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Event Wrap – Exciting Future Ahead For Winchester South Project

17 February 2021 | BBMC Events

The Bowen Basin Mining Club’s luncheon series returned for 2021 with a bang, hosting Todd Harrington, Winchester South Project Director at Whitehaven Coal.

The event sold out quickly, with 230 people at the Souths Leagues Club in Mackay hearing of the project’s journey so far, as well as what’s to come in approvals and supplier engagement.

Mr Harrington presented an extensive introduction to Whitehaven Coal, as a new player in the Bowen Basin but an established force in the New South Wales coal industry.

As Australia’s leading premium-quality coal producer, Whitehaven Coal has three existing open-cut mines, as well as one underground longwall operation in the Gunnedah Basin.

The company has experienced significant growth over the last decade, with another decade of organic growth ahead. Whitehaven Coal has a strong project pipeline including Winchester South which was purchased from Rio Tinto in 2018. Mr Harrington told the crowd that Whitehaven was excited by the opportunity that Winchester South brings, as the Bowen Basin provides access to quality metallurgical coal together with an opportunity to work with new stakeholders, supplies and a large regional skilled workforce.

“Whitehaven Coal seeks to create value for our shareholders and also importantly the communities in the regions where we operate.”

“We do this through long-term career opportunities, as well as supporting regional business with initiatives like 21-day payment terms for small and medium sized local suppliers. In the North West NSW, we already employ approximately 75% of our 2500 strong workforce locally and this is reflected in the community-minded feel of our operations.”

While Whitehaven may feel like a small community for employees, Winchester South is anything but a small project.

With 1.1 billion tonnes of coal resources and 350Mt of coal reserves, the 15 Mtpa operation has a 30-year life, targeting predominantly metallurgical coal. The project has a strong business case, with existing rail infrastructure and utilities located close to the mining lease.

Mr Harrington also commented about what’s next for the project, saying their draft EIS was recently submitted. “We’re hoping to have the project’s major approvals in place within 12-24 months.”

In parallel with the approvals, the feasibility study and procurement elements for the project will also be progressed followed by construction.

“Portals for suppliers are on the way, but we’re waiting for the right time to engage the market and provide value without a drawn-out procurement period.”

“We’re excited to be at this point as Winchester South represents a large growth project for the Bowen Basin. Over the next decade, there are some existing Bowen Basin assets that will reach their end of life, and we’re hoping to step in and fill the gap.”