Coal hard facts
Whitehaven keeps the coal moving
For more than 25 years, Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) has carved out a reputation as one of Australia’s most respected coal producers. From modest beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in metallurgical and thermal coal, the company has built a legacy of performance, innovation and community commitment that continues to evolve with every passing year.
With a footprint that spans both NSW and Queensland, Whitehaven Coal operates six major coal mines, oversees two large-scale development projects and supports a workforce of more than 4,000 people — many of whom call the regional communities home.
From the fields of Gunnedah to the coal basins of Central Queenland, Whitehaven’s operations play a vital role in supporting global energy needs and contributing substantial value to the Australian economy.
Among its most prominent assets are the Maules Creek and Narrabri mines in northern NSW, which produce high-quality coal that is in demand across global markets. Maules Creek, one of the country’s largest open-cut coal operations, remains a flagship asset, while the underground Narrabri mine has been recognised for its outstanding safety record – recently celebrating more than 13.5 years (or exceeding 5,000 days) without a lost time injury (LTI) and 60 months free of total recordable injuries (TRI) at its coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP).
A step forward
In Queensland, Whitehaven’s acquisition of the Daunia (30km southeast of Moranbah) and Blackwater (170km southwest of Mackay) mines from BHP (ASX: BHP) and Mitsubishi Development (MDP) in April 2024 marked a transformative step in the company’s journey, increasing Whitehaven’s exposure to high growth market segments and marking a significant milestone – of becoming a leading metallurgical coal producer delivering benefits for all involved.
These metallurgical coal assets are now at the centre of a newly formed 70:30 joint venture with Japanese steelmaking giants Nippon Steel and JFE Steel – Nippon owning a 20% interest, JFE Steel owning 10% and Whitehaven retaining the 70%.
The deal, valued at more than $1.5b (US$1b), not only strengthens Whitehaven’s strategic ties with major international partners but also secures long-term offtake agreements that will support steelmaking and infrastructure development well into the future.
Whitehaven chief executive and managing director Paul Flynn congratulated everyone involved in the formation of the joint venture in an ASX announcement on March 31, 2025.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Nippon Steel and JFE Steel, two longstanding customers that recognise the value and long-term importance of the metallurgical coal produced at Blackwater,” he said.
Strong results & tech focus
Whitehaven’s focus on performance is underscored by its strong half-year (H1) results for FY25, reporting an underlying net profit after tax of $328m, declaring a fully franked interim dividend of 9 cents per ordinary share and announcing a $72m share buy-back. The results reflect a sharp uptick in coal sales over the December quarter and demonstrate Whitehaven’s ability to thrive even in dynamic global markets.
But Whitehaven’s story is about more than just production figures and profit margins. At the heart of its operations lies a deep commitment to safety, sustainability and innovation.
Across its sites, the company continues to deploy cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations, reduce environmental impacts and improve workforce integration. A collaboration with leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider DXC Technology, announced in mid-2024, saw the rollout of a sophisticated SAP S/4HANA ERP system at the Blackwater and Daunia sites — aimed at modernising the HR, finance, procurement and payroll functions. The transition and integration of existing and new systems was fully operational by April 1, 2024, with minimal disruption to production.
By bringing DXC Technology into the fold, Whitehaven’s leadership and vision to drive technology advancements has been a critical factor in its success.
Community initiatives
Equally important is Whitehaven’s relationship with the communities in which it operates.
Through its community investment programs, the company supports a wide range of regional initiatives, from local infrastructure upgrades to youth education and health services.
Partnerships with organisations such as the Clontarf Foundation help to improve educational and employment outcomes for young Indigenous Australians and Whitehaven has been working specifically with the foundation since 2016, engaging with students from the Clontarf Academies at Tamworth, Quirindi and Gunnedah through regional employment forums and site visits to demonstrate the range of mining career opportunities.
Not only that, but in FY24, Whitehaven allocated more than $1.25m to various community initiatives across NSW and Queensland, focusing on health, education, economic resilience and environmental sustainability with a notable $250,000 dedicated to Indigenous empowerment programs.
Whitehaven’s community investment strategy emphasises long-term partnerships and responsive initiatives, including discretionary spending, land and environmental trusts and emergency relief efforts.
By actively listening to and engaging with local communities, Whitehaven has been aiming to make meaningful contributions that support intergenerational capacity and resilience.
The future
As the company looks to the future, it remains focused on delivering a positive and enduring legacy — one that balances economic contribution with environmental responsibility and social impact.
The Vickery and Winchester South projects are poised to support that vision, with development approvals in hand and plans to bring new, high-quality coal supply to market in coming years.
In all its endeavours, Whitehaven remains committed to its core belief: that helping the world progress starts with delivering energy security, creating opportunity and partnering with the people who help make it all possible.
As the company continues to grow, Whitehaven welcomes collaboration with its valued suppliers, contractors and partners — past, present and future — whose contributions remain vital to building a stronger, more sustainable future across Australia’s coal-producing regions.