Hundreds of Roles Slashed Across UK and Australia
Fortescue, the Australian mining and green energy giant founded by Andrew Forrest, has announced plans to cut hundreds of jobs across its operations in Australia and the UK as part of a sweeping restructure of its green energy arm, Fortescue Zero.
According to reports from News.com.au and The Australian (October 14, 2025), around 700 positions are expected to be eliminated globally as the company scales back its green manufacturing ambitions and relocates some production to China and Germany.
The move marks one of Fortescue’s largest rounds of layoffs since last year, when the company axed roughly 700 staff from its renewable energy division amid mounting cost pressures and delays in project execution.
Fortescue’s Green Retreat
The Fortescue job cuts come as the company reassesses the commercial viability of several of its green hydrogen and clean energy projects, following rising production costs and slower-than-expected demand in Europe.
The company has confirmed that it will abandon its plan to manufacture green energy equipment in the UK, instead consolidating production in China, where supply chain efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs offer competitive advantages.
“This is a strategic shift, not a retreat,” a company spokesperson said. “Fortescue remains fully committed to the green energy transition but must align its operations with market realities.”
Andrew Forrest’s Vision Faces Pressure
Fortescue founder Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, long regarded as a champion of Australia’s green transition, has faced growing scrutiny from investors over the profitability and execution of the company’s renewable ventures.
The restructuring comes after internal reports indicated that Fortescue Zero had been struggling to meet cost and production targets on its flagship hydrogen projects in Gladstone (Queensland) and Oxfordshire (UK).
The company’s decision to delay some hydrogen timelines and refocus on core iron ore operations has been seen by analysts as a “course correction” rather than a full retreat.
“Fortescue is acknowledging that the economics of green hydrogen are still evolving,” said energy analyst Marcus Doyle. “While the long-term vision remains intact, the short-term reality requires sharper cost management.”
Impact on Workers and Communities
The layoffs will primarily affect engineering, manufacturing, and R&D positions within Fortescue Zero. Employees were reportedly informed earlier this week via an internal memo from Forrest, who described the move as “necessary to secure long-term sustainability.”
Unions have criticized the decision, calling for stronger government support to protect jobs in Australia’s emerging green technology sector. The job losses represent a setback to the Albanese government’s ambitions to make Australia a global green hydrogen hub.
Fortescue’s Future Focus
Despite the job cuts, Fortescue insists that it remains committed to investing in green energy, albeit with a leaner operational structure. The company plans to focus on research, efficiency improvements, and partnerships with global technology providers to accelerate cost reductions.
The mining division — still Fortescue’s primary revenue driver — continues to perform strongly amid stable iron ore prices, helping offset losses from the energy business.
“This restructuring ensures that Fortescue remains competitive and capable of financing its long-term sustainability vision,” the company said in a statement.
Investor and Market Reaction
Following the news of the Fortescue job cuts, the company’s shares dipped slightly on the ASX, reflecting investor concern about short-term earnings but confidence in the company’s ability to adapt. Analysts expect cost savings from the layoffs to improve profitability in the next two quarters.
Market observers also view the decision as a signal to other green energy companies struggling with capital constraints and uncertain demand that pragmatic scaling may be necessary in the near term.
Conclusion
The Fortescue job cuts mark a significant turning point in Andrew Forrest’s green energy journey. While the company remains committed to decarbonization, the reality of high costs, global competition, and shifting market conditions has forced a recalibration of ambitions.
As Fortescue consolidates its focus on efficiency and core mining operations, its long-term success in green hydrogen will depend on balancing innovation with economic discipline — a challenge many clean-energy pioneers now face.
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