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Whitehaven Coal

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FY2011 Annual Report · Whitehaven Coal
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011

 
 
 
 
 
Delivering growth

Chairman’s Letter   .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     . 2

Statement of Changes in Equity   .     .     .     .     .    51

Highlights   .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     . 4

Statement of Cash Flows  .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .    52

Achievements     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .  6

Notes to the Financial Statements     .     .     .     .     .    53

Managing Director’s Report   .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     . 8

Directors’ Declaration     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     . 112

Directors’ Report    .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .    24

Independent Auditor’s Report    .     .     .     .     .     .     . 113

Statement of Comprehensive Income    .     .     .     .    47

ASX Additional Information    .     .     .     .     .     .     .     . 115

Statement of Financial Position .     .     .     .     .     .     .    49

Corporate Directory    .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     . 117

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chairman’s letter
chairman’s letter

We recognise that the scale and nature of our 
operations demand a high level of corporate 
responsibility in terms of the safety of our 
workforce, consultation with local communities 
and environmental management.

Dear Whitehaven Shareholder,

2011 OVERVIEW
Whitehaven Coal Limited is the largest 
and most established coal producer 
in the Gunnedah Basin, planning to 
produce approximately 7 Mtpa of 
thermal and metallurgical coal in the 
2012 financial year .

We have a reputation for successfully 
implementing our growth plans and this 
year was no different .

Our open cut mines and Gunnedah 
Coal Handling and Preparation Plant 
underwent significant expansion 
during the year and in the June quarter 
produced at an annual rate of almost 
6 Mtpa .

We now have an efficient and flexible 
open cut production base with 
significant growth coming from our 
Narrabri underground mine and the 
proposed Vickery open cut beyond that .

Our Narrabri mine has delivered its first 
full year of development production 
and now has four continuous miners 
operating underground . The Stage 2 
surface works, including the Coal 
Handling and Preparation Plant and fan 
shaft are nearing completion and the 
longwall is currently being constructed 
with a view to commencing longwall 
production in February 2012 .

At Vickery, our ongoing exploration 
work has defined a substantial open 
cut resource . The development of 
this operation, which could begin 
in 2013, would contribute to taking 
our planned production levels to 
approximately15 Mtpa over the 
next five years .

SUSTAINABILITY
Our mines are the largest employer 
in north-west New South Wales with 
more than 450 direct employees and 
a large number of contract service jobs 
supported . This direct employment 
is expected to increase to more than 
800 during the next five years as our 
growth plans are realised .

Total operating expenditure in producing 
coal was approximately $247 million in 
FY2011, most of which was spent in the 
local and regional economies . This total 
operating expenditure is expected to 
increase to more than $825 million 
per year by 2015 .

Royalties paid directly to the New South 
Wales Government in FY2011 were 
approximately $28 million, rising to more 
than $100 million per year by 2015 .

We recognise that the scale and 
nature of our operations demand 
a high level of corporate responsibility 
in terms of the safety of our workforce, 
consultation with local communities and 
environmental management . We are 
a willing and engaged participant in 
the various policy debates surrounding 
regional development and mining .

We have stated publicly on many 
occasions that we are committed to 
a locally-based workforce and are actively 
engaged with local councils around the 
region to assist with long-term planning 
outcomes to support this objective .

Despite the challenges raised by the 
skills shortage in the regions, we do 
not believe a permanent fly-in fly-out 
workforce is a good outcome for either 
our workforce or the community .

As such we are working with local 
councils as they develop sensible 
planning to protect and enhance the 
standard of living for our existing 
communities, which in turn assists 
in attracting highly-skilled workers 
and their families to this region .

In terms of the environmental initiatives, 
we have engaged extensively with local 
communities and this has resulted 
in a number of sensible variations 
to our mining plans . In addition, we 
have expanded our environmental 
management team, who are now 
working proactively with other 
companies in the Gunnedah Basin 
to assess and address the cumulative 
impacts of our combined developments .

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The company reported net profit after 
tax (NPAT) of $9 .9 million for FY2011 . 
This included a net loss after tax of 
$63 .4 million from significant items .

Underlying NPAT (before significant 
items) was $73 .3 million .

This performance has allowed us to 
declare a fully-franked final dividend 
of 4 .1 cents per share, payable on 
30 September 2011 .

SAFETY
The safety and wellbeing of our 
workforce is our highest priority 
and we are focussing on further 
developing our safety culture and 
commitment . Significant progress 
has been made during the year with 
an increased number of individual 
hazard assessments (Take 5s) and 
toolbox talks as well as improvement 
in incident investigation and root 

2

cause analysis . Despite the increased 
awareness of safety across the 
business, our key safety performance 
measure – Lost Time Injury Frequency 
Rate – has shown an increase this 
year, particularly in our open cut mines . 
We are determined to rectify this 
trend in LTIFR and several initiatives 
have been introduced to further 
develop our safety culture and on-site 
supervision . Additional resources 
have been allocated to our corporate 
safety team as well as site-based 
safety professionals .

ACHIEVEMENTS
The expansion of our open cut mines 
and the successful commissioning of 
our world class Narrabri mine have been 
our most significant achievements for 
the year . At the same time we have 
remained focussed on our pipeline of 
growth opportunities and have identified 
attractive development assets – 
in particular Vickery .

Access to infrastructure is a critical 
component in delivering growth and 
significant work has been done to 
ensure we have appropriate rail and 
port allocations to underpin increased 
production, as well as the necessary 
CHPP capacity . These initiatives are 
outlined in detail in the Managing 
Director’s Report .

FORMAL PROCESS
As widely reported during the year, 
in October 2010, following numerous 
approaches to the company over several 
months, Whitehaven announced that 
it was commencing a formal process 
to enable selected interested parties 
to conduct due diligence and submit 
proposals for a potential corporate 
transaction with the company .

In April 2011 we advised that the formal 
process was reaching a conclusion 
with shortlisted parties having 
completed due diligence and submitted 
formal proposals .

After further negotiation of these 
proposals, the Whitehaven Board 
determined that no proposal was 
sufficiently attractive to warrant 
recommendation to shareholders .

The process was then terminated, 
allowing the Board and management 
to continue to focus on our existing 
high quality coal assets and to examine 
attractive growth opportunities .

On behalf of all non-executive directors, 
I thank Tony Haggarty and his most 
capable executive team for their 
dedication, discipline and commitment 
to delivering profitable growth to our 
shareholders and for the leadership 
position they are taking in our business 
and the Gunnedah Basin coal industry .

John Conde, AO 
Chairman

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2011 highlights

•	

•	

	Underlying	net	profit	after	tax	(NPAT),	before	Significant	Items,	of	$73.3	million,	up	
33% from FY2010;

	NPAT	after	significant	items	of	$9.9	million.	Total	significant	items	after	tax	of	$63.4	
million including:

	 –	 	$45.8	million	from	losses	incurred	on	legacy	contracts	from	both	purchased	coal	

and	financial	settlements

	 –	 	$11.6	million	foreign	exchange	loss	relating	to	the	outstanding	USD	receivable	from	

EDF for its Narrabri JV purchase.

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

		A	fully	franked	final	dividend	of	4.1	cents	per	share	has	been	declared,	payable	on	
30	September	2011.	This	takes	the	total	dividend	for	the	year	to	7.4	cents	per	share;

	Revenue	of	$437.0	million	(net	of	purchased	coal	and	excluding	NSW	royalty),	up	33%	
from FY2010;

	Earnings	before	interest,	tax,	depreciation	and	amortisation	(EBITDA)	of	$189.7	million	
(excluding	coal	purchases),	reduced	to	$148.0	million	after	coal	purchases;

	Cash	generated	from	operations	of	$120.3	million,	compared	to	$69.3	million	in	FY2010;

	Proceeds	received	from	the	sale	of	Narrabri	of	$190.8	million	during	the	year;

	Strong	cash	flow	and	financial	position	–	$207.6	million	cash	available	with	net	cash	of	
$29.0	million	compared	to	$141.0	million	cash	available	and	net	cash	of	$46.1	million	
at 30 June 2010;

Financial Performance

(A$ millions)

Sales revenue

EBITDA	before	significant	items

EBIT	before	significant	items

NPAT	before	significant	items

Significant	items	net	of	tax

NPAT	after	significant	items

2011

622.2

148.0

107.0

73.3

(63.4)

9.9

2010

406.8

108.8

76.7

55.1

59.8

114.9

EPS-diluted 

2.0 cents

24.0 cents

Movement

+52.9%

+36.0%

+39.5%

+33.0%

-206.0%

-91.3%

-91.7%

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nsw coalfields

QUEENSLAND

N

ASHFORD 
BASIN

Bonshaw

0

50

100

Ashford

Bonshaw Project

KILOMETRES

NEW SOUTH WALES

Moree

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GUNNEDAH
COALFIELD

Narrabri Mine

Narrabri

Tarrawonga Mine

Vickery Project

Rocglen Mine

Gunnedah CHPP

Gunnedah

Sunnyside Mine

GUNNEDAH 
BASIN

Werris Creek Mine

Dunedoo

GLOUCESTER 
BASIN

Gloucester

Gulgong

Mudgee

Ulan

Muswellbrook

Bylong

WESTERN
COALFIELD

HUNTER
COALFIELD
Singleton

PACIFIC 
OCEAN

SYDNEY 
BASIN

Cessnock
NEWCASTLE
COALFIELD

Newcastle

Whitehaven Assets

Rylstone
Kandos

Lithgow

Railway

Sydney

AUSTRALIA

NSW

Campbelltown

Picton

SOUTHERN
COALFIELD

Moss Vale

Bomaderry

Goulburn

ACT

Wollongong
Port Kembla

NSW

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achievements

Consolidated	Equity	Production	and	Sales	(Equity	Share)

Whitehaven Total – 000t

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Sales of Purchased Coal

Total	Coal	Sales

Coal Stocks at Period End

2010

3,724

3,480

3,310

823

4,133

430

Movement

+23%

+20%

+28%

+129%

+48%

+3%

2011

4,592

4,168

4,243

1,883

6,126

444

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Operating Highlights

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

	Saleable	coal	production	up	20%	(equity	basis)	to	4.2	Mtpa	and	up	19%	(100%	basis)	
to 4.7 Mtpa;

	Successful	expansion	of	Whitehaven’s	open	cut	mines	which	operated	at	an	annual	rate	
of almost 6 Mtpa of ROM coal in the June quarter;

	Narrabri	mine	production	ramp	up	continuing	with	four	continuous	miners	now	operating	
and	excellent	underground	mining	conditions;

	Narrabri	Coal	Handling	and	Preparation	Plant	(CHPP)	commenced	commissioning	in	
August 2011;

	Definition	of	a	439	Mt	open	cut	coal	resource	at	Vickery	with	preliminary	work	indicating	
an open cut mine plan for Vickery of 4.5 Mtpa ROM for at least 25 years with a stripping 
ratio	of	approximately	10:1;

	Continuing	investment	in	infrastructure	with	rail	and	port	capacity	secured	to	meet	
growth	profile;

	Expansion	of	the	Gunnedah	CHPP	completed	with	washing	capacity	increased	to	3	Mtpa	
and total coal handling and rail loading capacity of 4.2 Mtpa;

	Heads	of	agreement	signed	with	Idemitsu	to	extend	the	existing	Tarrawonga	Joint	Venture	
and share new CHPP and rail infrastructure.

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managing director’s 
report

We	now	have	an	efficient	and	flexible	open	
cut	production	base	with	significant	growth	
coming from our Narrabri underground 
mine and the Vickery open cut beyond that.

Our key achievement this year has been to implement our growth plans and increase saleable production and margin while 
at the same time continuing to enhance our future growth profile .

We now have an efficient and flexible open cut production base with significant growth coming from our Narrabri underground 
mine and the Vickery open cut beyond that .

More than $225 million in new capital was invested in our business during the year, resulting in our open cut mines delivering 
their planned expansion to 5 .5 Mtpa, and in the June quarter surpassing this target to produce at a rate of almost 6 Mtpa .

At our new Narrabri mine we now have four continuous miners operating underground and the $130 million longwall is under 
construction . Our Narrabri CHPP commenced commissioning in August .

Continuing exploration and mine planning at our Vickery Project has delivered excellent results with the definition of a 439 Mt 
open cut coal resource with preliminary work indicating an open cut mine plan for Vickery of 4 .5 Mtpa ROM for at least 25 years 
with a stripping ratio of approximately 10:1 . 

In addition, government approval is expected to be granted for the Werris Creek and Rocglen extension projects during the 
current quarter, and we are expecting to lodge an Environmental Assessment for the Tarrawonga extension by the end of this 
calendar year .

Overall, these development plans will see the investment of more than $600 million in additional new capital in north west 
NSW over the next five years . 

While the impact of legacy contracts on our earnings for the year has been disappointing, it is encouraging to note that we 
expect to have fulfilled all but 230 kt of these contracts by the end of the calendar year .

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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was $189 .7 million (excluding coal purchases), 
reduced to $148 .0 million after coal purchases .

Whitehaven’s balance sheet remains very strong . Cash on hand at FY2011 year-end, together with outstanding cash to 
be received from previously announced sales of the Narrabri JV interests and cash from operations, is expected to provide 
sufficient funding to complete the development of Narrabri Stage 2 and the expansion of Whitehaven’s existing open cut mines .

Cash flow from operations was $120 .3 million for the year compared to $69 .3 million for FY2010 due to increased coal sales . 
Closing cash on hand at 30 June 2011 was $207 .6 million, compared to $141 .0 million in FY2010 .

Financial Performance

(A$ millions)

Sales revenue

EBITDA before significant items

EBIT before significant items

NPAT before significant items

Significant items net of tax

NPAT after significant items

2011

622.2

148.0

107.0

73.3

(63.4)

9.9

2010

406 .8

108 .8

76 .7

55 .1

59 .8

114 .9

EPS-diluted 

2.0 cents

24 .0 cents

Movement

+52 .9%

+36 .0%

+39 .5%

+33 .0%

-206 .0%

-91 .3%

-91 .7%

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managing director’s 
report

Financial Performance and Balance Sheet

(A$ millions)

Cash on Hand 

Interest Cover Ratio1 (times)

Interest Bearing Liabilities2

Net Cash Position

Net Assets 

Gearing Ratio3 (%)

2011

207.6

7.87 

178.6

29.0

1,040.5

-2.9%

2010

141 .0

10 .43 

94 .9

46 .1

1,023 .2

-4 .7%

1   EBIT before significant items to Interest Expense excluding FX in financing expense, losses on ineffective hedges and unwind of provision discounting 

2   Interest bearing liabilities include loans from Country Rail Infrastructure Authority (formerly Rail Infrastructure Corporation) for track upgrades 

($34 .3 million 2011, $20 .6 million 2010)

3   Net Debt to Net Debt plus Equity

OPERATINg PERFORMANCE

Consolidated Equity Production and Sales (Equity Share)

Whitehaven Total – 000t

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Sales of Purchased Coal

Total Coal Sales

Coal Stocks at Period End

2010

3,724

3,480

3,310

823

4,133

430

Movement

+23%

+20%

+28%

+129%

+48%

+3%

2011

4,592

4,168

4,243

1,883

6,126

444

10

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managing director’s 
report

OPEN CUT OPERATIONS 

The Gunnedah Operations include the Tarrawonga (70% owned by Whitehaven), Rocglen (100% owned by Whitehaven), 
and Sunnyside (100% owned by Whitehaven) open cut mines and the Gunnedah coal handling and preparation plant and train 
load-out facility (‘CHPP’) (100% owned by Whitehaven) . The Werris Creek mine is 100% owned by Whitehaven .

Our open cut mines and Gunnedah CHPP underwent significant expansion during the year and in the June quarter produced 
at an annual rate of almost 6 Mtpa .

In addition to this expansion, a number of approvals are currently being sought for extension of our existing projects . It is 
expected that the Werris Creek and Rocglen extension projects will receive NSW Government approval in the current quarter .

We have received Director General’s Requirements in relation to our Tarrawonga Extension and are expecting to lodge an 
Environmental Assessment with the NSW Government by the end of this calendar year .

In addition, Whitehaven has entered into a Heads of Agreement with Boggabri Coal Pty Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary 
of Idemitsu Australia Resources Pty Ltd (Idemitsu) in relation to an extension of the existing Tarrawonga Joint Venture . 
The proposed extension of the JV has benefits for both parties and promotes the most efficient use of assets in this part 
of the Gunnedah Basin .

Under the proposed arrangements: 

•	 Tolling arrangements would be put in place to provide the Tarrawonga JV with access to the Boggabri Coal CHPP and rail 

spur; and 

•	 Tenement ownership within the expanded JV area would be restructured to ensure WHC and Boggabri Coal continue to 

hold a 70% and 30% interest respectively in each tenement within the project area . 

The Agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including approval of expansion plans at both Tarrawonga and Boggabri 
Coal . The Boggabri Coal expansion includes the development of a rail spur and CHPP .

12

gunnedah Operations (Equity Share)

Gunnedah Operations – 000t

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Sales of Purchased Coal

Total Coal Sales

Coal Stocks at Period End

Werris Creek Mine (Equity Share)

Werris Creek Mine – 000t

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Sales of Purchased Coal

Total Coal Sales

Coal Stocks at Period End

2010

2,441

2,200

2,101

823

2,924

288

2010

1,283

1,280

1,209

–

1,209

143

Movement

+7%

+5%

+11%

+129%

+44%

-19%

Movement

+41%

+34%

+47%

0%

+47%

+30%

2011

2,620

2,303

2,327

1,883

4,210

233

2011

1,809

1,722

1,777

–

1,777

186

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managing director’s 
report 

NARRABRI MINE
Whitehaven	(operator)	70.0%;	Electric	Power	Development	Co.	Ltd	7.5%;	EDF	Trading	7.5%;	Upper	Horn	Investments	
Limited 7.5%; Daewoo International Corporation and Korea Resources Corporation 7.5%

Development of the Narrabri mine is proceeding as planned with construction of Stage 2 facilities and delivery of longwall 
and other equipment on schedule and budget . The Narrabri CHPP has begun commissioning and the upgraded ventilation 
fans and shaft are well advanced . 

Pre-drainage of CO2 from the coal seam is working well with confidence in gas extraction methods and gas modelling 
continuing to grow as the inventory of drained coal grows . 

Mining conditions underground are excellent and development rates have improved as skills and experience grow and 
as development has moved away from pit-bottom setup into normal main road and longwall gate road development . 

Some delays continue to be experienced in development as a result of the difficulty in recruiting experienced underground 
mine workers . However, at current development rates, commencement of longwall extraction is scheduled for February 2012 .

Development of the main gate and tail gate roads for the first longwall panel is on the critical path for commencement 
of longwall mining and progress against schedule is being monitored closely . 

Sales of more than 200 Kt of Narrabri coal have now been made, with coal stockpiling and handling systems working well 
and coal quality meeting expectations . 

Ongoing review of Stage 2 costs, including tendering for all major components of the work, has not identified any material 
change to the budget capital cost estimate of approximately $300 million (100% basis) .

Narrabri Mine (Equity Share)

Narrabri Mine – 000t

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Sales of Purchased Coal

Total Coal Sales

Coal Stocks at Period End

2010

Movement

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2011

163

143

139

–

139

25

14

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Vickery
Whitehaven 100%

Work has continued at Vickery to further define JORC resources and reserves and to define the mine development plan . 
To date, a JORC open cut coal resource of 439 Mt has been defined in the combined Vickery area (Vickery, Merton, Bluevale 
and Canyon Extended) . Current mine planning has defined an open cut JORC marketable reserve of some 113 Mt and further 
work is expected to increase these reserves . 

Work is now well advanced to define an open cut mine plan for the Vickery area . Whitehaven expects this work to produce 
an open cut mine plan for Vickery of around 4 .5 Mtpa ROM for at least 25 years with a stripping ratio of approximately 10:1 . 

