More than 100 workers at the Dartbrook coal mine in the Upper Hunter are set to lose their jobs in a major blow to the region’s mining workforce. The sudden announcement was made on Monday by Australian Pacific Coal, which confirmed that 104 workers would be made redundant following a decision to halt development at the underground mine near Aberdeen. The company cited “market conditions” and “operational challenges” as key reasons for the redundancies, sparking concern among unions and local communities already grappling with economic uncertainty. Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) representatives say the decision came as a shock and...