2021 BBMC LUNCHEONS
The Big Picture: insights, explainers and discussions Exciting future ahead for Winchester South project Todd Harrington, Project Director, Whitehaven Coal 11 February 2021 The BBMC 2021 Luncheon Speaker Series kicked off the year in style, hosting Todd Harrington, Winchester South Project Director at Whitehaven Coal. 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. 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 detailed the company’s strategy for engaging with local communities, saying, “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 parallel with major approvals, the feasibility study and procurement elements such as supplier portals for the project will also be progressed followed by construction, with a timeline target around 24 months.
Photo: Whitehaven
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BBMC Yearbook 2021
“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.