Ongoing analysis of Vickery coal quality indicates that, if all ROM coal is washed, saleable coal yield would be more than 80% 
of predominantly low ash, low sulphur, low phosphorus semi-soft coking and PCI coal, along with a component of low-ash, 
low-sulphur, high-energy thermal coal . 

This saleable coal yield can be increased significantly by by-passing a proportion of low-ash ROM coal, as is done with 
Whitehaven’s Tarrawonga coal . This will provide the Vickery project with a high degree of flexibility in producing metallurgical 
or premium thermal coal, depending on market conditions from time to time . 

Whitehaven currently plans to lodge an application for development approval for Vickery in early 2012, with the aim of having 
approval and being in a position to commence mine production in calendar 2013 .

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managing director’s 
report

COAL RESOURCES AND RESERVES (100% BASIS)

Whitehaven’s JORC Coal Resources now total 1,771 .5 Mt, with JORC Marketable Coal Reserves of 426 .1 Mt . Open cut 
Marketable Coal Reserves are now in place to support 5 Mtpa of saleable production for more than 20 years .

JORC August Statement
WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED – COAL RESOURCES – AUgUST 2011

Tenement

Measured 
Resource

Indicated 
Resource

Inferred  

Resource

Total  

Resources

Competent 
Person

Report  
Date

Bluevale Opencut

EL4699/CL316

8 .79

5 .66

Vickery Opencut

Vickery Underground

CL316

CL316

Merton Opencut

ML1471/EL4699

Canyon Extended

Rocglen Opencut

Rocglen Underground

CL316/EL4699 
ML1471

ML1620

ML1620

Tarrawonga Opencut *

EL5967/ML1579

Tarrawonga Underground EL5967/ML1579

Sunnyside Opencut

ML1624/EL5183

EL5183 Underground

BLOCK 7 Opencut

BLOCK 7 Underground

Other Gunnedah 
Resources

Total gunnedah 
Operations

Total Werris Creek **

Narrabri North 
Underground

Narrabri South 
Underground

Total Narrabri ***

Brunt Deposit Opencut

Arthurs Seat Opencut

Total Ashford

Total Coal Resources

46 .87

165 .00

–

–

–

11 .66

–

30 .66

10 .88

19 .60

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6 .10

2 .24

28 .00

13 .87

47 .40

7 .20

–

12 .90

13 .00

1 .1

95 .0

21 .0

111 .7

5 .1

1 .5

1 .6

14 .3

14 .8

22 .9

32 .2

1 .4

2 .5

15 .5

306 .9

21 .0

111 .7

5 .1

19 .2

3 .8

73 .0

39 .6

89 .9

39 .4

1 .4

15 .4

123 .2

136 .2

128.46

301.37

448.3

878.1

23.35

8.25

2.6

34.2

EL5183

CCL701

CCL701

CCL701

ML1563/
EL5993/ 
EL7422

ML1609

169 .40

171 .00

135 .0

475 .4

EL6243

45 .20

114 .00

220 .0

379 .2

EL6450

EL6587

214.6

285.0

355.0

854.6

–

–

–

2 .6

–

2.6

0 .3

1 .7

2.0

2 .9

1 .7

4.6

366.41

597.22

807.9

1,771.5

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

Sep-09

Jul-11

Jul-11

Feb-11

Feb-11

Mar-11

Mar-11

1 Jun 2010 & 
Mar 2011

1

1

1

1

1

3

1

4

4

3

3

Mar-11

May-09

Jan-09

Jan-09

Mar-10

Mar-11

Dec-09

Dec-09

Sep-09

Nov-09

1 . Colin Coxhead, 2 . Greg Jones, 3 . Tom Bradbury, 4 . Chris Turvey

* 

** 

Tarrawonga Joint Venture – Whitehaven owns 70% share of ML1579 . Combined Resource for Tarrawonga Mining Lease and Exploration Licence 

Combined Reserve for Werris Creek Mining Lease and Exploration Licences

***  Narrabri Joint Venture – Whitehaven owns 70% share

# 

The Coal Resources for active mining areas are current to the pit surface as at the report date .

16

WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED – COAL RESERVES – AUgUST 2011

Tenement

Recoverable Reserves

Marketable Reserves

Competent 
Person

Report  
Date

Proved

Probable

Total

Proved

Probable

Total

Bluevale Opencut

EL4699/CL316

 3 .33 

 6 .42 

 9 .75 

 3 .09 

 5 .98 

 9 .07 

 1  Jun-10

Vickery Opencut

Rocglen Opencut

CL316

37 .90

91 .10 129 .00

30 .20

74 .30 104 .50

2 Aug-11

ML1620

9 .20

3 .80

13 .00

7 .60

3 .10

10 .70

 1  Mar-11

Tarrawonga Opencut *

EL5967/ML1579

21 .70

22 .20

43 .90

20 .30

20 .70

41 .00

 1  Mar-11

Tarrawonga Underground EL5967/ML1579

 – 

 3 .70 

 3 .70 

 – 

 3 .10 

 3 .10 

 3  May-09

Sunnyside Opencut

ML1624/EL5183

6 .60

21 .10

27 .70

5 .80

18 .90

24 .70

 1  Mar-11

BLOCK 7 Underground

CCL701

 – 

 4 .00 

 4 .00 

 – 

 4 .00 

 4 .00 

3 May-09

Total gunnedah 
Operations

Total Werris Creek **

Narrabri North 
Underground

Narrabri South 
Underground

Total Narrabri ***

Brunt Deposit Opencut

Arthurs Seat Opencut

Total Ashford

Total Coal Reserves

78.73

152.32 231.05

66.99 130.08

197.07

21.50

7.60

29.10

21.50

7.60

29.10

1 Mar-11

ML1564/
EL5993/  
EL7422

ML1609

 66 .0 

 67 .4 

 133 .4 

 66 .0 

 67 .4 

 133 .4 

3 Jan-10

EL6243

 24 .7 

 61 .5 

 86 .2 

 19 .4 

 47 .1 

 66 .5 

3 Jan-10

 90.7 

 128.9 

 219.6 

 85.4 

 114.5 

 199.9 

EL6450

EL6587

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

190.93

288.82

479.8

173.89

252.18

426.1

1 . Doug Sillar, 2 . William Dean, 3 . Graeme Rigg

* 

** 

Tarrawonga Joint Venture – Whitehaven owns 70% share of ML1579 . Combined Reserve for Tarrawonga Mining Lease and Exploration Licence 

Combined Reserve for Werris Creek Mining Lease and Exploration Licences

***  Narrabri Joint Venture – Whitehaven owns 70% share

# 

The Coal Reserves for active mining areas are reported on the end of June 2010 pit surface

## 

 Coal Reserves are quoted as a subset of Coal Resources

###  Marketable Reserves are based on geological modeling of the anticipated yield from Recoverable Reserves

NB: Refer below for full JORC competent persons statements .

JORC COMPETENT PERSONS STATEMENT

Information in this report that relates to Coal Resources and Reserves is based on and accurately reflects reports prepared by 
the Competent Person named beside the respective information . All these persons are consultants for Whitehaven Coal Limited . 
Mr Colin Coxhead is a private consultant . Mr Greg Jones is a principal consultant with JB Mining Services . Mr Tom Bradbury 
is a full-time employee of Geos Mining . Mr Chris Turvey is a private consultant . Mr Graeme Rigg is a full-time employee of 
Minarco-MineConsult Pty Ltd . Mr Doug Sillar is a full-time employee of Minarco-MineConsult Pty Ltd . Mr William Dean is a 
full-time employee of UGM Australia .

Named Competent Persons consent to the inclusion of material in the form and context in which it appears . This Coal Resources 
and Reserves statement was compiled by Mr Mark Dawson, Group Geologist, Whitehaven Coal Limited . All Competent Persons 
named are Members of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and/or The Australian Institute of Geoscientists and have 
the relevant experience in relation to the mineralisation being reported on by them to qualify as Competent Persons as defined in 
the Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004 Edition) .

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managing director’s 
report 

SAFETY

The safety and wellbeing of our 
workforce is our key priority and our 
safety culture is being further developed 
as our business expands in size and 
complexity . We recorded a significant 
increase in the number of individual 
hazard assessments and toolbox 
talks as well as improving our incident 
investigation and root cause analysis . 

Despite the increased awareness of 
safety across the business, our key safety 
performance measure – Lost Time Injury 
Frequency Rate – has shown an increase 
this year, particularly in our open cut 
mines . We are determined to rectify this 
trend in LTIFR and a number of initiatives 
including increased on-site supervision 
have been introduced to ensure our 
workforce is focussed and proactively 
takes responsibility for their own safety, 
and the safety of their workmates .

Additional resources have been allocated 
to our corporate safety team as well as 
site-based safety professionals .

THE ENVIRONMENT

Whitehaven is committed to ensuring 
its projects are carried out in accordance 
with site specific protocols for 
environmental management, and to the 
ongoing development of new ways to 
minimise our environmental impacts . 

In terms of the environmental initiatives, 
we have worked hard to increase 
our level of engagement with local 
communities and this has resulted 
in a number of constructive variations 
to our mining plans . In addition, we 

have expanded our environmental 
management team, who are now working 
proactively with other companies in 
the Gunnedah Basin to assess and 
address the cumulative impacts of our 
combined developments .

COMMUNITY

Whitehaven continues to work closely 
with the communities we operate in . 

It is extremely important to Whitehaven 
that our workers live in, and enjoy being 
part of, the local communities in which 
we operate . We do not believe camp-
based accommodation is an appropriate 
long-term solution for the Whitehaven 
workforce, and we do not believe a 
permanent fly-in fly-out workforce is a 
good outcome for either our workforce 
or the community . 

As such, Whitehaven recently 
announced it is preparing a plan for 
supporting property development in 
Narrabri and Gunnedah . This decision 
follows consultation with the Narrabri 
Shire Council, Gunnedah Shire Council 
and Liverpool Plains Shire Council . 

Sensible planning is beneficial to both 
communities and mining companies . 
By protecting and enhancing 
the standard of living for existing 
communities, the mining sector is able 
to attract highly-skilled workers and 
their families to this region .

Whitehaven is continuing to hold regular 
discussions with local governments and 
other interested parties to help ensure 
that appropriate long-term planning 

is put in place to address the growing 
population and associated demand on 
infrastructure . 

Whitehaven continues to support a 
broad range of community organisations 
and projects, with more than $150,000 
donated during the year . The recipients 
include health and education providers, 
sporting groups, charities and 
community wide events . 

In addition to these community 
donations, Whitehaven has contributed 
or committed more than $10 million 
to regional roadworks and major 
infrastructure projects including the 
Narrabri Pool redevelopment .

INFRASTRUCTURE

Subsequent to balance date, Whitehaven 
announced that it has entered into 
long-term arrangements with Australian 
Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for rail 
track access between the Company’s 
mines and Newcastle Port .

These arrangements are structured to 
provide Whitehaven with the rail track 
capacity that it will require to match 
long-term production and port capacity . 
They are based upon the Hunter Valley 
Rail Access Undertaking approved by the 
Australian Competition and Consumer 
Commission (ACCC) in June 2011 and 
operate on a rolling ten-year term .

Entry into these arrangements with 
ARTC represents a significant milestone 
for Whitehaven, securing the required 
long-term rail track capacity to support 
our significant growth plans .

18

In addition, Whitehaven and Pacific 
National (PN) entered into a long-term 
agreement for rail haulage in 
December 2009 . 

The new coal train ordered by 
Whitehaven in 2009 was delivered and 
put into service in the September 2010 
quarter . This train is being operated 
by PN under lease from Whitehaven . 
A second new train was delivered by 
PN in January 2011 and a third new train 
will be provided by PN in October 2011 . 

A Capacity Framework Agreement 
for providing access to additional port 
capacity at Newcastle was agreed 
by Newcastle Ports Corporation, 
PWCS and NCIG in April 2009 and 
subsequently approved by ACCC . 
Under this agreement, Whitehaven will 
have access to approximately 10 .2 Mtpa 
of port capacity from PWCS and NCIG . 

Stage 1 of the new NCIG coal loading 
terminal (Whitehaven owns 11%) is 
continuing to ramp up to its 30 Mtpa 
capacity . Construction of the second 
stage (2AA) of NCIG is underway and 
is expected to be commissioned in 
mid-2012, taking the capacity of NCIG 
to 53 Mtpa . Final feasibility of the last 
stage of NCIG (2F) is complete and 
commitment to construction is expected 
in August . This will take the port to its 
full capacity of 66 Mtpa in late 2013, 
of which Whitehaven’s share will be 
approximately 6 Mtpa .

CORPORATE

OUTLOOk

Whitehaven has emerged from FY2011 
with a strong financial position, low-risk 
open cut production base and attractive 
growth profile .

Careful management and investment 
in our infrastructure requirements 
means we have appropriate 
infrastructure in place to support 
planned future production .

Strong fundamental growth in demand 
for both metallurgical and thermal coal 
remains, although supply continues to 
be constrained by infrastructure and 
regulatory issues .

Tony Haggarty
Managing Director

As widely reported during the year, 
in October 2010, following numerous 
approaches to the company over several 
months, Whitehaven announced that 
it was commencing a formal process 
to enable selected interested parties 
to conduct due diligence and submit 
proposals for a potential corporate 
transaction with the company .

In April 2011 we advised that the formal 
process was reaching a conclusion with 
shortlisted parties having completed due 
diligence and submitted formal proposals .

After further negotiation of these 
proposals, the Whitehaven Board 
determined that no proposal was 
sufficiently attractive to warrant 
recommendation to shareholders .

The process was then terminated, 
allowing the Board and management 
to continue to focus on our existing 
high quality coal assets and to examine 
attractive growth opportunities .

CARBON TAX 

The Federal government recently 
announced details of a proposed carbon 
tax commencing on 1st July 2012 . 
The proposal is for a price commencing at 
$23 per tonne of CO2 equivalent . At this 
price, the company’s current estimate of 
the impact of the tax is approximately 
$1 .60 per tonne of saleable coal from 
the company’s open cut and underground 
mines . Further work is being undertaken 
to firm up the impact of the carbon tax on 
Whitehaven business and we will advise 
as more information becomes available . 

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health and safetY

Highlights

•	 Continuing improvement in Whitehaven’s safety culture

•	 Increased	number	of	individual	hazard	assessments	(Take	5s)

•	 Focus on hazard reporting and management

•	 Improved incident investigation for high risk incidents and underlying root cause analysis

•	 Increased	number	of	toolbox	talks	and	ongoing	communication	of	health	and	safety	

topics to our workforce

Achievements

Emergency services familiarisation – Local emergency service organisations participated 
in familiarisation sessions at our Narrabri and Tarrawonga mines . These sessions allowed 
local emergency services to understand site emergency plans and Whitehaven’s emergency 
procedures .

Supervisor training – A new Whitehaven-specific supervisor training package has 
been introduced . The supervisor training package is based on the S1, S2 & S3 nationally 
recognised training modules, and is designed using Whitehaven’s own Health and Safety 
System . Twenty supervisors have been trained in two sessions .

20

 
Legal obligations information sessions – A number of information sessions have been 
held across sites to outline individual’s legal obligations to OHS through the use of case 
studies and recent legal proceedings .

Job demands assessments – An Occupational Therapist was engaged to develop job 
demands assessments . The purpose is to identify the functional demands of each role 
to assist in the injury management process .

Contractor safety meeting – More than 150 contracting companies attended the 
Whitehaven Coal Contractor Safety meeting . The meeting provided contractors an 
opportunity to learn more about Whitehaven Coal, our contractor management standard, 
OHS legislation and our contractor documentation requirements .

Risk management audits – Risk management audits have been carried out across the 
company and the information is being used to develop ongoing safety improvements .

Hazard recognition training – Hazard recognition training has been conducted at 
some operations . The training specifically included equipment damage incidents and risk 
management tools . Topics included risk perception, incident causation, hazard identification, 
Take 5’s and JHA’s .

Manual handling training – Open cut and CHPP maintenance employees attended 
manual handling safety training sessions designed  to raise awareness in correct lifting 
techniques, use of mechanical aids and the potential for sprain/strain injuries caused 
by manual handling .

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environment

Environmental highlights 2011

•	 Implementation	of	real	time	noise	monitoring	at	Narrabri,	Tarrawonga	and	Werris	

Creek operations.

•	 Recruitment	of	a	full-time	Environmental	Officer	for	Narrabri	site	to	cater	for	
expanding	operations	as	commencement	of	longwall	operation	approaches.

•	 Focus	on	community	engagement	at	our	open	cut	mines.	This	has	included	
circulation of newsletters to surrounding residents to keep them informed of 
developments.	This	has	also	included	a	Community	Open	Day	at	the	Werris	Creek	
Mine, where residents were encouraged to attend and discuss any concerns with 
experts	(specialist	consultants)	in	air	quality,	noise,	flora	and	fauna,	groundwater,	
surface water and cultural heritage. A similar event is planned for the local 
community	around	the	Tarrawonga	site	later	in	the	year.	Planning	is	also	underway	
for an Open Day at our Narrabri site to provide the community with the opportunity 
to visit a working mine and understand the longwall mining process.

•	 General	terms	of	agreement	reached	with	the	NSW	Department	of	Primary	Industries	
and	the	Office	of	Environment	and	Heritage	on	the	biodiversity	offset	requirements	
for	the	Narrabri	project.	The	offset	package	comprises	approximately	1200ha	of	
land immediately adjacent to Mt Kaputar National Park which can ultimately be 
incorporated into the Park management in the near term. It also includes post 
mining rehabilitation of woodland areas associated with the Narrabri Mining Lease.

22

•	 Rehabilitation works have commenced at our Sunnyside Mine, including initial 
planting of Koala feed tree species as a means of enhancing koala corridor 
connections, which is part of the Sunnyside rehabilitation strategy.

•	 Undertaking	trials	at	our	Rocglen	site	using	compost	materials	as	a	means	of	

enhancing biological activity in low nutrient soils.

•	 Whitehaven	Regional	Biobank	site	nearing	formal	registration.	While	the	site	has	
not	yet	been	resgistered	as	a	Biobank,	Whitehaven	has	been	actively	managing	
the	biobank	site	for	conservation	purposes	for	the	last	two	years.	This	includes	
the	exclusion	of	grazing	and	the	introduction	of	feral	animal	control	activities	which	
has seen the removal of over 500 wild goats. Ongoing weed control activities 
are underway including active application of cochineal grub into Prickly Pear 
as a biological control.

•	 Whitehaven is working with the Namoi Catchment management Authority on 

Green	Cestrum	control	in	and	around	the	Maules	Creek	area,	including	substantial	
works on the bed and bank of Maules Creek as part of a wider catchment strategy 
for	Green	Cestrum	control.

•	 General	infill	planting	in	rehabilitation	at	both	Canyon	and	Tarrawonga	sites.

23

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Left to right: 

John Conde, Neil Chatfield, 
Tony Haggarty, Alex Krueger, 
Hans Mende, Andy Plummer, 
Allan Davies

neil chAtfielD
fcPA, fAicD
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed: 3 May 2007

tony hAggArty
Mcomm
Managing Director
Appointed: 17 October 2008

Tony has over 30 years experience 
in the development, management and 
financing of mining companies, and 
was co-founder and Managing Director 
of Excel Coal Limited from 1993 to 
2006. Prior to this, Tony worked for 
BP Coal and BP Finance in Sydney 
and London, and for Agipcoal as the 
Managing Director of its Australian 
subsidiary. Tony was appointed to the 
Board of Whitehaven on 3 May 2007 
and was appointed Managing Director 
on 17 October 2008. He is also 
Non-Executive Chairman of King Island 
Scheelite Limited and a Non-Executive 
Director of IMX Resources Limited.

Neil is an established executive and 
Non-Executive Director with experience 
across a range of industries and is 
currently the Chairman of Virgin Blue 
Holdings Ltd, and a Non-Executive 
Director of Seek Ltd, Transurban 
Group and Grange Resources, all 
ASX listed companies. He has over 
30 years experience in the resources 
and transport and logistics sectors and 
has extensive experience in financial 
management, capital markets, mergers 
and acquisitions, and risk management. 
Neil was most recently Executive 
Director and Chief Financial Officer 
of ASX listed Toll Holdings Limited, 
Australia’s largest transport and logistics 
company, a position he held for over 
10 years. Prior to joining Toll, Neil held 
a number of senior financial and general 
management roles in the resources 
and transport industries.

