There were a few emotions at Whitehaven’s Werris Creek Mine yesterday as the very last coal train was loaded.
Whitehaven Coal’s Werris Creek Mine is entering its next official stage of operation, winding down mining activities and transitioning to full time rehabilitation. The open cut thermal and PCI coal mine just south of town was opened in 2005 and always expected to close in 2024. It was on the same site as an underground mine operated by the Preston Coal Company from 1925 to 1963.
Its reliable output has seen the site deliver over 26 million tonnes of coal, keeping hundreds of locals and associated businesses employed. With last coal extracted in April and the final train loaded yesterday, the site is already well on its way to be rehabilitated to an open box gum woodland. Roughly half – or about 235 hectares – of land disturbed by mining has already been rehabilitated.
Werris Creek Operations Manager Murray O’Keefe has praised the high standards set by Whitehaven’s personnel over a near-two decade run.
“The 150-strong workforce at Werris Creek has been integral to our continued success at the site and has reaffirmed why our people remain one of our greatest assets,” he said.
“Having the success of the mine recognised by external bodies – from the recent praise from the NSW Resources Regulator for operational excellence to its nomination for 2022 Mining Operation of the Year by the NSW Minerals Council – is testament to the hard work put in by our team members every single day.
At its peak, 300 people worked at the site. Most of the remaining staff of the mine will either continue working on the rehabilitation or continue at other Whitehaven locations.
Whitehaven Managing Director and CEO Paul Flynn expressed his gratitude to the team overseeing the rehabilitation, as well as the permanent employees who have operated the mine since Whitehaven assumed full control.
“We’re fortunate that many of our Werris Creek staff have opted to relocate with Whitehaven as opposed to seeking work elsewhere. This high retention rate is a testament to the site’s management team and the high-performing culture they’ve developed.”
“What we have achieved at Werris Creek – two decades of strong, safe and sustainable operations – would not have been possible without the efforts of a small but dedicated team of people.
“I’m proud to celebrate this extraordinary site and all those who helped make it tick – I know it will always hold a special place in many hearts.”
Rehabilitation work will continue at the site until 2027.
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