linked to AIKomatsu plans to close its Komatsu Mining plant at Moss Vale in the NSW Southern Highlands by 2030, moving the work to its Rutherford and Rockhampton sites and outsourcing some fabrication and machining to Australian suppliers, with about 265 jobs to go as the plant winds down (ABC News's figure; the union says the job losses come in six phases through to 2030).
The reason Komatsu gave
"Komatsu executive Helen Gibson said the restructure was needed to 'simplify operations' and respond to changes in the Australian market and customer requirements." ... "Our employees were among the first to know and, importantly, there will be no immediate changes for them"Komatsu executive Helen Gibson, as ABC News reported her words (reported speech except the words 'simplify operations' and her second sentence)
Komatsu's release as reported does not mention AI or automation, and no report read (ABC News, Ozarab) tied the closure to AI. The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union says Komatsu told it that original equipment work will move to China, because the plant's fabrication and machining were no longer competitive.
Source: ABC News: Komatsu closure and 265 job losses 'absolute gut blow' for Southern Highlands. Checked Nov 11, 2026.