The Directors present their report 
together with the consolidated financial 
report of Whitehaven Coal Limited 
(‘the Company’), being the Company, 
its subsidiaries, and the consolidated 
entity’s interest in joint ventures for 
the year ended 30 June 2011 and 
the auditor’s report thereon.

1.  Directors

The Directors of the Company at any 
time during or since the end of the 
financial year are:

John conDe 
Bsc, Be (electrical) (hons), 
MBA (Dist)
Chairman  
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Appointed: 3 May 2007

John has over 30 years of broad 
based commercial experience across 
a number of industries, including the 
energy sector. John is Chairman of 
Ausgrid, Bupa Australia and the Sydney 
Symphony. He is also president of 
the Commonwealth Remuneration 
Tribunal and a Non-Executive Director 
of the Dexus Property Group. He is also 
Chairman of Destination NSW (which 
incorporates his previous chairmanships 
of Events NSW and the Homebush 
Motor Racing Authority). He was formerly 
Chairman and Managing Director of 
Broadcast Investment Holdings, as 
well as being a former Non-Executive 
Director of BHP Billiton Limited and 
Excel Coal Limited.

24

Alex Krueger
Bs (finance)  
Bs (chemical engineering)
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: 3 May 2007

Alex is a Managing Director of First 
Reserve Corporation (FRC). Alex is 
a senior member of the FRC investment 
team and his responsibilities range from 
deal origination and structuring to due 
diligence, execution and monitoring. 
He is involved in investment activities 
in all areas of the worldwide energy 
industry, with particular expertise in 
the mining sector. Prior to joining FRC, 
Alex worked in the Energy Group 
of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette 
in Houston.

hAns MenDe
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: 3 May 2007

Hans has been President of the 
AMCI Group since he co-founded 
the company in 1986. Prior to starting 
AMCI Group, Hans was employed 
by the Thyssen group of companies 
in various senior executive positions.

Other current directorships held by 
Hans include Excel Maritime Inc., 
White Energy, New World Resources 
and MMX Mineracao. Hans was 
previously a Non-Executive Director 
of Felix Resources Limited, an ASX 
listed company. 

AnDy PluMMer
Bsc Mining eng
Executive Director
Appointed: 17 October 2008

AllAn DAVies 
Be (Mining) honours
Executive Director
Appointed 25 February 2009

Andy has over 35 years experience 
in the investment banking and mining 
industries. He was most recently 
an Executive Director of Excel Coal 
Limited, responsible for the company’s 
business development activities. He has 
worked in the Australian banking and 
finance industry since 1985 with Eureka 
Capital Partners, Resource Finance 
Corporation and Westpac. Prior to 
that, he was employed in a variety of 
management and technical positions 
with ARCO Coal, Utah International and 
Consolidation Coal. He was appointed 
to the Board of Whitehaven on 3 May 
2007 and was appointed Executive 
Director on 17 October 2008. He is 
also a Non-Executive Director of King 
Island Scheelite Limited and Chairman 
of Ranamok Glass Prize Ltd.

Allan is a mining engineer and has over 
35 years experience in the Australian 
and international coal and metalliferous 
mining industries. He is a registered 
mine manager in Australia and South 
Africa. Allan was a founding director 
of Excel Coal Limited and as Executive 
Director – Operations for Excel Coal 
Limited, Allan had direct responsibility 
for operations and construction projects. 
From 2000 until early 2006, Allan 
worked for Patrick Corporation as 
Director – Operations. Currently, Allan is 
a Non-Executive Director of QRNational 
and a member of the Advisory Board 
of Qube Logistics.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

2.  coMPAny secretAries

Austen Perrin 
B.ec, cA
Appointed 19 November 2008

Austen has been with the Whitehaven Group since October 2008 as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary. He has 
over 20 years experience in the transport and infrastructure industry including senior executive roles with Toll Holdings Limited 
including the roles of Chief Financial Officer for Toll NZ Limited and Chief Financial Officer for Pacific National Limited. He was 
also Chief Financial Officer for Asciano Limited.

tiMothy Burt
B.ec, llM (hons)
Appointed 29 July 2009

Timothy joined Whitehaven as General Counsel and Company Secretary in July 2009. Prior to that, Timothy held senior legal 
roles at a number of listed Australian companies including Boral Ltd, United Group Ltd and Australian National Industries Ltd.

3.  Directors’ interests

The relevant interest of each director in the shares and options issued by the Company, as notified by the directors to the 
Australian Securities Exchange in accordance with S205G(1) of the Corporations Act 2001, at the date of this report is 
as follows:

Ordinary shares

Options over ordinary shares

John Conde

Neil Chatfield

Tony Haggarty

Alex Krueger*

Hans Mende

Andy Plummer

Allan Davies

378,605

256,805

33,479,897

–

76,019,833

33,514,254

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,625,000

5,000,000

Granted on 17 November 2009 (refer to 
details in note 33 of the financial statements)

* 

 Mr Alex Krueger is a nominee of FRC Whitehaven Holdings BV (FRC) which owns 131,650,000 Whitehaven shares or approximately 26.67% 
of Whitehaven’s share capital. Mr Krueger neither has a relevant interest in those shares nor is he an associate of FRC under section 12 of the 
Corporations Act.

26

4.  Directors’ Meetings

The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of Committees of Directors) and number of meetings attended by each 
of the Directors of the Company during the financial year was:

Director

John Conde

Neil Chatfield

Tony Haggarty

Alex Krueger

Hans Mende

Andy Plummer

Allan Davies

Directors’ Meetings

Audit and Risk  
Committee Meetings

Remuneration  
Committee Meetings

A

17

17

16

16

16

16

17

B

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

A

3

5

–

3

–

–

–

B

5

5

–

5

–

–

–

A

2

2

–

–

1

–

–

B

2

2

–

–

2

–

–

A – Number of meetings attended 
B – Number of meetings held during the time the Director held office during the year

5.  corPorAte goVernAnce stAteMent

The Board of Whitehaven Coal Limited (the ‘Company’) is committed to achieving the highest standards of corporate 
governance and to conducting its operations and corporate activities safely and in accordance with all applicable laws 
and regulatory obligations. This Corporate Governance Statement sets out the key details of Whitehaven’s corporate 
governance framework. 

scope of responsibility of Board

The Board has a formal Board Charter which sets out the responsibilities, structure and composition of the Board. It provides 
that the Board’s broad function is to:

•	 determine strategy and set financial targets for the Whitehaven Group

•	 monitor the implementation and execution of strategy and performance against financial targets

•	 appoint and oversee the performance of executive management and to take and fulfil an effective leadership role in relation 

to Whitehaven

The Charter sets out the responsibilities which are specifically reserved for the Board. These include the following:

•	 composition of the Board, including the appointment and removal of Directors

•	 oversight of the Company, including its control and accountability systems

•	 appointment and removal of senior management and the Company Secretary

•	 reviewing and overseeing systems of risk management and internal compliance and control, codes of ethics and conduct, 

and legal and statutory compliance

•	 monitoring senior management’s performance and implementation of strategy

•	 approving and monitoring financial and other reporting and the operation of committees

Day-to-day management of the Company’s affairs and implementation of its strategy and policy initiatives are delegated 
to the Managing Director and senior executives, who operate in accordance with Board approved policies and delegated 
limits of authority.

A copy of the Board Charter can be viewed on Whitehaven’s website.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Audit and risk Management committee

The purpose of the Audit and Risk Management Committee is to advise on the establishment and maintenance of a framework 
of internal control and appropriate ethical standards for the management of the consolidated entity. 

Its current members are:

(a)  Neil Chatfield (Chairman);

(b)  John Conde; and

(c)  Alex Krueger.

The Committee performs a variety of functions relevant to risk management and internal and external reporting and reports 
to the Board following each meeting. A broad agenda is laid down for each regular meeting according to an annual cycle. 
The Committee invites the external auditors to attend each of its meetings. 

remuneration and nominations committee

The purpose of the Remuneration and Nominations Committee is to assist the Board and report to it on remuneration and 
issues relevant to remuneration policies and practices including those for senior management and non-executive Directors and 
make recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment of new Directors (both executive and non-executive) and 
senior management.

Its current members are:

(a)  John Conde (Chairman);

(b)  Neil Chatfield; and

(c)  Hans Mende.

Among the functions performed by the Committee are the following:

•	 review and evaluation of market practices and trends on remuneration matters

•	 recommendations to the Board in relation to the consolidated entity’s remuneration policies and procedures

•	 oversight of the performance of senior management and non-executive Directors

•	 recommendations to the Board in relation to the remuneration of senior management and non-executive Directors 

•	 development of suitable criteria (as regards skills, qualifications and experience) for Board candidates

•	 identification and consideration of possible candidates, and recommendation to the Board accordingly

•	 establishment of procedures, and recommendations to the Chairman, for the proper oversight of the Board and management

Best practice commitment 

Whitehaven is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of conduct and has undertaken various initiatives, 
as outlined in this statement, designed to achieve this objective. Whitehaven’s corporate governance charter is intended to 
‘institutionalise’ good corporate governance and, generally, to build a culture of best practice both in Whitehaven’s internal 
practices and in its dealings with others. 

independent professional advice

With the prior approval of the Chairman, each Director has the right to seek independent legal and other professional advice 
concerning any aspect of Whitehaven’s operations or undertakings in order to fulfil their duties and responsibilities as Directors. 
Any costs incurred are borne by the Company.

compliance with Asx corporate governance guidelines and best practice recommendations

The Board has assessed the Company’s practice against the Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council’s 
‘Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations’ (‘ASX Guidelines’). Whitehaven complied with the ASX Guidelines 
in all material respects throughout the 2011 financial year. Where the Company has an alternative approach, this has been 
disclosed and explained.

28

Principle 1 – lay solid foundations for management and oversight

The role of the Board and delegation to senior management have been formalised as described above. 

On an annual basis, the Board reviews the performance of the Managing Director. The assessment criteria used in these 
reviews are both qualitative and quantitative and includes the following:

•	 financial performance

•	 safety performance

•	 strategic actions

The Managing Director annually reviews the performance of Whitehaven’s senior executives using criteria consistent with 
the above.

The performance of the Managing Director and the Company’s senior executives during the 2011 financial year has been 
assessed in accordance with the above processes.

Principle 2 – structure the Board to add value

The Board reviews its composition from time to time to ensure the Board benefits from an appropriate balance of skills and 
experience. The Board is currently comprised as follows: 

Director

J Conde (Chairman)

N Chatfield

A Krueger

H Mende

T Haggarty

A Davies

A Plummer

Independent

Yes

Yes

No – affiliated with substantial shareholder

No – substantial shareholder

No – employed in an executive capacity

No – employed in an executive capacity

No – employed in an executive capacity

Non-executive

Term in Office

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

4 years

4 years

4 years

4 years

4 years

2 years

4 years

Whitehaven did not comply with recommendation 2.1 of the ASX Guidelines during the 2011 financial year as a majority of the 
Board are not considered to be independent when considered in accordance with the criteria set out in recommendation 2.1. 
Notwithstanding this, the Board believes that the individuals on the Board can and do make quality and independent judgements 
in the best interests of the Company and other stakeholders. The Board regularly assesses the independence of each non-
executive Director.

The Board periodically undertakes an evaluation of the performance of the Board and its Committees. The evaluation 
encompasses a review of the structure and operation of the Board, and the skills and characteristics required by the Board to 
maximise its effectiveness, and the appropriateness of the Board’s practices and procedures to meet the present and future 
needs of the Company.

The most recent evaluation of the performance of the Whitehaven Board was conducted in the 2011 financial year.

Principle 3 – Promote ethical and responsible decision making

Whitehaven has a Code of Ethics and Values. The purpose of this code is to provide Directors and employees with guidance on 
what is acceptable behaviour. The code requires all Directors, managers and employees to maintain the highest standards of 
honesty and integrity. The Code of Ethics and Values can be viewed on Whitehaven’s website.

Whitehaven has a Securities Trading Policy which it has disclosed to the ASX in accordance with the listing rules. The policy 
sets out the windows in which employees and Directors can trade in Whitehaven’s securities. Under the policy all employees and 
Directors are prohibited from trading in Whitehaven’s securities when they are in possession of price sensitive information that is 
not generally available.

The recruitment and selection processes adopted by Whitehaven ensure that staff and management are selected in a non-
discriminatory manner based on merit. Whitehaven also values diversity in the organisation. In light of recent amendments to the 
ASX’s Corporate Governance Principles, Whitehaven intends to formalise and publish its diversity policy and set suitable diversity 
targets and benchmarks against which it will report. 

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Principle 4 – safeguard integrity in financial reporting

Whitehaven is committed to a transparent system for auditing and reporting of the Company’s financial performance. 
Whitehaven’s Audit and Risk Management Committee performs a central function in achieving this goal. The Chair and members 
of the Committee are independent directors, and all the members of the Committee are financially literate. The Committee holds 
discussions with external auditors without management present as required.

The Audit and Risk Management Committee’s Charter can be viewed on Whitehaven’s website.

Principle 5 – Make timely and balanced disclosure

Whitehaven has in place practices and procedures which are aimed at ensuring timely compliance with the Company’s 
obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and ASX Listing Rules. These practices and procedures require information 
which may need to be disclosed to be brought to the attention of the Board for consideration as to whether disclosure is 
required. These practices and procedures can be viewed on Whitehaven’s website.

Principle 6 – respect the rights of shareholders

The Board recognises the importance of ensuring that shareholders are kept informed of all major developments affecting the 
Company. Information is communicated to shareholders in the following ways:

•	 regular announcements are made to the Australian Securities Exchange in accordance with the Company’s continuous 

disclosure obligations, including quarterly reports, half-year results, full-year results and an Annual Report. These 
announcements are available on Whitehaven’s website

•	 Whitehaven’s Annual Report is delivered to those shareholders who have elected to receive it

•	 through participation at the Company’s annual general meeting. The Board encourages full participation of shareholders at 

the Annual General Meeting

•	 the Company’s external auditors attend the Annual General Meeting and are available to answer shareholders’ questions 

Whitehaven’s policy on communications with shareholders can be viewed on Whitehaven’s website.

Principle 7 – recognise and manage risks

Whitehaven recognises that risk is a part of doing business and that effective risk management is fundamental to achieving 
the Company’s strategic and operational objectives. 

Whitehaven has a Risk Management Framework which provides the approach, infrastructure and processes for risk 
management at the Company. This Framework is constantly evolving, enabling the Company to manage its risks effectively 
and efficiently. The key components of the Framework are as follows:

risk Management Policy – This Policy provides an overview of Whitehaven’s approach to risk management, and includes 
a summary of the roles and responsibilities of both the Board and management.

risk Management standards – These Standards define the minimum risk management requirements that apply to 
Whitehaven’s operations. They address the identification, assessment and management of all material risks that could impact 
the Company’s objectives.

risk Management guidelines – These Guidelines provide guidance to Directors and management as to what needs to be 
done to meet the objectives of the Risk Management Policy and the Risk Management Standards. 

Under the supervision of the Board, management is responsible for identifying and managing risks. The Board is responsible for 
ensuring that a sound system of risk oversight and management exists and that internal controls are effective. In particular, the 
Board ensures that the principal strategic, operational, financial reporting and compliance risks are identified, and that systems 
are in place to manage and report on these risks.

The Board, together with management, constantly seeks to identify, monitor and mitigate risk. Internal controls are monitored 
on a continuous basis and, wherever possible, improved. The whole issue of risk management is formalised in Whitehaven’s 
corporate governance charter (which complies with the Guidelines in relation to risk management) and will continue to be kept 
under regular review. Review takes place at both the Audit and Risk Management Committee level and at Board level. 

30

Senior management has reported to the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Board on the effectiveness of the 
management of the business risks faced by Whitehaven during the 2011 financial year. The Board has also received assurance 
from the Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer that the declaration provided in accordance with section 295A of 
the Corporations Act is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control, and that the system is operating 
efficiently and effectively in all material respects in relation to financial reporting risks. 

Principle 8 – remunerate fairly and responsibly

Whitehaven’s remuneration policy and practices are designed to attract, motivate and retain high quality people. The policy is 
built around the following principles:

•	 remuneration being competitive in the markets in which the Company operates

•	 remuneration being linked to Company performance and the creation of shareholder value

•	 a proportion of remuneration to be dependent upon performance against key business measures, both financial and 

non-financial

Whitehaven has a Remuneration and Nominations Committee whose responsibilities include considering the Company’s 
remuneration strategy and policy and making recommendations to the Board that are in the best interests of the Company and 
its shareholders. The Committee is comprised of a majority of independent Directors, is chaired by an independent Director and 
has three members.

The Remuneration and Nominations Committee has a formal charter which sets out its roles and responsibilities, composition 
structure and membership requirements. A copy of this charter can be viewed on Whitehaven’s website.

The remuneration of non-executive Directors is fixed by way of cash and superannuation contributions. Non-executive Directors 
do not receive any options, bonus payments or other performance related incentives, nor are they provided with any retirement 
benefits other than superannuation.

More information relating to the remuneration of non-executive Directors and senior managers is set out in the Remuneration 
Report on pages 32 to 38. As required by the Corporations Act, a resolution that the Remuneration Report be adopted will 
be put to the vote at the Annual General Meeting, however the vote will be advisory only and will not bind the Directors of 
the Company.

Whitehaven’s Code of Conduct for Transactions in Securities prohibits executives from entering into transactions or 
arrangements which limit the economic risk of participating in unvested entitlements under the Company’s equity-based 
remuneration schemes.

6.  DiViDenDs

During the year the Company paid fully franked dividends of $30,117,000, representing a final 2010 dividend of 2.8 cents 
per ordinary share and an interim dividend for 2011 of 3.3 cents per ordinary share.

Declared after end of year

After the balance date the following dividend was proposed by the Directors. The dividend has not been provided and there 
are no income tax consequences.

Final ordinary (Fully franked)

Cents per share

4.1

Total amount 
$’000

20,273

Franked amount  
per security

Date of payment

100%

30 September 2011

The record date for determining entitlement to the dividend will be 16 September 2011.

The financial effect of these dividends has not been brought to account in the financial statements for the year ended 
30 June 2011 and will be recognised in subsequent financial reports.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

reMunerAtion rePort – AuDiteD

7. 
7.1  Principles of compensation – audited

Remuneration is referred to as compensation throughout this report. 

Key management personnel have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company 
and the consolidated entity, including directors of the Company and other executives. Key management personnel comprise 
the directors of the Company and executives for the Company and the consolidated entity including the five most highly 
remunerated executives.

Compensation levels for key management personnel and secretaries of the Company and key management personnel of the 
consolidated entity are competitively set to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced directors and executives. 
The Remuneration and Nominations Committee obtains independent advice on the appropriateness of compensation packages 
of both the Company and the consolidated entity given trends in comparative companies both locally and internationally and the 
objectives of the Company’s compensation strategy.

The compensation structures explained below are designed to attract suitably qualified candidates, reward the achievement of 
strategic objectives, and achieve the broader outcome of creation of value for shareholders. The compensation structures take 
into account:

•	 the capability and experience of the key management personnel

•	 the key management personnel’s ability to control performance

•	 the consolidated entity’s performance including: 

  –  the consolidated entity’s earnings

  –  the growth in share price and delivering constant returns on shareholder wealth

  –  the amount of incentives within each key management person’s compensation.

Compensation packages may include a mix of fixed compensation and short and long-term incentives. In addition to their 
salaries, the consolidated entity also provides non-cash benefits to its key management personnel.

Fixed compensation

Fixed compensation consists of base compensation (which is calculated on a total cost basis and includes any FBT charges 
related to employee benefits including motor vehicles), as well as employer contributions to superannuation funds.

