Case Study: How a Mining Company Saved $1.2M and Stayed in Business

About the Business

Our client is a family-owned maintenance company based in regional Queensland, employing around 20 people. For more than a decade, they’ve supported mining operations across rural areas, providing reliable maintenance services that keep production running smoothly. Known for their skill, commitment and community connections, they’ve built strong relationships within the mining sector and their local region.

The Challenge

Despite steady work and a strong reputation, the business found itself under growing financial pressure. Rising costs, delayed client payments and tightening margins created severe cash flow shortages.

As the strain intensified, creditors began demanding payments the company couldn’t meet and their lender imposed restrictive conditions. Payroll, supplier invoices and tax obligations were becoming impossible to manage, pushing the business dangerously close to insolvency.

Without intervention liquidation was a very real possibility; a devastating outcome that would have meant losing 20 local jobs and years of hard work from the family who owned it.

For the directors, the pressure was immense. They needed immediate help to stop the situation from spiralling further and to find a way forward that would keep the business alive.

How Carbon Helped

The company turned to Carbon’s Accounting & Tax team for urgent advice. Acting quickly, we worked alongside trusted insolvency specialists to assess every available option and design a plan that would give the business a second chance.

Together we developed a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), a formal agreement with creditors that allowed the business to repay part of its debts while continuing operations.

Carbon helped the directors prepare a strong and credible proposal that creditors could support. This involved:

• A personal contribution of $130,000 from the directors to demonstrate their commitment to recovery.
• Reviewing payroll and super obligations to create short-term cash flow relief.
• Negotiating with suppliers and financiers to rebuild trust and establish realistic payment terms.
• Demonstrating that the DOCA would deliver better outcomes for creditors than liquidation.

Our proactive, hands-on support gave the business breathing room, clarity and confidence at a time when every decision mattered.

Carbon Services

The DOCA was successfully executed, turning a near-collapse into a remarkable recovery. More than $1.2 million in debt was removed across multiple creditors, giving the business immediate financial relief and a clear path forward.

Restored supplier relationships meant operations could continue without disruption, while stabilised cash flow allowed the leadership team to plan with confidence instead of reacting to crisis.

Most importantly all 20 jobs were saved, preserving livelihoods in a regional community where every role counts.

Carbon’s Accounting & Tax division provided comprehensive support through:

• Insolvency and restructuring advice
• Negotiations with creditors and financiers
• Cash flow management and payroll guidance
• Ongoing compliance and advisory support

What was once a business on the brink is now back on solid ground, trading confidently and building towards long-term growth with Carbon’s ongoing advisory support.

Ready to Regain Control of Your Business?

Financial stress doesn’t have to mean the end of your business. With the right support, there’s often a way forward — one that protects jobs, restores stability and gives you a fresh start.

Carbon’s Accounting & Tax team partners with experienced insolvency specialists to help business owners navigate difficult times and rebuild with confidence.