Compensation levels are reviewed annually by the Remuneration and Nominations Committee through a process that considers 
individual and overall performance of the consolidated entity. In addition, external consultants provide analysis and advice to 
ensure the directors’ and senior executives’ compensation is competitive in the market place. A senior executive’s compensation 
is also reviewed on promotion.

Short-term incentive bonus

Each year, the Managing Director assesses the performance of senior executives and may recommend the payment of a 
short-term incentive bonus to the Board for approval.

Long-term incentive

The objective of LTI compensation is to reward and retain key management personnel in a manner which aligns this element of 
compensation with the creation of shareholder wealth. As such, LTI grants are made to employees who are able to influence the 
generation of shareholder wealth and therefore have a direct impact on the Company’s performance. LTI grants to executives 
are delivered in the form of options.

The grant of options is a direct link between director, executive and shareholder wealth. The indices below are considered when 
measuring the Group’s performance and benefits for shareholder wealth.

32

The Company does not permit directors and executives to use hedging instruments to protect the value of the equity 
based remuneration. 

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Profit attributable to the group ($000’s)

9,946

114,884

244,212

51,854

24,095

Revenue ($000’s)

622,186

406,807

489,397

252,000

106,201

Share price at year end (dollars per share)

$5.83

$4.80

Basic EPS (cents per share)

Diluted EPS (cents per share)

2.0

2.0

24.2

24.0

$3.14

60.5

60.3

$4.47

14.5

14.4

$2.09

8.0

8.0

After the year-end the Company agreed to grante Share Acquisition Rights (SARs) over 120,000 ordinary shares to key 
management personnel (excluding Executive Directors) as part of ongoing long-term incentive plans. The SARs vest over the 
period 1 July 2012 to 1 July 2015 and are subject to market based performance hurdles. 

Other benefits

Other benefits include motor vehicles and some minor benefits.

Employment contracts

It is the consolidated entity’s policy that service contracts are entered into with key management personnel. These contracts 
vary in term but are capable of termination by the consolidated entity at short notice should the specified executive commit any 
serious breach of any of the provisions of their agreement or is guilty of any grave misconduct or wilful neglect in the discharge 
of their duties.

Tony Haggarty, Managing Director, was appointed on 17 October 2008 and has an evergreen employment agreement, which 
can be terminated by either party with three months notice or payment in lieu thereof. The components of Mr Haggarty’s 
remuneration package include: total fixed remuneration of $724,486 and the eligibility to participate in the Company’s 
incentive schemes.

Andy Plummer, Executive Director, was appointed on 17 October 2008 and has an evergreen employment agreement, which 
can be terminated by either party with three months notice or payment in lieu thereof. The components of Mr Plummer’s 
remuneration package include: total fixed remuneration of $413,992 and the eligibility to participate in the Company’s 
incentive schemes.

Allan Davies contracts his services to Whitehaven through Dalara Management Services Pty Ltd. This service agreement can 
be terminated by either party with one months notice or payment in lieu thereof.

Austen Perrin, Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary, was appointed on 27 October 2008 and has an evergreen 
employment agreement which can be terminated by either party with three months notice or payment in lieu thereof. The 
components of Mr Perrin’s remuneration package include: total fixed remuneration of $422,273 and the eligibility to participate 
in the Company’s incentive schemes.

Tony Galligan, General Manager Infrastructure, was appointed on 22 May 2006 and has an evergreen employment agreement. 
The components of Mr Galligan’s remuneration package include: total fixed remuneration of $381,660 and the eligibility to 
participate in the Company’s incentive schemes.

Timothy Burt, General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary, was appointed on 29 July 2009 and has an evergreen 
employment agreement which can be terminated by either party with three months notice or payment in lieu thereof. The 
components of Mr Burt’s remuneration package include: total fixed remuneration of $275,306 and the eligibility to participate 
in the Company’s incentive schemes.

During the year, the consolidated entity implemented a retention bonus scheme for key senior employees (excluding the 
Managing Director) in the Whitehaven Group. Under the scheme, retention amounts up to an aggregate total of $1,491,401 
are payable to those key management personnel identified in this remuneration report who remain in the employment of the 
Whitehaven Group on 1 February 2012. These amounts will become payable earlier than 1 February 2012 if an employee is 
terminated for any reason other than serious misconduct or material breach of employment conditions.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

reMunerAtion rePort – AuDiteD (continueD)

7. 
7.1  Principles of compensation – audited (continued)
Non-Executive Directors 

The constitution of the Company provides that the non-executive Directors may be paid, as remuneration for their services as 
non-executive Directors, a sum determined from time to time by the Company’s shareholders in general meeting, with that sum 
to be divided amongst the non-executive Directors in such manner and proportion as they agree.

The maximum aggregate amount which was approved by shareholders for fees to the non-executive Directors is $500,000 
per annum. Non-executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2011 amounted to $430,000. 

Non-executive directors do not receive equity instruments. 

7.2  Directors’ and executive officers’ remuneration (company and consolidated) – audited

Details of the nature and amount of each major element of remuneration of each Director of the Company and each of the 
five named Company executives and relevant consolidated entity executives who receive the highest remuneration and other 
key management personnel are shown in the table below. Options issued to entities associated with Andy Plummer and 
Tony Haggarty under the Equity Participation and Option Deed are also disclosed in this table.

Short-term

Share-based payments

Salary & 
Fees 
$

STI cash 
bonus 
(A) 
$

Non-
monetary 
benefit 
$

Other 
benefits 
 (B) 
$

Term- 
ination 
benefits 
$

Super- 
annuation 
benefits 
$

Total 
$

Options 
issued to 
Directors/
senior 
employees 
(C) 
$

Post- 
employ-
ment 
benefits 
$

Shares 
issued to 
Directors  
(D) 
$

Options 
issued 
under the 
EPOD  
(E) 
$

Value of 
options as 
proportion 
of total
%

In AUD

Directors 

non-executive 
Directors 

14,862 180,000

11,816 143,100

8,257 100,000

6,002

86,313

–

–

–

–

75,000

63,375

75,000

63,375

65,862 899,486

52,489 826,226

37,636 513,992

41,988 461,867

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 195,000

19.1

–

–

– 195,000

–

29.7

76.7

96.0

– 639,377

– 2,101,608

–

– 696,188

– 9,508,046 7,175,000

–

–

John Conde  
(Chairman) 

2011 165,138

2010 131,284

Neil Chatfield  2011

91,743

2010

80,311

Alex Krueger

2011

75,000

2010

63,375

Hans Mende

2011

75,000

2010

63,375

executive  
Directors

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Tony Haggarty 2011 658,624 175,000

2010 661,237 112,500

Andy Plummer 2011 376,356 100,000

2010 363,629

56,250

Allan Davies

2011 526,877 112,500

2010 628,688

67,500

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

34

Short-term

Share-based payments

Salary & 
Fees 
$

STI cash 
bonus 
(A) 
$

Non-
monetary 
benefits 
$

Other 
benefits 
 (B) 
$

Term- 
ination 
benefits 
$

Super- 
annuation 
benefits 
$

Total 
$

Options 
issued to 
Directors/
senior 
employees 
(C) 
$

Post- 
employ-
ment 
benefits 
$

In AUD

executives 

Shares 
issued to 
Directors  
(D) 
$

Options 
issued 
under the 
EPOD  
(E) 
$

Value of 
options as 
proportion 
of total 
%

Austen Perrin  
(CFO/Company 
Secretary) 

2011 376,356 100,000

2010 363,629

67,500

2011 346,964 92,188

2010 307,035

77,083

26,757

–

–

–

8,281

7,163

–

–

2011 243,450

62,500

2010 217,071

–

–

–

7,511

4,449

Tony Galligan 
(General 
Manager 
Infrastructure)

Timothy Burt 
(General 
Counsel/
Company 
Secretary) *

–

–

–

–

–

–

37,636 522,273

43,113 481,405

34,696 473,848

38,412 449,287

24,345 337,806

21,507 243,027

–

–

–

–

–

–

368,536

94,383

291,892

–

225,789

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

41.4

16.4

38.1

–

40.1

–

*  Timothy Burt appointed Joint Company Secretary 29 July 2009

Notes in relation to the table of Directors’ and executive officers’ remuneration – audited 

A. 

B. 

C. 

 The amounts disclosed as STI cash bonus relate to amounts approved by the Board for performance of senior executives 
during the previous financial year.

The amounts disclosed as other benefits relate to car spaces, professional fees and other similar items.

 The fair value for share options granted to the directors and senior employees is based on the fair value of options 
granted, measured using a Black Scholes model (for options) or a Monte Carlo simulation model (for Share Acquisition 
Rights). The following factors and assumptions were used in determining the fair value of options on grant date:

Grant date

Directors*

17/11/09

17/11/09

17/11/09

executives

19/02/09

19/02/09

19/02/09

04/08/10

04/08/10

13/10/10

13/10/10

13/10/10

Expected  
option life/ 
Expiry date

Fair value 
per option

Exercise 
price

Price of  
shares on  
grant date

Expected 
volatility

Risk free  

interest rate

Dividend 
yield

31/10/13

31/10/13

31/10/13

26/10/11

26/10/12

26/10/13

01/07/12

01/07/13

01/07/12

01/07/13

01/07/14

$2.72

$2.39

$2.12

$1.19

$1.36

$1.56

$5.33

$5.09

$5.20

$5.00

$4.95

$1.70

$1.70

$1.70

$1.00

$1.00

$1.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$4.42

$4.42

$4.42

$1.51

$1.51

$1.51

$5.73

$5.73

$6.20

$6.20

$6.20

60%

60%

60%

30%

30%

30%

40%

40%

40%

40%

40%

3.50%

3.50%

3.50%

3.00%

3.00%

3.00%

4.60%

4.70%

4.70%

4.70%

4.80%

10%

10%

10%

10%

10%

10%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

*  Director refers to Mr Allan Davies whose options were granted to Dalara Investments Pty Ltd as trustee for the AJ and LM Davies Family Trust

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

reMunerAtion rePort – AuDiteD (continueD)

7. 
7.2  Directors’ and executive officers’ remuneration (company and consolidated) – audited (continued)

If employment is terminated any options that have not vested will be forfeited.

In regard to the options issued to Directors, the Board committed to issue these options on 19 February 2009. The grant of 
these options was subsequently approved by shareholders at the AGM on 17 November 2009. Accounting standard AASB 2 
deems the issue date of these options to be the date shareholder approval was formally received. Accordingly the company is 
required to account for the issue based on the prevailing share price at the date of the AGM.

D. 

 Shares were issued to Dalara Investments Pty Ltd, a company controlled by Mr Allan Davies, as trustee for the AJ and 
LM Davies Family Trust. The Board committed to issue these shares on 19 February 2009. The grant of shares was 
subsequently approved by shareholders at the AGM on 17 November 2009. Accounting standard AASB 2 deems the 
issue date of these shares to be the date shareholder approval was formally received. Accordingly the company is required 
to account for the issue based on the prevailing share price at the date of the AGM.

E. 

Equity Participation and Option Deed

The fair value for options issued under the Equity Participation and Option Deed is based on the fair value of options granted, 
measured using a Black Scholes model. The following factors and assumptions were used in determining the fair value of 
options on grant date:

Grant date

03/05/07

Expected  
option life/ 
Expiry date

Fair value 
per option

10 years

7.2 cents

Exercise  
price

$1.00

Price of  
shares on  
grant date

Expected 
volatility

Risk free  

interest rate

$1.00

30%

5.88%

Dividend 
yield

10%

During the year ended 30 June 2007, the consolidated entity entered into an Equity Participation and Option Deed (the Deed) 
with entities related to Directors Andy Plummer and Tony Haggarty. In accordance with the Deed, the related entities of Andy 
Plummer and Tony Haggarty were granted six options each to acquire additional shares in the Company. The number of 
option shares was the percentage (the ‘Grant percentage’ set out in the table below) of a deemed amount of issued shares. 
For the purposes of the Deed, the deemed number of shares was 300 million shares plus any shares issued under previous 
exercised options. 

Each option was exercisable when the share price reached a certain level (as set out in the table below). All share prices were 
considered attained when the volume weighted average price of ordinary shares on the ASX measured over 10 consecutive 
trading days reached the required amount. Options 1 and 2 were exercised during the year ended 30 June 2008. Options 3 and 
4 were exercised during the year ended 30 June 2009. Options 5 and 6 were exercised during the year ended 30 June 2010. 
All options had an exercise price of $1 and had to be exercised by the related entities within 90 days of being notified the 
Company’s share price had reached the target share price.

Option No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Grant  
percentage

0.835%

1.5%

1.2%

1.195%

1.1%

1.1%

Maximum number  
of potential  
shares each

2,505,000

4,575,150

3,769,924

3,844,317

3,623,277

3,702,989

22,020,657

Share  
price

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

$4.50

$5.00

Percentage of the 
Tranche 2 shares 
released from  
escrow to be held

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

The options were granted for nil consideration. The fair value of the options at grant date was 7.2 cents per option share. For 
accounting purposes the fair value of these options attributable to the period ended 30 June 2011 of $nil (2010: $390,000) 
has been recognised in the profit and loss.

36

7.3  equity instruments – audited

All options refer to options over ordinary shares of Whitehaven Coal Limited.

7.3.1  Options over equity instruments granted as compensation – audited 

Details on options over ordinary shares in the Company that were granted to each key management person during the reporting 
period are as follows:

Number of 
options granted 
during 2011

Fair value per 
option at  

grant date

Exercise price 
per option

Grant date 

executives

Austen Perrin

40,000

4 Aug 2010

20,000

4 Aug 2010

13,334

13 Oct 2010

13,333

13 Oct 2010

13,333

13 Oct 2010

Timothy Burt

26,667

4 Aug 2010

13,333

4 Aug 2010

8,334

13 Oct 2010

8,333

13 Oct 2010

8,333

13 Oct 2010

Tony Galligan

33,333

4 Aug 2010

16,667

4 Aug 2010

11,667

13 Oct 2010

11,667

13 Oct 2010

11,666

13 Oct 2010

$5.33

$5.09

$5.20

$5.00

$4.95

$5.33

$5.09

$5.20

$5.00

$4.95

$5.33

$5.09

$5.20

$5.00

$4.95

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Vesting date

Expiry date

1 July 2011

1 July 2012

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2011

1 July 2012

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2013

1 July 2014

1 July 2011

1 July 2012

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2011

1 July 2012

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2013

1 July 2014

1 July 2011

1 July 2012

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2011

1 July 2012

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2013

1 July 2014

The fair value of these options attributable to the period ended 30 June 2011 of $886,000 has been recognised in the profit 
and loss.

The options will vest on meeting the total shareholder return hurdles as set out in note 33(b) and if the employees remain 
with the Company at the vesting date.

Other than the SARs disclosed in section 7.1 of the remuneration report, no options have been granted since the end of the 
financial year. The options were provided at no cost to the recipients.

7.3.2  Modification of terms of equity-settled share-based payment transactions – audited

No terms of equity-settled share-based payment transactions have been altered or modified by the issuing entity during the 
reporting period. 

7.3.3  Exercise of options over equity instruments granted as compensation – audited

During the reporting period no shares were issued on the exercise of options previously granted to Director-related entities 
or executives.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

reMunerAtion rePort – AuDiteD (continueD)

7. 
7.3  equity instruments – audited (continued)
7.3.4  Vesting of options over equity instruments granted as compensation – audited

Details of options vested during the year for each of the named executives and director-related entities are detailed below.

Options granted

Number

Grant date

% vested 
 in year

% Forfeited  

in year

Financial years  
in which  

grant vests

executives

Austen Perrin

Director-related entities

33,333

19 Feb 2009

Allan Davies

1,666,666

17 Nov 2009

100

100

–

–

2011

2011

The options provided to executives and the related entity of Mr Davies vested in accordance with the vesting dates disclosed 
in note 33 of the financial statements. 

7.3.5  Analysis of movements in options – audited

The movement during the reporting period, by value, of options over ordinary shares in the Company held by director-related 
entities and each key management person is detailed below.

executives

Austen Perrin

Timothy Burt

Tony Galligan

Granted in  
year  
$ (A)

Value of options 
exercised  
in year  
$ (B)

517,000

336,250

439,250

–

–

–

Lapsed  
in year  
$ (C)

–

–

–

(A) 

(B) 

 The value of options granted in the year is the fair value of the options calculated at grant date using the Black Scholes 
model or the Monte Carlo simulation model. The total value of the options granted is included in the table above. This 
amount is allocated to remuneration over the vesting periods 4 August 2010 to 1 July 2013.

 The value of options exercised during the year is calculated as the market price of shares of the Company as at close 
of trading on the date the options were exercised after deducting the price paid to exercise the option. No options were 
exercised during the year.

(C) 

 The value of options that lapsed during the year represents the benefit forgone and is calculated at the date the option 
lapsed using the Black Scholes model or the Monte Carlo simulation model. No options lapsed in the year.

8.  PrinciPAl ActiVities

The principal activity of the Group during the period was the development and operation of coal mines in New South Wales. 
During the year ended 30 June 2011, Whitehaven Coal Limited and its controlled entities (‘the Group’) continued development 
at the Narrabri underground mine.

38

9.  oPerAting AnD finAnciAl reView
9.1  overview of the consolidated entity

Whitehaven Coal Limited was incorporated on 15 March 2007 and legally acquired Whitehaven Coal Mining Limited and its 
controlled entities on 29 May 2007. During the year ended 30 June 2011, the Group continued development at the Narrabri 
underground mine.

9.2   highlights 
Financial

•	 Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT), before Significant Items, of $73.3 million, up 33% from FY2010;

•	 NPAT after significant items of $9.9 million. Total significant items after tax of $63.4 million including:

–  $45.8 million from losses incurred on legacy contracts from both purchased coal and financial settlements

–  $11.6 million foreign exchange loss relating to the outstanding USD receivable from EDF for its Narrabri JV purchase.

•	 A fully franked final dividend of 4.1 cents per share has been declared, payable on 30 September 2011. This takes the total 

dividend for the year to 7.4 cents per share;

•	 Revenue of $437.0 million (net of purchased coal and excluding NSW royalty), up 33% from FY2010;

•	 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $189.7 million (excluding coal purchases), reduced 

to $148.0 million after coal purchases;

•	 Cash generated from operations of $120.3 million, compared to $69.3 million in FY2010;

•	 Proceeds received from the sale of Narrabri of $190.8 million during the year;

•	 Strong cash flow and financial position – $207.6 million cash available with net cash of $29.0 million compared to 

$141.0 million cash available and net cash of $46.1 million at 30 June 2010;

Operating 

•	 Saleable coal production up 20% (equity basis) to 4.2 Mtpa and up 19% (100% basis) to 4.7 Mtpa;

•	 Successful expansion of Whitehaven’s open cut mines which operated at an annual rate of almost 6 Mtpa of ROM coal 

in the June quarter;

•	 Narrabri mine production ramp up continuing with four continuous miners now operating and excellent underground 

mining conditions;

•	 Narrabri Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) commenced commissioning in August 2011;

•	 Definition of a 439 Mt open cut coal resource at Vickery with preliminary work indicating an open cut mine plan for Vickery 

of 4.5 Mtpa ROM for at least 25 years with a stripping ratio of approximately 10:1;

•	 Continuing investment in infrastructure with rail and port capacity secured to meet growth profile;

•	 Expansion of the Gunnedah CHPP completed with washing capacity increased to 3 Mtpa and total coal handling and rail 

loading capacity of 4.2 Mtpa;

•	 Heads of agreement signed with Idemitsu to extend the existing Tarrawonga Joint Venture and share new CHPP and 

rail infrastructure.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

9.  oPerAting AnD finAnciAl reView (continueD)
9.3   review of operations

The Managing Director’s Report, containing a review of operations, commences on page 8 of this Annual Financial Report. 
This, together with the Chairman’s Letter and the sections headed ‘Significant Changes in the State of Affairs’ and ‘Events 
Subsequent to Reporting Date’ in this report, provides a review of operations of the consolidated entity during the year and 
subsequent to the reporting date.

10.  significAnt chAnges in the stAte of AffAirs

In the opinion of the directors, there were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the consolidated entity that have not 
been noted in the review of operations that occurred during the financial year.

11.  eVents suBsequent to rePorting DAte

In the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report there has not arisen any item, transaction or 
event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors of the Company, to affect significantly the operations 
of the consolidated entity, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the consolidated entity, in future financial 
years other than the following:

•	 The directors have resolved to pay a fully franked dividend of 4.1 cents per ordinary share (refer Note 26).

•	 After the year end the Company agreed to grante Share Acquisition Rights (SARs) over 720,000 ordinary shares to key 

senior employees (excluding Executive Directors) as part of ongoing long-term incentive plans. The SARs vest over the period 
1 July 2012 to 1 July 2015 and are subject to market based performance hurdles.

•	 On 16 August 2011, the Company entered into long-term arrangements with Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for 

rail track access between the Company’s mines and Newcastle Port.

•	 On 27 July 2011, 651,679 ordinary shares were issued pursuant to the vesting of employee SARs. 

•	 The consolidated entity received a claim in June 2008 in relation to the performance of its obligations under a coal sales 

contract. The claim was settled on 1 July 2011 for an amount of US$1,625,000.

The financial effect of the above matters has not been brought to account in the financial statements for the year ended 
30 June 2011 but will be recognised in future financial periods.

40

12.  liKely DeVeloPMents

The consolidated entity will continue with the operation and development of its coal projects. Further information about likely 
developments in the operations of the consolidated entity and the expected results of those operations in future financial years 
has not been included in this report because disclosure of this information would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice 
to the consolidated entity.

The Government released the draft Clean Energy Bill 2011 (the ‘Bill’ or the ‘Scheme’) which will have an impact on the 
Australian economy, and also on the Group. The Bill, which is not substantially enacted, is expected to be finalised in 
November 2011 with a commencement date of 1 July 2012. Management is currently reviewing its operations, expected 
financial impacts and opportunities, based on the information released, however this may change as the Bill is finalised.

13.  shAre oPtions
13.1 options granted to directors and officers of the company

During or since the end of the financial year, the Company granted options or agreed to grant options for no consideration over 
unissued ordinary shares in the Company to the following of the five most highly remunerated officers of the Company as part 
of their remuneration:

officers

Austen Perrin

Timothy Burt

Anthony Galligan

Number of 
options granted

Exercise  
price

Expiry date

150,000

100,000

120,000

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

1 July 2012 to 1 July 2015

1 July 2012 to 1 July 2015

1 July 2012 to 1 July 2015

These options do not entitle the holder to participate in any share issue of the Company or any other body corporate.

13.2 shares issued on exercise of options

During the financial year, no Director-related entity nor executive of the Company exercised any options. 

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

13.  shAre oPtions (continueD)
13.3 unissued shares under options

At the date of this report unissued ordinary shares of the Company under option are:

Expiry date

26 October 2011

30 June 2012

21 October 2012

26 October 2012

1 July 2013

26 October 2013

31 October 2013

2 November 2013

1 July 2014

1 July 2015

Exercise  
price

$1.00

$1.00

$2.50

$1.00

$0.00

$1.00

$1.70

$1.00

$0.00

$0.00

Number of 
shares

33,333

33,334

3,000,000

33,333

658,340

66,668

5,000,000

33,334

424,996

239,985

For details of options issued to key management personnel refer to section 7 of the Directors’ report.

14.  inDeMnificAtion AnD insurAnce of officers 
14.1 indemnification

The Company has agreed to indemnify all current and former directors of the Company against all liabilities to another person 
(other than the Company or a related body corporate) that may arise from their position as directors of the Company and its 
controlled entities, except where the liability arises out of conduct involving a lack of good faith. The agreement stipulates 
that the Company will meet the full amount of any such liabilities, including costs and expenses.

14.2 insurance premiums

During the financial year the Company has paid premiums in respect of directors’ and officers’ liability and legal expenses 
insurance contracts. Such insurance contracts insure against certain liability (subject to certain exclusions) persons who are 
or have been directors or officers of the Company or its controlled entities.

The directors have not included details of the nature of the liabilities covered or the amount of the premium paid in respect 
of the directors’ and officers’ liability and legal expenses insurance contracts, as such disclosure is prohibited under the terms 
of the contract.

42

15.  non-AuDit serVices

During the year Ernst & Young, the Company’s auditor, has performed certain other services in addition to their statutory duties.

The Board has considered the non-audit services provided during the year by the auditor and in accordance with written advice 
provided by resolution of the audit and risk management committee, is satisfied that the provision of those non-audit services 
during the year by the auditor is compatible with, and did not compromise, the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

•	 all non-audit services were subject to the corporate governance procedures adopted by the Company and have been 

reviewed by the audit committee to ensure they do not impact the integrity and objectivity of the auditor; and

•	 the non-audit services provided do not undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in 

APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, as they did not involve reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own 
work, acting in a management or decision making capacity for the Company, acting as an advocate for the Company or 
jointly sharing risks and rewards. 

Details of the amounts paid to the auditor of the Company, Ernst & Young, and their related practices for non-audit services 
provided during the year are set out below. 

In AUD

non-audit services

Ernst & Young

Due diligence services

Review of Greenhouse Gas emissions

Taxation services

Other assurance services 

Consolidated

2011

2010

487,229

74,059

–

7,210

–

86,684

40,508

5,142

568,498

132,334

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT

16.  leAD AuDitor’s inDePenDence DeclArAtion

The Lead auditor’s independence declaration is set out on page 45 and forms part of the Directors’ report for financial year 
ended 30 June 2011.

17.  rounDing

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Class Order 98/100 and dated 10 July 1998 and in accordance with that 
Class Order, all financial information presented in Australian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand unless 
otherwise stated.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:

John conde
Chairman

Dated at Sydney this 23rd day of August 2011

44

auDITOR’S InDEPEnDEnCE 
DEClaRaTIOn

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Financial report

Statement of Comprehensive Income                                                             47

Statement of Financial Position                                                                     49

Statement of Changes in Equity                                                                    51

Statement of Cash Flows                                                                             52

Notes to the Financial Statements                                                                53

Directors’ Declaration                                                                                 112

Independent Auditor’s Report                                                                     113

ASX Additional Information                                                                         115

46

Statement oF comprehenSive income
For the Year enDeD 30 june 2011

In thousands of AUD ($’000)

Revenue 

Operating expenses

Before significant items

Significant items

Depreciation and amortisation

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income

Before significant items

Significant items

Selling and distribution expenses

Other expenses

Before significant items

Significant items

Administrative expenses

Before significant items

Significant items

Profit before financing income

Financial income

Before significant items

Significant items

Financial expenses

Before significant items

Significant items

Net financing expense

Profit before tax

Consolidated

Note

2011

2010

8

7

9

7

622,186

406,807

(405,646)

(240,545)

(25,563)

–

(431,209)

(240,545)

(40,938)

(32,025)

(472,147)

(272,570)

150,039

134,237

15,184

9,427

–

114,314

15,184

123,741

(66,373)

(51,189)

(4,329)

(802)

(41,944)

(16,683)

(46,273)

(17,485)

7

10

(13,053)

(14,930)

7

(5,778)

(2,375)

(18,831)

(17,305)

33,746

171,999

7

12

7

12

12

9,169

8,602

17,771

12,817

4,511

17,328

(17,770)

(10,857)

(24,922)

(7,223)

(42,692)

(18,080)

(24,921)

(752)

8,825

171,247

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Statement oF comprehenSive income (continueD)
For the Year enDeD 30 june 2011

In thousands of AUD ($’000)

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Before significant items

Significant items

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent

Before significant items

Significant items

Net profit attributable to equity holders

Other comprehensive income

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit and loss

Income tax on items of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the period

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share (cents per share)

Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

Earnings per share before significant items:

Basic earnings per share (cents per share)

Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

Consolidated

2011

8,825

2010

171,247

(25,130)

(23,595)

26,251

(32,768)

1,121

(56,363)

73,300

(63,354)

55,108

59,776

9,946

114,884

136,440

(92,244)

(13,259)

30,937

40,883

29,494

(48,722)

5,769

(13,459)

101,425

2 0

2 0

14 8

14 7

24 2

24 0

11 6

11 5

Note

7

13

13

36

36

36

36

The statement of comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements 

48

 
Statement oF Financial poSition
aS at 30 june 2011

In thousands of AUD ($’000)

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Investments

Current tax receivable

Deferred stripping

Derivative financial instruments

Total current assets

Trade and other receivables

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration and evaluation

Intangible assets

Deferred stripping

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Employee benefits

Current tax payable

Deferred income

Provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred income

Provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Consolidated

Note

2011

2010

14

15

16

18

13

17

15

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

13

25

17

23

13

25

17

207,602

92,365

25,886

14,866

9,957

55,619

55,998

141,049

289,206

20,921

–

–

27,903

23,127

462,293

502,206

2,702

1,210

37,159

1,210

936,987

760,981

9,422

49,781

–

5,344

43,488

928

1,000,102

849,110

1,462,395

1,351,316

154,264

128,408

49,436

8,789

–

355

4,932

7,208

37,307

6,245

37,514

191

1,246

14,280

224,984

225,191

129,157

38,621

–

29,097

–

196,875

421,859

57,622

12,089

444

27,652

5,142

102,949

328,140

1,040,536

1,023,176

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Statement oF Financial poSition (continueD)
aS at 30 june 2011

In thousands of AUD ($’000)

Equity

Issued capital

Share-based payments reserve

Hedge reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Consolidated

Note

2011

2010

26(a)

591,339

591,176

24,358

33,776

17,927

2,839

391,063

411,234

1,040,536

1,023,176

The statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements 

50

Statement oF changeS in equitY
For the Year enDeD 30 june 2011

Consolidated 
In thousands of AUD ($’000)

Issued  
capital

Share based 
payments 
reserve

Note

Retained  
earnings

Hedge 
reserve

Total

Opening balance at 1 July 2009

367,352

442

338,753

16,298

722,845

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity 
as owners:

Dividends paid

Share-based payments

Share options exercised

Shares issued for cash

Costs of shares issued, net of tax

Closing balance at 30 June 2010

Opening balance at 1 July 2010

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity 
as owners:

Dividends paid

Share-based payments

Share options exercised

Shares issued for cash

Costs of shares issued, net of tax

26

33

26

26

26

26

33

26

26

26

–

–

–

–

–

14,753

214,886

(5,815)

591,176

591,176

–

–

–

–

–

167

–

(4)

–

–

–

–

17,485

–

–

–

114,884

–

114,884

–

(13,459)

(13,459)

114,884

(13,459)

101,425

(42,403)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(42,403)

17,485

14,753

214,886

(5,815)

17,927

17,927

411,234

411,234

2,839

1,023,176

2,839

1,023,176

–

–

–

–

6,431

–

–

–

9,946

–

9,946

–

30,937

30,937

9,946

30,937

40,883

(30,117)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(30,117)

6,431

167

–

(4)

Closing balance at 30 June 2011

591,339

24,358

391,063

33,776

1,040,536

The statement of changes in equity is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements 

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Statement oF caSh FlowS
For the Year enDeD 30 june 2011

In thousands of AUD ($’000)

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash receipts from customers

Cash paid to suppliers and employees

Cash generated from operations

Interest paid

Interest received

Income taxes paid

Consolidated

Note

2011

2010

656,836

397,363

(536,510)

(328,017)

120,326

(14,891)

7,009

69,346

(6,505)

7,426

(33,075)

(109,790)

Net cash from/(used in) operating activities

31

79,369

(39,523)

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from sell down of Narrabri project

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of intangible assets

Acquisition of investments

Proceeds from sale of investments

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Contract guarantee security

Proceeds from repayments of loans advanced

Loans advanced

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from the issue of share capital

Proceeds from the exercise of share options

Transaction costs paid on issue of share capital

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Payment of finance lease liabilities

Dividends paid

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June

190,866

949

99,749

1,071

(225,347)

(245,685)

(8,044)

(37,365)

22,499

(4,078)

–

8,707

(1,693)

(3,110)

–

–

(1,506)

6,162

–

(3,404)

(53,506)

(146,723)

–

167

(6)

90,677

(2,207)

214,886

14,753

(8,306)

32,321

(918)

26

26

(17,824)

(14,197)

26

(30,117)

(42,403)

40,690

66,553

196,316

9,890

141,049

131,159

14

207,602

141,049

The statement of cash flows is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements 

52

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

1.  REPORTiNG ENTiTy

The financial report of Whitehaven Coal Limited (‘Whitehaven’ or ‘Company’) for the year ended 30 June 2011 was authorised 
for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 23 August 2011  Whitehaven Coal Limited is a company limited 
by shares incorporated and domiciled in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange  
The address of the Company’s registered office is Level 9, 1 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000  The principal activity of the 
consolidated entity is the development and operation of coal mines in New South Wales 

2.  BAsis Of PREPARATiON

The financial report is a general purpose financial report, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards (AAS) and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board (AASB)  

The financial report has been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments that have been 
measured at fair value (refer note 3g) 

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Class Order 98/100 and dated 10 July 1998 and in accordance with that 
Class Order, all financial information presented in Australian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars unless 
otherwise stated 

a)  statement of compliance

The financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(IFRIC) 

b)  functional and presentation currency

Both the functional and presentation currency of the Company and of all entities in the consolidated entity is 
Australian dollars ($)  

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial 
statements and have been applied consistently by all subsidiaries in the consolidated entity 

New accounting standards and interpretations
(i)  Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except as follows:

The Group has adopted the following new and amended Australian Accounting Standards and AASB interpretations where 
applicable as at 1 July 2010 

•	 AASB 2009-5 Further Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project 

effective 1 July 2010

•	 AASB 2009-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions 

[AASB 2] effective 1 July 2010

•	 AASB 2009-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Classification of Rights Issues [AASB 132] effective 

1 July 2010

•	 AASB 2010-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project [AASB 3, 

AASB 7, AASB 121, AASB 128, AASB 131, AASB 132 & AASB139] effective 1 July 2010

•	 Interpretation 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments effective 1 July 2010

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
New accounting standards and interpretations (continued)
(i)  Changes in accounting policy and disclosures (continued)

Where the adoption of the Standard or Interpretation is deemed to have an impact on the financial statements or performance 
of the Group, its impact is described below:

AASB 2009-5 Further Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project

The Improvements to IFRS project is an annual process that the IASB has adopted to deal with non-urgent but necessary 
amendments to IFRS  The amendments result in various accounting changes and terminology or editorial amendments  The 
subject of amendments to the standards are set out below:

•	 AASB 5 Disclosures in relation to non-current assets (or disposal groups) classified as held for sale or discontinued 

operations

•	 AASB 8 Disclosure of information about segment assets

•	 AASB 101 Current/non-current classification of convertible instruments

•	 AASB 107 Classification of expenditure that does not give rise to an asset

•	 AASB 117 Classification of leases of land

•	 AASB 118 Determining whether an entity is acting as a principal or an agent

•	 AASB 136 Clarifying the unit of account for goodwill impairment test is not larger than an operating segment 

before aggregation

•	 AASB 139 Treating loan prepayment penalties as closely related embedded derivatives, and revising the scope exemption 

for forward contracts to enter into a business combination contract

The adoption of these amendments did not have any impact on the financial position or the performance of the Group 

AASB 2009-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment 
Transactions [AASB 2]

The amendment clarifies that if an entity receives goods or services that are cash settled by shareholders not within the group, 
they are outside the scope of IFRS 2  The adoption of this amendment did not have any impact on the financial position or the 
performance of the Group 

AASB 2009-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Classification of Rights Issues [AASB 132]

The amendment provides relief to entities that issue rights (fixed in a currency other than their functional currency), from 
treating the rights as derivatives with fair value changes recorded in profit or loss  The adoption of this amendment did not have 
any impact on the financial position or the performance of the Group 

AASB 2010-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project [AASB 3, 
AASB 7, AASB 121, AASB 128, AASB 131, AASB 132 & AASB139]

The principal amendments to the standards are set out below:

Limits the scope of the measurement choices of non-controlling interest to instruments that are present ownership interests 
and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of the entity’s net assets in the event of liquidation  Other components of 
NCI are measured at fair value 

Requires an entity (in a business combination) to account for the replacement of the acquiree’s share-based payment 
transactions (whether obliged or voluntarily), in a consistent manner i e , allocate between consideration and post 
combination expenses 

Clarifies that contingent consideration from a business combination that occurred before the effective date of AASB 3 Revised 
is not restated 

Clarifies that the revised accounting for loss of significant influence or joint control (from the issue of IFRS 3 Revised) is only 
applicable prospectively 

The adoption of these amendments did not have any impact on the financial position or the performance of the Group 

54

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
New accounting standards and interpretations (continued)
(i)  Changes in accounting policy and disclosures (continued)
Interpretation 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments

IFRIC 19 clarifies that equity instruments issued to a creditor to extinguish a financial liability are consideration paid in 
accordance with paragraph 41 of IAS 39 Financial Instruments; Recognition and Measurement  The equity instruments issued 
are measured at their fair value, unless this cannot be reliably measured, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the 
liability extinguished  Any gain or loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss  The adoption of this amendment did not have 
any impact on the financial position or the performance of the Group 

(ii)  Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued but not yet effective

Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective and 
have not been adopted by the Group for the annual reporting period ending 30 June 2011 are outlined below:

AASB 9 Financial Instruments

Phase 1 of IFRS 9 will have a significant impact on the classification and measurement of financial assets  The amendments 
become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet 
determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 2009-11 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 [AASB 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 101, 102, 
108, 112, 118, 121, 127, 128, 131, 132, 136, 139, 1023 & 1038 and interpretations 10 & 12]

These amendments arise from the issuance of AASB 9 Financial Instruments that sets out requirements for the classification 
and measurement of financial assets  The requirements in AASB 9 form part of the first phase of the International Accounting 
Standards Board’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement  This Standard shall be 
applied when AASB 9 is applied  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial 
statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated 
entity’s financial report 

AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures (Revised)

The definition of a related party has been clarified to simplify the identification of related party relationships, particularly in 
relation to significant influence and joint control  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2012 
financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the 
consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 2009-12 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASBs 5, 8, 108, 110, 112, 119, 133, 137, 139, 
1023 & 1031 and Interpretations 2, 4, 16, 1039 & 1052]

This amendment makes numerous editorial changes to a range of Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations, 
including amendments to reflect changes made to the text of IFRS by the IASB  The amendments become effective for the 
consolidated entity’s 30 June 2012 financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact 
of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 2009-14 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement 
[AASB Interpretation 14]

IFRIC 14 provides guidance on assessing the recoverable amount of a net pension asset  The amendment permits an entity to 
treat the prepayment of a minimum funding requirement as an asset  The amendments become effective for the consolidated 
entity’s 30 June 2012 financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the 
amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
New accounting standards and interpretations (continued)
(ii)  Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued but not yet effective (continued)
AASB 1053 Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards

This Standard establishes a differential financial reporting framework consisting of two Tiers of reporting requirements for 
preparing general purpose financial statements:

(a) Tier 1: Australian Accounting Standards

(b) Tier 2: Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements

The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial statements  The consolidated entity 
has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 1054 Australian Additional Disclosures

This standard is as a consequence of phase 1 of the joint Trans-Tasman Convergence project of the AASB and FRSB  
This standard relocates all Australian specific disclosures from other standards to one place and revises disclosures in certain 
areas  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2012 financial statements  The consolidated 
entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 2010-4 Further Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project 
[AASB 1, AASB 7, AASB 101, AASB 134 and Interpretation 13]

Emphasises the interaction between quantitative and qualitative AASB 7 disclosures and the nature and extent of risks 
associated with financial instruments  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2012 financial 
statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s 
financial report 

AASB 2010-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 1, 3, 4, 5, 101, 107, 112, 118, 119, 121, 132, 
133, 134, 137, 139, 140, 1023 & 1038 and Interpretations 112, 115, 127, 132 & 1042]

This Standard makes numerous editorial amendments to a range of Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations, 
including amendments to reflect changes made to the text of IFRS by the IASB  The amendments become effective for the 
consolidated entity’s 30 June 2012 financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact 
of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 2010-6 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Disclosures on Transfers of Financial Assets 
[AASB 1 & AASB 7]

The amendments increase the disclosure requirements for transactions involving transfers of financial assets  The amendments 
become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2012 financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet 
determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010) [AASB 1, 3, 4, 
5, 7, 101, 102, 108, 112, 118, 120, 121, 127, 128, 131, 132, 136, 137, 139, 1023, & 1038 and interpretations 2, 5, 10, 
12, 19 & 127]

The requirements for classifying and measuring financial liabilities were added to AASB 9  The existing requirements for the 
classification of financial liabilities and the ability to use the fair value option have been retained  However, where the fair value 
option is used for financial liabilities, the change in fair value is accounted for differently  The amendments become effective 
for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential 
impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

56

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
New accounting standards and interpretations (continued)
(ii)  Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued but not yet effective (continued)
AASB 2010-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets 
[AASB 112]

These amendments address the determination of deferred tax on investment property measured at fair value and introduce 
a rebuttable presumption that deferred tax on investment property measured at fair value should be determined on the basis 
that the carrying amount will be recoverable through sale  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 
30 June 2013 financial statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments 
on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

AASB 2011-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Trans-Tasman Convergence project 
[AASB 1, AASB 5, AASB 101, AASB 107, AASB 108, AASB 121, AASB 128, AASB 132, AASB 134, Interpretation 2, 
Interpretation 112, Interpretation 113]

This Standard amendments many Australian Accounting Standards, removing the disclosures which have been relocated 
to AASB 1054  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2012 financial statements  
The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s 
financial report 

AASB 2011-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Trans-Tasman Convergence project – 
Reduced disclosure regime [AASB 101, AASB 1054]

This Standard makes amendments to the application of the revised disclosures to Tier 2 entities, that are applying AASB 1053  
The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial statements  The consolidated entity 
has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements

IFRS 10 establishes a new control model that applies to all entities  It replaces parts of IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate 
Financial Statements dealing with the accounting for consolidated financial statements and SIC-12 Consolidation – Special 
Purpose Entities  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial statements  The 
consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements

IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly- controlled Entities – Non-monetary Contributions 
by Ventures  IFRS 11 uses the principle of control in IFRS 10 to define joint control, and therefore the determination of 
whether joint control exists may change  In addition IFRS 11 removes the option to account for jointly controlled entities (JCEs) 
using proportionate consolidation  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial 
statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated 
entity’s financial report 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities

IFRS 12 includes all disclosures relating to an entity’s interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structures 
entities  New disclosures have been introduced about the judgements made by management to determine whether control 
exists, and to require summarised information about joint arrangements, associates and structured entities and subsidiaries 
with non-controlling interests  The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial 
statements  The consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated 
entity’s financial report 

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement

IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for determining the fair value of assets and liabilities  
The amendments become effective for the consolidated entity’s 30 June 2014 financial statements  The consolidated 
entity has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the consolidated entity’s financial report 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
a)  Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial report of the Company for the financial year ended 30 June 2011 comprises the Company 
and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘consolidated entity’) and the consolidated entity’s interest in jointly 
controlled operations 

(i)  Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the consolidated entity has the power to govern the financial and operating policies 
so as to obtain benefits from their activities  The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable are 
considered when assessing control  Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date that control commences until the date that 
control ceases  The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company, using 
consistent accounting policies 

Investments in subsidiaries are carried at their cost of acquisition in the Company’s financial statements 

(ii)  Jointly controlled operations

The consolidated entity recognises its interest in jointly controlled operations by recognising its interest in the assets and 
liabilities of the joint venture  The consolidated entity also recognises the expenses it incurs and its share of the income that it 
earns from the sale of goods or services by the joint venture 

(iii)  Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are 
eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements 

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method  The consideration transferred in a business combination 
shall be measured at fair value, which shall be calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred 
by the acquirer, the liabilities incurred by the acquirer to former owners of the acquiree and the equity issued by the acquirer, 
and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree  For each business combination, the acquirer measures the 
non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets  
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred 

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date  
Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability will be 
recognised in accordance with AASB 139 either in profit or loss or in other comprehensive income  If the contingent 
consideration is classified as equity, it shall not be remeasured 

Prior to 1 July 2009

Business combinations were accounted for using the purchase method  Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition 
formed part of the acquisition costs  The non-controlling interest (formerly known as minority interest) was measured at the 
proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets 

Contingent consideration was recognised if, and only if, the Group had a present obligation, the economic outflow was more 
likely than not and a reliable estimate was determinable  Subsequent adjustments to the contingent consideration were adjusted 
against the fair value adjustment to mining properties 

b)  foreign currency translation

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the exchange rates ruling at 
the date of the transaction  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of 
exchange ruling at the balance date  Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income  Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency 
are translated using the exchange rate as at the date of the initial transaction  

58

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
c)  segment reporting

An operating segment is a component of an entity that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and 
incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same entity), whose 
operating results are regularly reviewed by the entity’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be 
allocated to the segment and assess its performance and for which discrete financial information is available  Management will 
also consider other factors in determining operating segments such as the existence of a line manager and the level of segment 
information presented to the board of directors 

The group aggregates two or more operating segments when they have similar economic characteristics, and the segments 
are similar in each of the following respects:

•	 nature of the products and services,

•	 nature of the production processes,

•	 type or class of customer for the products and services,

•	 methods used to distribute the products or provide the services, and if applicable

•	 nature of the regulatory environment 

d)  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits  For the purpose of the Statement 
of Cash Flows, bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the consolidated entity’s cash 
management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents 

e)  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables, which generally have 5-21 day terms, are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured 
at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less an allowance for impairment  Recoverability of trade receivables 
is reviewed on an ongoing basis 

Receivables due in more than one year are recognised initially at fair value, discounted back to net present value based 
on appropriate discount rates for the consolidated entity 

f) 

inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value  Net realisable value is the estimated selling price 
in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses  

The cost of coal inventories is determined using a weighted average basis  Cost includes direct material, overburden removal, 
mining, processing, labour, mine rehabilitation costs incurred in the extraction process and other fixed and variable overhead 
costs directly related to mining activities 

Inventory are classified as follows:

•	 Run of mine: material extracted through the mining process

•	 Finished goods: products that have passed through all stages of the production process

•	 Consumables: goods or supplies to be either directly or indirectly consumed in the production process  

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
g)  derivative financial instruments

The consolidated entity uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its risks associated with foreign currency rate fluctuations 
arising from operating activities 

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into, 
and are subsequently remeasured to fair value  Any gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of derivatives are 
accounted for as described below:

•	 The fair values of forward exchange contracts are calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts 

with similar maturity profiles 

•	 All attributable transaction costs are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as incurred  

Cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges are hedges of the consolidated entity’s exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a particular 
risk associated with a recognised asset or liability that is a firm commitment and that could affect profit or loss  Changes in the 
fair value of the hedging instrument designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the 
hedge is effective  To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss  

Amounts taken to equity are transferred out of equity and included in the measurement of the hedged transaction (coal sales) 
when the forecast transaction occurs 

The consolidated entity tests each of the designated cash flow hedges for effectiveness at each balance date, both 
retrospectively and prospectively, by using the dollar offset method  If the testing falls within the 80:125 range, the hedge is 
considered to be highly effective and continues to be designated as a cash flow hedge 

If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover, or if it no longer meets the 
criteria for hedge accounting (due to it being ineffective), then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively  The cumulative 
gain or loss previously recognised in equity remains in equity until the forecast transaction occurs 

Economic hedges

Derivatives which do not qualify for hedge accounting are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in 
profit or loss 

h) 

investments and other financial assets

Financial assets in the scope of AASB 139 are categorised as either financial assets at fair value through profit and loss, 
loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, or available-for-sale financial assets 

Financial assets are recognised initially at fair value, plus, for assets not at fair value through profit or loss, any directly 
attributable transaction costs 

Recognition and derecognition

Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are accounted for at trade date, i e , the date that the consolidated entity 
commits itself to purchase or sell the asset  Financial assets are derecognised if the consolidated entity’s contractual rights 
to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or if the consolidated entity transfers the financial asset to another party 
without retaining control or substantially all risks and rewards of the asset  

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
i)  Property, plant and equipment
(i)  Recognition and measurement

Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses  

Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset  The cost of self-constructed assets 
includes the cost of materials and direct labour, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition 
for its intended use, and the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located  
Cost also may include transfers from equity of any gain or loss on qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases 
of property, plant and equipment  Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised 
as part of that equipment  Borrowing costs related to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets are capitalised as part 
of the cost of the asset 

Mining property and development assets include costs transferred from exploration and evaluation assets once technical 
feasibility and commercial viability of an area of interest are demonstrable and subsequent costs to develop the mine to 
production phase 

When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items 
(major components) of property, plant and equipment 

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from 
disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognised net within ‘other income’  

(ii)  Subsequent costs

The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it 
is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the consolidated entity and its cost can 
be measured reliably  The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the statement 
of comprehensive income as incurred 

(iii)  Depreciation

Depreciation is charged to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line or units of production basis over the 
estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment  Land is not depreciated  Mining property and 
development assets are depreciated on a units of production basis over the life of the economically recoverable reserves 

The depreciation rates used in the current and comparative periods are as follows:

•	 plant and equipment 

•	 leased plant and equipment 

2 – 20%

11 – 14%

•	 mining property and development assets 

units of production 

The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method applied to an asset are reassessed at least annually 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
j)  mine development costs

The cost of acquiring mineral reserves and mineral resources are capitalised on the statement of financial position as incurred  
Capitalised costs (development expenditure) include expenditure incurred to expand the capacity of a mine and to maintain 
production  Mine development costs include acquired proved and probable mineral resources at cost at acquisition date 

Mineral reserves and capitalised mine development expenditure are, upon commencement of production, depreciated over 
the remaining life of mine  The net carrying amounts of mineral reserves and resources and capitalised mine development 
expenditure at each mine property are reviewed for impairment either individually or at the cash-generating unit level when 
events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable  To the extent to which these 
values exceed their recoverable amounts, that excess is fully provided against in the financial year in which this is determined 

intangible assets

k) 
(i)  Exploration and evaluation assets

Exploration and evaluation costs, including the costs of acquiring licences, are capitalised as exploration and evaluation assets 
on an area of interest basis  Costs incurred before the consolidated entity has obtained the legal rights to explore an area are 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income 

Exploration and evaluation assets are only recognised if the rights of the area of interest are current and either:

i  

ii  

the expenditures are expected to be recouped through successful development and exploitation of the area of interest; or

 activities in the area of interest have not at the reporting date, reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of 
the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, 
the area of interest are continuing 

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility 
and commercial viability, and (ii) facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount  
For the purposes of impairment testing, exploration and evaluation assets are allocated to cash-generating units to which the 
exploration activity related  The cash generating unit shall not be larger than the area of interest  

Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of mineral resources in an area of interest are 
demonstrable, exploration and evaluation assets attributable to that area of interest are first tested for impairment and then 
reclassified from intangible assets to mining property and development assets within property, plant and equipment 

(ii)   Water access rights

The consolidated entity holds water access rights, which have been determined to have an indefinite life  The water access 
rights have been recognised at cost and are assessed annually for impairment  

(iii)  Rail access rights

Rail access rights have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less, where applicable, any accumulated amortisation and 
accumulated impairment losses  The carrying values of rail access rights are reviewed to ensure they are not in excess of their 
recoverable amounts  Rail access rights are amortised over the life of the mine or access agreement using a unit sold basis  

(iv)  Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets that are acquired by the consolidated entity, which have finite useful lives, are measured at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses  Amortisation is charged to the statement of comprehensive 
income on a straight line basis over the estimated life of the mining property to which the intangible relates 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
k) 
(v)   Subsequent expenditure

intangible assets (continued)

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset 
to which it relates  All other expenditure is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as incurred 

l)  deferred stripping costs

Expenditure incurred to remove overburden or waste material during the production phase of a mining operation is deferred 
to the extent it gives rise to future economic benefits and charged to operating costs on a units of production basis using the 
estimated average stripping ratio for the area being mined  Changes in estimates of average stripping ratios are accounted 
for prospectively 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, deferred stripping costs are grouped with other assets of the relevant cash 
generating unit 

m)  Leases

The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires 
an assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset and the arrangement 
conveys a right to use the asset 

Consolidated entity as lessee

Finance leases, which transfer to the consolidated entity substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the 
leased item, are capitalised at the inception of the lease at an amount equal to the lower of the fair value of the leased asset 
and the present value of the minimum lease payments 

Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and the reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve 
a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability  Finance charges are recognised as an expense in the 
statement of comprehensive income  Contingent lease payments are accounted for by revising the minimum lease payments 
over the remaining term of the lease when the lease adjustment is confirmed 

Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term  

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term  Operating lease incentives are recognised as a liability when received and subsequently reduced by 
allocating lease payments between rental expense and a reduction of the liability  

n) 
impairment 
(i)  Financial assets

A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired  
A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect 
on the estimated future cash flows of that asset 

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its 
carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate  

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis  The remaining financial assets are 
assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics  All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss  

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was 
recognised  For financial assets measured at amortised cost, the reversal is recognised in profit or loss  

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
n) 
(ii)  Non-financial assets

impairment (continued)

The carrying amounts of the consolidated entity’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are 
reviewed at each balance date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment  If any such indication exists, the 
asset’s recoverable amount is estimated  For intangible assets that have indefinite lives or that are not yet available for use, 
recoverable amount is estimated at each reporting date 

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell  
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate 
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset  For the purpose of 
impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing 
use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the ‘cash-generating unit’)  

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable 
amount  A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable asset group that generates cash flows that are largely independent 
from other assets and groups  Impairment losses are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, unless an asset 
has previously been revalued, in which case the impairment loss is recognised as a reversal to the extent of that previous 
revaluation with any excess recognised through profit or loss 

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets 
in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis 

o)  Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost  Due to their short-term nature they are not discounted  They represent 
liabilities for goods and services provided to the consolidated entity prior to the end of the financial year that are unpaid and 
arise when the consolidated entity becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and 
services  The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition 

p) 

interest bearing loans and borrowings

All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable 
transaction costs 

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method  Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities that are yield related are included as part of the carrying 
amount of the loans and borrowings 

q)  Employee benefits
(i)  Wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave

Liabilities for wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting 
date  They are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled i e  at undiscounted amounts based 
on remuneration wage and salary rates including related on-costs, such as workers compensation insurance and payroll tax  
Non-accumulating non-monetary benefits, such as medical care, housing, cars and free or subsidised goods and services, 
are expensed based on the net marginal cost to the consolidated entity as the benefits are taken by the employees 

A provision is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the 
consolidated entity has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by 
the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
q)  Employee benefits (continued)
(ii)  Long-term service benefits

The consolidated entity’s net obligation in respect of long-term service benefits is the amount of future benefit that employees 
have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods  The obligation is calculated using expected future 
increases in wage and salary rates including related on-costs and expected settlement dates, and is discounted using the rates 
attached to the Commonwealth Government bonds at the balance date which have maturity dates approximating to the terms 
of the consolidated entity’s obligations 

(iii)  Defined contribution superannuation funds

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution superannuation funds are recognised as an expense in the statement 
of comprehensive income as incurred 

(iv)  Share-based payment transactions 

The grant date fair value of options granted to employees is recognised as an expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, 
over the period in which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options  The amount recognised is adjusted to 
reflect the actual number of share options that vest, except for those that fail to vest due to market conditions not being met 

r)  Provisions

A provision is recognised in the statement of financial position when the consolidated entity has a present legal or constructive 
obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be 
required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation  Provisions are determined 
by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability 

(i)  Mine rehabilitation and closure

Provisions are made for the estimated cost of rehabilitation relating to areas disturbed during the mine’s operation up to 
reporting date but not yet rehabilitated  Provision has been made in full for all disturbed areas at the reporting date based on 
current estimates of costs to rehabilitate such areas, discounted to their present value based on expected future cashflows  
The estimated cost of rehabilitation includes the current cost of re-contouring, topsoiling and revegetation based on legislative 
requirements  Changes in estimates are dealt with on a prospective basis as they arise 

Significant uncertainty exists as to the amount of rehabilitation obligations which will be incurred due to the impact of changes 
in environmental legislation  The amount of the provision relating to rehabilitation of mine infrastructure and dismantling 
obligations is recognised at the commencement of the mining project and/or construction of the assets where a legal or 
constructive obligation exists at that time  The provision is recognised as a non-current liability with a corresponding asset 
included in mining property and development assets 

At each reporting date the rehabilitation liability is re-measured in line with changes in discount rates, and timing or amount of 
the costs to be incurred  Changes in the liability relating to rehabilitation of mine infrastructure and dismantling obligations are 
added to or deducted from the related asset, other than the unwinding of the discount which is recognised as a finance cost 
in the statement of comprehensive income as it occurs 

If the change in the liability results in a decrease in the liability that exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the asset is 
written-down to nil and the excess is recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income  If the change in the 
liability results in an addition to the cost of the asset, the recoverability of the new carrying amount is considered  Where there 
is an indication that the new carrying amount is not fully recoverable, an impairment test is performed with the write-down 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in the period in which it occurs 

The amount of the provision relating to rehabilitation of environmental disturbance caused by on-going production and 
extraction activities is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as incurred 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
s)  Contributed equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity  Incremental costs directly attributable to issue of ordinary shares and share options 
are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any related income tax benefit 

t)  Revenue recognition
(i)  Sale of coal

Revenue from the sale of coal is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when the significant risks and rewards 
of ownership have been transferred to the buyer  Transfer of risk and rewards are considered to have passed to the buyer under 
the terms of the individual contracts 

(ii)  Rental income

Rental income is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease  
Revenue received before it is earned is recorded as unearned lease income in the statement of financial position at its net 
present value, determined by discounting the expected notional future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money  

(iii)  Hire of plant

The consolidated entity hires plant under operating leases to its subsidiaries and joint ventures  Revenue from the plant hire 
is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as earned 

u)  finance income and expense

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, dividend income, changes in the fair value of financial assets 
at fair value through profit or loss and foreign currency gains  Interest income is recognised as it accrues, using the effective 
interest method  Dividend income is recognised on the date that the consolidated entity’s right to receive payment is established  

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, foreign currency losses, 
changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, impairment losses recognised on financial assets, 
and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in profit or loss  All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss using 
the effective interest method, except where capitalised as part of a qualifying asset  

Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis 

v) 

income tax

Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax  Income tax expense is recognised in the 
statement of comprehensive income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case 
it is recognised in equity 

Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered or 
paid to the taxation authorities based on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 
at the balance date 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
v) 

income tax (continued)

Deferred income tax is provided on all temporary differences at the balance date between the tax basis of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes, other than for the following temporary differences: 

•	 when the deferred income tax asset/liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability 

in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit,

•	 when the taxable temporary difference is associated with investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the 

extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future  

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available 
against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilised  The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is 
reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be 
available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the asset is realised 
or the liability settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if a legally enforceable right exists to offset current tax assets and liabilities, 
and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, 
or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a set basis or their tax assets and 
liabilities will be realised simultaneously 

Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay 
the related dividend 

(i)  Tax consolidation

The Company and its wholly-owned Australian resident controlled entities formed a tax-consolidated group with effect from 
29 May 2007 and are therefore taxed as a single entity from that date  The head entity within the tax-consolidated group is 
Whitehaven Coal Limited  

Current tax expense/benefit, deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of the members 
of the tax-consolidated group are recognised in the separate financial statements of the members of the tax-consolidated group 
using the ‘separate taxpayer within a consolidated group’ approach by reference to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
in the separate financial statements of each entity and the tax values applying under tax consolidation 

Any current tax liabilities (or assets) and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses of the subsidiaries is assumed by 
the head entity in the tax-consolidated group and are recognised as amounts payable (receivable) to/(from) other entities in the 
tax-consolidated group in conjunction with any tax funding arrangement amounts (refer below)  Any difference between these 
amounts is recognised by the Company as an equity contribution or distribution 

The Company recognises deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses of the tax-consolidated group to the extent that 
it is probable that future taxable profits of the tax-consolidated group will be available against which the asset can be utilised 

Any subsequent period adjustments to deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses as a result of revised assessments 
of the probability of recoverability is recognised by the head entity only 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

3.  summARy Of siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
v) 
(ii)  Nature of tax funding arrangements and tax sharing arrangements

income tax (continued)

The head entity, in conjunction with other members of the tax-consolidated group, has entered into a tax funding arrangement 
which sets out the funding obligations of members of the tax-consolidated group in respect of tax amounts  The tax funding 
arrangements require payments to/from the head entity equal to the current tax liability/(asset) assumed by the head entity 
and any tax-loss deferred tax asset assumed by the head entity, resulting in the head entity recognising an inter-entity 
receivable/(payable) equal in amount to the tax liability/(asset) assumed  The inter-entity receivables/(payables) are at call 

Contributions to fund the current tax liabilities are payable as per the tax funding arrangement and reflect the timing of the 
head entity’s obligation to make payments for tax liabilities to the relevant tax authorities 

The head entity, in conjunction with other members of the tax-consolidated group, has also entered into a tax sharing 
agreement  The tax sharing agreement provides for the determination of the allocation of income tax liabilities between the 
entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations  No amounts have been recognised in the financial 
statements in respect of this agreement as payment of any amounts under the tax sharing agreement is considered remote 

w)  Goods and services tax

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount 
of GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority  In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the 
cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense 

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included  The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, 
the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the statement of financial position 

Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis and the GST components of cash flows arising from 
investing and financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are classified as operating cash flows 

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4.  siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG JudGEmENTs, EsTimATEs ANd AssumPTiONs

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements  Management continually evaluates its judgements and estimates 
in relation to assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expense  Management bases its judgements and estimates 
on historical experience and on other various factors it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which 
form the basis of the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources 

Management has identified the following critical accounting policies for which significant judgements, estimates and 
assumptions are made  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions and may 
materially affect financial results or the financial position reported in future periods  Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected 

A number of the consolidated entity’s accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both 
financial and non-financial assets and liabilities  Fair values have been determined for measurement and/or disclosure 
purposes based on the following methods  Where applicable, further information about the assumptions made in determining 
fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability 

mine rehabilitation

The consolidated entity assesses its mine rehabilitation provisions at each reporting date  Significant estimates and assumptions 
are made in determining the provision for mine rehabilitation as there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate liability 
payable  These factors include estimates of the extent and costs of rehabilitation activities, technological changes, regulatory 
changes, cost increases, and changes in discount rates  Those uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing 
from the amounts currently provided  The provisions at balance date represent management’s best estimate of the present 
value of the future rehabilitation costs required  Changes to estimated future costs are recognised in the statement of financial 
position by adjusting the rehabilitation asset and liability  If, for mature mines, the revised mine assets net of rehabilitation 
provisions exceeds the carrying value, that portion of the increase is charged directly to expense  For closed mines, changes 
to estimated costs are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

The application of the consolidated entity’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation expenditure requires judgement 
in determining whether future economic benefits are likely, which may be based on assumptions about future events or 
circumstances  Estimates and assumptions made may change if new information becomes available  If, after expenditure 
is capitalised, information becomes available suggesting that the recovery of expenditure is unlikely, the amount capitalised 
is written off in the statement of comprehensive income in the period when the new information becomes available 

Carrying value of assets

All mining assets are amortised over the shorter of the estimated remaining useful life or remaining mine life  For mobile 
and other equipment, the straight-line method is applied over the estimated useful life of the asset which does not exceed the 
estimated mine life based on proved and probable mineral reserves as the useful lives of these assets are considered to be 
limited to the life of the relevant mine 

The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units and individual assets have been determined based on the higher of 
value-in-use calculations and fair values  These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions  It is reasonably 
possible that the coal price assumption may change which may then impact our estimated life of mine determinant which 
could result in a material adjustment to the carrying value of tangible assets 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

4.  siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG JudGEmENTs, EsTimATEs ANd AssumPTiONs (CONTiNuEd)
Carrying value of assets (continued)

The consolidated entity reviews and tests the carrying value of assets when events or changes in circumstances suggest that 
the carrying amount may not be recoverable  Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely 
independent of cash flows of other assets and liabilities  If there are indications that impairment may have occurred, estimates 
are prepared of expected future cash flows for each group of assets  Expected future cash flows used to determine the value 
in use of goodwill and tangible assets are inherently uncertain and could materially change over time  They are significantly 
affected by a number of factors including reserves and production estimates, together with economic factors such as spot and 
future coal prices, discount rates, foreign currency exchange rates, estimates of costs to produce reserves and future capital 
expenditure  The related carrying amounts are disclosed in note 19 

intangible assets

The fair values of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are based on the outcome of recent transactions for similar 
assets within the same industry, less estimated costs of disposal 

inventories

Costs that are incurred in or benefit the productive process are accumulated as stockpiles  Net realisable value tests are 
performed at least annually and represent the estimated future sales price of the product based on prevailing and long-term 
sale prices, less estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale  Stockpiles are measured by estimating 
the number of tonnes added and removed from the stockpile, the tonnes of contained anthracite are based on assay data, and 
the estimated recovery percentage based on the expected processing method  Stockpile tonnages are verified by periodic 
surveys  Although the quantities of recoverable anthracite are reconciled, the nature of the process inherently limits the ability 
to precisely monitor recoverability levels  As a result the process is constantly monitored and the engineering estimates are 
refined based on actual results over time  The related carrying amounts are disclosed in note 16 

derivatives 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is based on their listed market price, if available  If a listed market price is not 
available, then fair value is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current 
forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds) 

The fair value of foreign currency options is the estimated amount the consolidated entity would pay or receive to terminate the 
derivative at the balance date, taking into account quoted market rates and the current creditworthiness of the counterparties 

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest 
cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date  For finance leases the market rate of interest is 
determined by reference to similar lease agreements 

share-based payment transactions 

The consolidated entity measures the cost of equity settled transactions with employees and director-related entities by 
reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted  

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted to the directors is based on the fair value of share 
options granted, measured using Black Scholes barrier options techniques or Monte Carlo simulation model, incorporating 
the probability of the performance hurdles being met 

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted to the senior employees is based on the fair value of 
share options granted, measured using a Black Scholes model (for options) or a Monte Carlo simulation model (for Share 
Acquisition Rights) 

70

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

4.  siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG JudGEmENTs, EsTimATEs ANd AssumPTiONs (CONTiNuEd)
share-based payment transactions (continued)

Measurement inputs include share price on measurement date, exercise price of the instrument, expected volatility (based 
on weighted average historic volatility adjusted for changes expected due to publicly available information of publicly listed 
companies operating in the same industry with similar operating characteristics), weighted average expected life of the 
instruments (based on historical experience of similar instruments and similar option holder characteristics), expected 
dividends, and the risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds)  Service and non-market performance conditions 
attached to the transactions are not taken into account in determining fair value 

mineral reserves and resources

The estimated quantities of economically recoverable Reserves and Resources are based upon interpretations of geological 
and geophysical models and require assumptions to be made requiring factors such as estimates of future operating 
performance, future capital requirements and short- and long-term coal prices  The consolidated entity is required to 
determine and report Reserves and Resources under the Australian Code for Reporting Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 
December 2004 (the JORC Code)  The JORC Code requires the use of reasonable investment assumptions to calculate 
reserves and resources  Changes in reported Reserves and Resources can impact the carrying value of property, plant and 
equipment, provision for rehabilitation as well as the amount charged for amortisation and depreciation 

Overburden in advance 

The consolidated entity defers advanced stripping costs incurred during the production stage of its operations  This calculation 
involves the use of judgements and estimates such as estimates of the tonnes of waste to be removed over the life of the 
mining area and economically recoverable reserves extracted as a result  Changes in a mine’s life and design will usually result 
in changes to the expected stripping ratio (waste to mineral reserves ratio)  These changes are accounted for prospectively 

Recovery of deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences as management considers that it is probable that 
future taxable profits will be available to utilise those temporary differences 

Taxation

The consolidated entity’s accounting policy for taxation requires management’s judgement as to the types of arrangements 
considered to be a tax on income in contrast to an operating cost  Judgement is also required in assessing whether deferred 
tax assets and certain deferred tax liabilities are recognised on the statement of financial position  Deferred tax assets, 
including those arising from unrecouped tax losses, capital losses and temporary differences, are recognised only where it is 
considered more likely than not that they will be recovered, which is dependent on the generation of sufficient future taxable 
profits  Deferred tax liabilities arising from temporary differences in investments, caused principally by retained earnings held 
in foreign tax jurisdictions, are recognised unless repatriation of retained earnings can be controlled and are not expected to 
occur in the foreseeable future 

Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits and repatriation of retained earnings depend on management’s 
estimates of future cash flows  These depend on estimates of future production and sales volumes, operating costs, restoration 
costs, capital expenditure, dividends and other capital management transactions  Judgements are also required about the 
application of income tax legislation  These judgements and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty, hence there is 
a possibility that changes in circumstances will alter expectations, which may impact the amount of deferred tax assets and 
deferred tax liabilities recognised on the statement of financial position and the amount of other tax losses and temporary 
differences not yet recognised  In such circumstances, some or all of the carrying amounts of recognised deferred tax assets 
and liabilities may require adjustment, resulting in a corresponding credit or charge to the statement of comprehensive income 

71

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

4.  siGNifiCANT ACCOuNTiNG JudGEmENTs, EsTimATEs ANd AssumPTiONs (CONTiNuEd)
Australian Government’s proposed carbon pricing mechanism

The Australian Government announced the ‘Securing a Clean Energy Future – the Australian Government’s Climate Change 
Plan’ on 10 July 2011  Whilst the announcement provides further details of the framework for a carbon pricing mechanism, 
uncertainties continue to exist on the impact of any carbon pricing mechanism on the Group as legislation has yet to be drafted, 
and must be voted on and passed by both houses of Parliament 

The introduction of a carbon pricing mechanism has the potential to significantly impact the assumptions used for the purpose 
of the value in use calculations in asset impairment testing  The Group has assessed the potential impact in its impairment 
testing at 30 June 2011, and does not believe any impairment of assets would be required  The carrying amount of the assets 
that could be affected by the implementation of the government’s proposed emissions trading scheme as at 30 June 2011 
are disclosed in note 19 

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs
Overview

The consolidated entity has exposure to the following risks from their use of financial instruments:

•	 market risk

•	 credit risk

•	 liquidity risk

This note presents information about the consolidated entity’s exposure to each of the above risks, its objectives, policies and 
processes for measuring and managing risk, and the management of capital  Further quantitative disclosures are included 
throughout this financial report 

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the risk management framework  
The Board has established the Audit and Risk Management Committee, which is responsible for developing and monitoring 
risk management policies  The Committee reports regularly to the Board on its activities 

Risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the consolidated entity, to set appropriate 
risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits  Risk management policies and systems are reviewed 
regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the consolidated entity’s activities  The consolidated entity, through its 
training and management standards and procedures, aims to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in 
which all employees understand their roles and obligations 

The Audit and Risk Management Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the consolidated entity’s 
risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks 
faced by the consolidated entity  

Capital management

The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain 
future development of the business  The consolidated entity defines capital as total shareholders’ equity  The Board monitors the 
capital structure on a regular basis including the level of dividends paid to ordinary shareholders 

The Board seeks to maintain a balance between the higher returns that might be possible with higher levels of borrowings 
and the advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position 

There were no changes in the consolidated entity’s approach to capital management during the year 

Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are subject to externally imposed capital requirements 

72

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Risk exposures and responses
Foreign currency risk

The consolidated entity is exposed to currency risk on sales, purchases and demurrage that are denominated in a currency 
other than the respective functional currency of the consolidated entity, the Australian dollar (AUD)  The currency in which 
these transactions primarily are denominated is US Dollars (USD)  

The consolidated entity uses forward exchange contracts (FECs) to hedge its currency risk  

The Hedging Policy of the consolidated entity is to utilise forward exchange contracts to cover:

•	 100% of contracted sales where both volume and US dollar price are fixed;

•	 90% of contracted sales where volume is fixed but pricing is provisional;

•	 80% of planned sales from existing operations over a 12 month period; and

•	 a maximum of 50% of planned sales from existing operations for between 12 and 24 months 

No cover is taken out beyond 24 months other than contracted sales where both volume and US dollar prices are fixed 

In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, the consolidated entity ensures that its 
net exposure is kept to an acceptable level by buying and selling foreign currencies at spot rates when necessary to address 
short-term imbalances 

The consolidated entity classifies its forward exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and measures them at fair value 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts used as hedges at 30 June 2011 was $48,790,000 (2010: $3,705,000), 
comprising assets and liabilities that were recognised as fair value derivatives 

At 30 June 2011, the consolidated entity had the following financial instruments that were not designated in cash flow 
hedges that were exposed to foreign currency risk:

In thousands of USD

Cash

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Finance lease liabilities

Net statement of financial position exposure

USD
30 June 2011

USD
30 June 2010

33,517

68,186

(25,135)

(15,566)

61,002

5,217

124,290

(4,250)

(20,964)

104,293

Currency risk exposure arising from derivative financial instruments is disclosed in note 17 

The following exchange rates applied during the year:

Fixed rate instruments

USD

EUR

Average rate

Reporting date spot rate

2011

0 9881

0 7245

2010

0 8821

0 6737

2011

1 0739

0 7405

2010

0 8523

0 6979

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Risk exposures and responses (continued)
Foreign currency risk (continued)
Sensitivity analysis

A 10 per cent strengthening of the Australian dollar against the following currencies at 30 June would have increased/
(decreased) equity and pre tax profit or loss by the amounts shown below  The analysis assumes that all other variables, 
in particular interest rates, remain constant  The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2010 

Effect in thousands of AUD

30 June 2011

USD

EUR

30 June 2010

USD

EUR

Consolidated

Equity

Profit or loss

18,057

(1,587)

(5,164)

–

63,336

(4,085)

(11,124)

–

A 10 per cent weakening of the Australian dollar against the following currencies at 30 June would have increased/(decreased) 
equity and pre tax profit or loss by the amounts shown below  The analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest 
rates, remain constant  The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2010 

Effect in thousands of AUD

30 June 2011

USD

EUR

30 June 2010

USD

EUR

Consolidated

Equity

Profit or loss

(22,070)

5,680

1,587

–

(77,411)

13,596

4,085

–

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Risk exposures and responses (continued)
Credit risk

Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the consolidated entity, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade and 
other receivables, available for sale financial assets, derivative financial instruments and the granting of financial guarantees  
The consolidated entity’s exposure to credit risk arises from potential default of the counter party, with a maximum exposure 
equal to the carrying amount of the financial assets, as outlined below 

Exposure to credit risk

The consolidated entity’s maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

In thousands of AUD

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Available-for-sale financial assets

Carrying 
amount

Carrying 
amount

Note

30 June 2011

30 June 2010

14

15

17

18

207,602

141,049

95,067

55,998

16,076

326,365

23,127

1,210

374,743

491,751

The consolidated entity’s maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic region was:

In thousands of AUD

Asia

Europe

Australia

Carrying 
amount

Carrying 
amount

30 June 2011

30 June 2010

14,990

1,687

11,510

28,187

32,801

10,030

3,499

46,330

Trade and other receivables 

The consolidated entity’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer  
The demographics of the consolidated entity’s customer base, including the default risk of the industry and country in which 
customers operate, has less of an influence on credit risk  Approximately 40 7% of the consolidated entity’s revenue is 
attributable to sales transactions with three customers (2010: 49% with three customers) 

More than 90 percent of the consolidated entity’s customers have been transacting with the consolidated entity for over 
five years, and losses have occurred infrequently  Of the consolidated entity’s trade and other receivables, 44% (2010: 76%) 
relate to receivables resulting from the sell down of the Narrabri Joint Venture (refer to note 7)  The remaining trade and other 
receivables relate mainly to coal customers 

The consolidated entity does not require collateral in respect of trade and other receivables  

The consolidated entity trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties 

Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the consolidated entity’s exposure to bad debts 
is not significant  

The consolidated entity has not recognised any impairment loss for trade and other receivables during the year ended 
30 June 2011 (2010: Nil) 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Risk exposures and responses (continued)
Credit risk (continued)
Impairment losses

The aging of the consolidated entity’s trade receivables at the reporting date was:

In thousands of AUD

Not past due

Past due 0-30 days

Past due 31-120 days

Past due 121 days to one year

More than one year

Gross

2011

23,616

2,409

2,140

6

16

28,187

Impairment

2011

–

–

–

–

–

–

Gross

2010

44,431

1,219

 634

10

36

46,330

Impairment

2010

–

–

–

–

–

–

Based on historic default rates, the consolidated entity believes that no impairment allowance is necessary in respect of 
trade receivables 

Guarantees 

The policy of the consolidated entity is to provide financial guarantees for statutory bonding requirements associated with 
the mining operations and for construction of the rail upgrade and other purposes such as security of leased premises  
Guarantees are provided under a $95,000,000 facility  Details of outstanding guarantees are provided in note 30 

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the consolidated entity will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due  
The consolidated entity’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient 
liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses 
or risking damage to the consolidated entity’s reputation 

Typically, the consolidated entity ensures that it has sufficient cash on demand to meet all expected operational expenses as 
and when due, including the servicing of financial obligations  This excludes the potential impact of extreme circumstances 
that cannot reasonably be predicted, such as natural disasters 

76

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Risk exposures and responses (continued)
Liquidity risk (continued)

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the 
impact of netting agreements:

In thousands of AUD

financial liabilities

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

6 mths 
or less

6-12 mths

1-2 years

2-5 years

More than 
5 years

Consolidated 30 June 2011

Finance lease liabilities

97,996

130,574

13,561

Interest-bearing liabilities

80,598

115,661

2,036

9,576

2,036

21,742

45,201

40,494

14,812

36,427

60,350

Trade and other payables

154,264

154,264

119,600

34,664

Forward exchange contracts:

Outflow

Inflow

329,229

336,458

197,712

138,746

(378,019)

(386,268)

(230,505)

(155,763)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

284,068

350,689

102,404

29,259

36,554

81,628

100,844

In thousands of AUD

financial liabilities

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

6 mths 
or less

6-12 mths

1-2 years

2-5 years

More than 
5 years

Consolidated 30 June 2010

Finance lease liabilities

74,281

89,709

10,880

11,709

19,369

47,751

–

Interest-bearing liabilities

20,648

31,259

1,158

1,158

2,315

9,262

17,366

Trade and other payables

128,408

128,408

94,408

34,000

–

Forward exchange contracts:

Outflow

Inflow

744,429

771,837

306,587

259,591

205,658

(748,134)

(775,362)

(310,845)

(264,411)

(200,105)

–

–

–

–

–

–

219,632

245,851

102,188

42,047

27,237

57,013

17,366

Amounts included in the tables above include interest bearing liabilities of $34,268,000 (2010: $20,648,000) for which the 
contractual cash flows extend out for more than five years  These amounts are repayable on demand, and as such the entire 
amount is included within current liabilities in the statement of financial position and notes to the accounts 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Risk exposures and responses (continued)
Interest rate risk

The consolidated entity’s borrowings comprise both variable and fixed rate instruments  The variable rate borrowings expose 
the consolidated entity to a risk of changes in cash flows due to the changes in interest rates  

The consolidated entity does not engage in any hedging to mitigate interest rate risk, instead management analyses its 
exposure on an ongoing basis 

At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the consolidated entity’s interest-bearing financial instruments was:

In thousands of AUD

fixed rate instruments

Financial liabilities

variable rate instruments

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Net exposure

Consolidated
Carrying amount

2011

2010

(132,263)

(94,929)

(132,263)

(94,929)

207,602

141,049

(46,330)

–

161,272

141,049

29,009

46,120

Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments

A change of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased/(decreased) equity and profit or loss 
by the amounts shown below  This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant  
The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2010  

Effect in thousands of AUD

30 June 2011

Variable rate instruments

Cash flow sensitivity (net)

30 June 2010

Variable rate instruments

Cash flow sensitivity (net)

Profit or loss

100bp 
increase

100bp 
decrease

1,613

1,613

1,410

1,410

(1,613)

(1,613)

(1,410)

(1,410)

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

5.  fiNANCiAL Risk mANAGEmENT OBJECTivEs ANd POLiCiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Risk exposures and responses (continued)
Commodity price risk

The consolidated entity’s major commodity price exposure is to the price of coal  The consolidated entity has chosen not to 
hedge against the movement in coal prices but enters into sales contracts with a duration of more than 12 months to mitigate 
this risk  For the following financial year 50% of coal sales tonnages have had the sales price fixed  

Net fair values

As of 1 July 2009, the Group has adopted the amendment to AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures which requires 
disclosure of fair value measurements by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

•	 Level 1 – measurements based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, 

•	 Level 2 – measurements based upon inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset 

or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices), and

•	 Level 3 – measurements based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data 

(unobservable inputs) 

The fair value of derivative financial instruments is derived using valuation techniques based on observable market inputs, 
such as forward currency rates, at the end of the reporting period  The amounts disclosed in the statement of financial position 
are the fair values and are classified under level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy (refer note 17) 

The fair value of the Group’s investment in unlisted shares is classified under level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy 
(refer note 18) 

The carrying values of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements approximates their respective 
net fair values, determined in accordance with the accounting policies disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements 

Financial assets and liabilities by categories

In thousands of AUD

Consolidated Entity

financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Investments

Other financial assets2

Total financial assets

financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Other financial liabilities2

Total financial liabilities

2011

2010

Note

Loans and 
receivables1

Available  
for sale

Other

Loans and 
receivables1

Available  
for sale

Other

14

15

18

22

23

207,602

95,067

–

–

–

–

141,049

326,365

–

–

14,866

1,210

–

55,998

–

–

302,669

14,866

57,208

467,414

154,264

178,593

–

332,857

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,208

7,208

128,408

94,929

–

223,337

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,210

23,127

24,337

–

–

19,422

19,422

1   Loans and receivables are non-derivatives with fixed or determinable payments and are not quoted on an active market  Loans and receivables are 

valued at amortised cost 

2   Other financial assets include $56 0 million (2010: $23 1 million) relating to derivatives that qualified as being in a hedging relationship  Similarly, 

other financial liabilities include amounts of $7 2 million (2010: $19 4 million) 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

6.  sEGmENT REPORTiNG
a) 

identification of reportable segments

The Group has identified its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the executive 
management team (the chief operating decision makers) in assessing performance and in determining the allocation 
of resources 

The operating segments are identified by management based on ‘operations at individual mine sites’  Discrete financial 
information about each of these operating segments is reported to the executive management team on at least a monthly basis 

The reportable segments are based on aggregated operating segments determined by mining operations  The Group has 
determined that it has two reportable segments: Open Cut Operations and Underground Operations 

The following table represents revenue and profit information for reportable segments for the years ended 30 June 2011 
and 30 June 2010  The Group’s financing (including finance costs and finance income), depreciation and income taxes are 
managed on a group basis and are not allocated to reportable segments 

In thousands of AUD

Year ended 30 June 2011

Revenue

Sales to external customers

Total segment revenue

Capitalisation of Narrabri development production revenue

Difference in treatment of foreign exchange on hedges

Total revenue per statement of comprehensive income

Result

Segment result

Depreciation and amortisation

Income tax expense (excluding significant items)

Significant items after income tax

Net interest income

Open cut 
operations

Underground 
operations

Total

651,416

651,416

10,0871

661,503

10,087

661,503

(10,087)

(29,230)

622,186

94,576

–

94,576

(40,938)

26,251

(63,353)

(6,590)

9,946

Net profit after tax per statement of comprehensive income

1  Sales to external customers for underground operations relate to sales of Narrabri development production coal 

Capital expenditure for the year amounted to $55,336,000 for open cut operations and $104,426,000 for 
underground operations 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

6.  sEGmENT REPORTiNG (CONTiNuEd)

In thousands of AUD

Year ended 30 June 2010

Revenue

Sales to external customers

Total segment revenue

Difference in treatment of foreign exchange on hedges

Total revenue per statement of comprehensive income

Result

Segment result

Depreciation and amortisation

Income tax expense (excluding significant items)

Significant items after income tax

Net interest income

Net profit after tax per statement of comprehensive income

Open cut 
operations

Underground 
operations

Total

418,106

418,106

–

–

418,106

418,106

(11,299)

406,807

109,808

–

109,808

(32,025)

(23,595)

59,776

920

114,884

Capital expenditure for the year amounted to $111,596,000 for open cut operations and $126,647,000 for underground 
operations 

Other segment information

Revenue from external customers by geographical locations is detailed below  Revenue is attributed to geographic location 
based on the location of the customers 

In thousands of AUD

Total segment revenue

China

Japan

India

Taiwan

UK

Other

Australia1 

Domestic

Total revenue

1  Includes FOB contracts to Australian intermediaries who on-sell export coal

Total revenue by product

Thermal

PCI

Domestic

Total revenue

major customers

The Group has three major customers which account for 40 7% of external revenue  

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2010

79,043

22,485

233,754

128,217

17,781

96,653

111,753

11,599

91,265

19,655

33,563

–

98,803

8,663

115,132

11,243

661,503

418,106

469,781

171,878

19,844

270,476

136,387

11,243

661,503

418,106

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

7.  siGNifiCANT iTEms 

In thousands of AUD

Consideration on sale of 7 5% of Narrabri joint venture interest

Transaction costs

Assets disposed

Gain on sale of joint venture interest1

Loss on coal trading for legacy contracts2

Share based compensation3

Due diligence costs and project costs4

Financial income on EDF receivable5

Finance costs on retranslation of EDF receivable5

significant items before tax

Applicable income tax expense

significant items after tax

Consolidated

2011

2010

–

–

–

–

(65,405)

(2,102)

(5,778)

8,602

(24,922)

(89,605)

125,000

(167)

(10,519)

114,314

–

(16,683)

(2,375)

4,511

(7,223)

92,544

26,251

(32,768)

(63,354)

59,776

Reconciliation of significant items to face of statement of comprehensive income:

Operating expenses:

Loss on coal trading for legacy contracts2 – purchased coal

(25,563)

–

Other income:

Gain on sale of joint venture interest1 

Other expenses:

Loss on coal trading for legacy contracts2 – contract settlements 

Share-based payment expense3

Administrative expenses:

Due diligence costs and project costs4

Financial income

Unwinding of discount on EDF receivable5

Net unrealised foreign exchange gain on translation of EDF receivable5

Financial expenses

Net realised foreign exchange losses on EDF receipts

significant items before tax

–

114,314

(39,842)

–

(2,102)

(16,683)

(41,944)

(16,683)

(5,778)

(2,375)

6,052

2,550

8,602

4,511

–

4,511

(24,922)

(89,605)

(7,223)

92,544

1   During the prior year, the Company sold a further 7 5% of its joint venture interest in the Narrabri North Project to a Korean consortium, comprising 
Daewoo International Corporation (Daewoo) and Korea Resources Corporation (KORES), for A$125 million, plus 7 5% of all costs incurred since 
1 January 2008  The sale takes the Company’s interest in the project down to 70%  The consortium paid the A$125 million in three tranches  The first 
and second tranches of $32 5 million and $30 million were received during the prior year, as well as the consortiums’ 7 5% share of project development 
costs incurred since 1 January 2008  The third tranche of $62 5 million was received in the current year following the Company obtaining NSW 
Government approval for stage 2 of the Narrabri Project 

2   During the year a significant amount of coal was purchased to fulfil legacy contracts which could not be filled from Whitehaven’s own production, 

resulting in a significant loss before tax amounting to $22 3 million  Where contracts could not be filled with either Whitehaven coal or purchased coal, 
financial settlements were undertaken resulting in a loss before tax of $39 8 million  In addition, provision for future losses on sales of coal into legacy 
contracts of $3 3 million before tax have been made 

82

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

7.  siGNifiCANT iTEms (CONTiNuEd)

3   This expense relates to the issue of executive shares and executive options  The Board committed to issue these shares and options on 19 February 

2009  These shares and options were subsequently approved by shareholders at the AGM on 17 November 2009  Accounting standard AASB 2 deems 
the issue date of these shares and options to be the date shareholder approval was formally received  Accordingly, the company is required to account 
for the issue based on the prevailing share price at the date of the AGM 

4   During the year the Group undertook due diligence on a number of projects in relation to corporate and asset transactions 

5   A receivable arising on a previous sell down of the Narrabri North Project is denominated in US$ and has been discounted on initial recognition  At the 
reporting date the receivable has been retranslated to Australian dollars at current exchange rates, and the discount partially unwound  The resulting 
income and expense have been disclosed as significant items 

Significant items are amounts considered by the company not to be in the normal course of operations and are generally 
one-off or non-recurring 

8.  REvENuE

In thousands of AUD

Sale of coal

9.  OThER iNCOmE

Before significant items:

Hire of plant

Rental income

Gain on Sale of Non-Current assets

Sundry income1

significant items:

Gain on sale of interest in Narrabri project2

Consolidated

2011

2010

622,186

406,807

4,548

1,027

294

9,315

15,184

3,569

350

165

5,343

9,427

–

–

114,314

114,314

 1  Included within sundry income is $6 1 million (2010: $2 9 million) of the Group’s share of income from the Blackjack Carbon Joint Venture 

2  During the prior year the Group sold 7 5% of its joint venture interest in the Narrabri North Project  Refer to Note 7 for further details of this transaction 

10.  OThER ExPENsEs

In thousands of AUD

Payments for unfulfilled legacy contracts

Share based compensation payments

11.  PERsONNEL ExPENsEs

Wages and salaries

Contributions to superannuation plans

Other associated personnel expenses

Increase in liability for annual leave

Increase in liability for long-service leave

Share-based compensation payments

Consolidated

2011

39,842

6,431

46,273

2010

–

17,485

17,485

53,989

37,159

4,988

2,404

1,329

100

6,431

69,241

3,494

1,950

1,500

100

17,485

61,688

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

12.  fiNANCE iNCOmE ANd ExPENsE

In thousands of AUD

Recognised in profit and loss

Interest income on bank facilities

Dividend income

Net unrealised foreign exchange gain on translation of EDF receivable

Net realised foreign exchange gain

Unwinding of discount on EDF receivable1

Gains from ineffective portion of hedges

financial income

Interest expense on finance lease liabilities

Unwinding of discounts on provisions

Losses from ineffective portion of hedges

Net realised foreign exchange loss

Net unrealised foreign exchange loss

Net unrealised foreign exchange loss on translation of EDF receivable1

Net realised foreign exchange losses on EDF receipts1

Other interest charges

financial expenses

Net financing expense

Recognised directly in equity

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit or loss – sale of coal

Income tax on income and expense recognised directly in equity

finance expense recognised directly in equity, net of tax

1  These items have been disclosed as significant items  Please refer to note 7 for further details 

Consolidated

2011

2010

7,009

1,318

2,550

–

6,052

842

17,771

(7,449)

(728)

–

(2,056)

(1,388)

–

(24,922)

(6,149)

7,426

4

–

5,387

4,511

–

17,328

(4,923)

(852)

(2,497)

–

(1,002)

(5,199)

(2,024)

(1,583)

(42,692)

(18,080)

(24,921)

(752)

136,440

(92,244)

(13,259)

29,494

(48,722)

5,769

30,937

(13,459)

84

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

13.  iNCOmE TAx

In thousands of AUD

a) 

income tax (expense)/benefit

Current income tax

Current period

Adjustment for prior periods

Deferred income tax

Consolidated

2011

2010

18,860

3,392

22,252

(39,392)

(1,038)

(40,430)

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

(21,131)

(15,933)

income tax benefit/(expense) reported in the statement of comprehensive income

1,121

(56,363)

Numerical reconciliation between tax expense recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income and profit before tax

Profit/(loss) for the period

Total income tax benefit/(expense)

Profit excluding income tax

Income tax using the Company’s domestic tax rate of 30% (2010: 30%)

Non-deductible expenses

Change in unrecognised temporary differences

Over/(Underprovided) in prior periods

Aggregate income tax benefit/(expense)

b) 

income tax recognised directly in equity

Deferred income tax related to items charged/(credited) directly to equity

Derivatives

Transaction costs on issue of share capital

income tax expense recorded in equity

9,946

1,121

8,825

114,884

(56,363)

171,247

(2,648)

(51,374)

377

–

3,392

1,121

(3,951)

–

(1,038)

(56,363)

(13,259)

2

(13,257)

5,769

2,490

8,259

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

13.  iNCOmE TAx (CONTiNuEd)
c)  Recognised tax assets and liabilities

In thousands of AUD

Opening balance

Charged to income

Charged to equity

Recognition of DTA on current year losses

Transfer between current and deferred tax

Payments

Closing balance

Tax expense in statement of comprehensive income:

(18,860)

11,004

33,075

9,957

Charged to income

Charged to equity

Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position:

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liability

Consolidated

2011 
Current  

income tax

2011 
Deferred 
income tax

2010 
Current  

income tax

2010 
Deferred 
income tax

(37,514)

(12,089)

(106,874)

(4,415)

22,252

(21,131)

(40,430)

(15,933)

–

(13,257)

18,860

(11,004)

–

–

–

8,259

–

–

–

–

109,790

(38,621)

(37,514)

(12,089)

1,121

(13,257)

–

(38,621)

(38,621)

(56,363)

8,259

–

(12,089)

(12,089)

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the cost base available on disposal of the following items:

In thousands of AUD

Land and mining tenements

Consolidated

2011

21,530

21,530

2010

21,530

21,530

86

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

13.  iNCOmE TAx (CONTiNuEd)
c)  Recognised tax assets and liabilities (continued)

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

In thousands of AUD

Property, plant and equipment

Receivables

Derivatives

Investments

Deferred stripping

Deferred revenue

Deferred foreign exchange gain 

Provisions

Unearned income

Tax losses

Other items

Tax assets/(liabilities)

Set off of tax assets

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

d)  Tax consolidation

Consolidated

Assets

Liabilities

2011

2010

2011

2010

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,259

12,486

–

18,860

1,258

39,863

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,662

10,762

122

–

943

(46,893)

(16,852)

(428)

(97)

(14,476)

(1,216)

(1)

(16,686)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

(9,999)

(3,413)

–

–

–

–

–

19,489

(78,484)

(31,578)

(39,863)

(19,489)

39,863

19,489

–

–

(38,621)

(12,089)

The Company and its 100% owned Australian subsidiaries formed a tax consolidated group with effect from 29 May 2007  
The consolidated tax group has entered into both a tax funding arrangement and a tax sharing agreement  

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

14.  CAsh ANd CAsh EquivALENTs

In thousands of AUD

Cash and cash equivalents 

The weighted average interest rate for cash balances at 30 June 2011 is 4 01% (2010: 4 02%) 

15.  TRAdE ANd OThER RECEivABLEs

Current

Trade receivables

Other receivables and prepayments

Receivables due from related parties

Non-current

Other receivables and prepayments

Consolidated

2011

2010

207,602

141,049

28,187

55,362

8,816

46,330

237,198

5,678

92,365

289,206

2,702

37,159

Included in Current and Non-current Other Receivables are amounts of $41,787,000 and $nil respectively  
(2010: $216,402,000 and $32,570,000), relating to consideration due on the sell down of the Narrabri North project  
For further details of this transaction please refer to note 7 

16.  iNvENTORiEs

Coal stocks (at cost)

Consumables and stores

17.  dERivATivE fiNANCiAL iNsTRumENTs

Current assets

forward exchange contracts – receivable

Current liabilities

forward exchange contracts – payable

Non-current liabilities

forward exchange contracts – payable

19,912

5,974

25,886

17,052

3,869

20,921

55,998

23,127

7,208

14,280

–

5,142

88

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

17.  dERivATivE fiNANCiAL iNsTRumENTs (CONTiNuEd)
instruments used by the consolidated entity

Derivative financial instruments are used by the consolidated entity in the normal course of business in order to hedge 
exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates  

Forward currency contracts – cash flow hedges

The consolidated entity undertakes sales in US dollars  In order to protect against exchange rate movements and reduce the 
foreign exchange rate related volatility of the consolidated entity’s revenue stream, the consolidated entity enters into forward 
exchange contracts to sell US dollars in the future at stipulated exchange rates  Forward exchange contracts are entered for 
future sales undertaken in US dollars 

The contracts are timed to mature when funds for coal sales are forecast to be received  At 30 June 2011, the forward 
exchange contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and are expected to impact profit and loss in the periods 
specified below 

forward exchange contracts

In thousands of AUD (except exchange rates)

Sell US dollars

Less than 6 months

6 months to 1 year

1 year to less than 2 years

Buy Euros

Less than 6 months

6 months to 1 year

18.  iNvEsTmENTs

In thousands of AUD

Current investments

Investment in unlisted preference shares 

Non-current investments

Investment in unlisted preference shares 

Fair  
value 
2011

39,572

16,426

–

Average 
exchange 
rates 
2011

0 8614

0 9349

–

55,998

0.8945

(7,208)

0 5707

–

–

(7,208)

0.5707

Fair  
value 
2010

Average 
exchange 
rates 
2010

10,458

5,319

(5,142)

10,635

(6,251)

(679)

(6,930)

0 8145

0 8108

0 8246

0.8160

0 5882

0 5902

0.5885

Consolidated

2011

2010

14,866

–

1,210

1,210

During the year the Group acquired a total of $37 3m in preference shares ($14 8m) and shareholder loan notes ($22 5m) 
as part of the funding requirement of the NCIG Stage 2AA expansion  The shareholder loan notes were all disposed of during 
the year as NCIG secured funding from other investors  As part of one of these disposals the Company issued a put option 
giving the acquirer the right, subject to certain criteria being met, to sell back the shareholder loan notes  The likelihood of 
the put option being exercised is considered remote 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

19.  PROPERTy, PLANT ANd EquiPmENT

Consolidated

In thousands of AUD

Note

Freehold 
land

Plant and 
equipment

Leased plant 
and equipment

Mining 
property and 
development

Total

Cost

Balance at 1 July 2009

Acquisitions

Transfer to plant and equipment and 
freehold land

Disposals

Balance at 30 June 2010

Balance at 1 July 2010

Acquisitions

Transfer to plant and equipment and 
mining property and development

41,655

15,110

727

114,683

104,482

6,725

76,381

32,176

1,439

343,242

575,961

156,939

308,707

(8,891)

–

(3,352)

(5,492)

–

(16,497)

(25,341)

54,140

54,140

19,556

(1,665)

220,398

109,996

220,398

109,996

474,793

474,793

859,327

859,327

26,944

40,333

130,460

217,293

970

(970)

1,665

–

Disposals

(351)

(250)

–

–

(601)

Balance at 30 June 2011

71,680

248,062

149,359

606,918

1,076,019

depreciation 

Balance at 1 July 2009

Depreciation charge for the year

Transfer to plant and equipment

Disposals

Balance at 30 June 2010

Balance at 1 July 2010

Depreciation charge for the year

Transfer to plant and equipment

Disposals

Balance at 30 June 2011

Carrying amounts

At 1 July 2009

At 30 June 2010

At 1 July 2010

At 30 June 2011

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(22,967)

(18,622)

(25,534)

(67,123)

(9,415)

(1,349)

649

(10,895)

(11,562)

(31,872)

(1,195)

2,544

–

–

–

649

(33,082)

(30,712)

(34,552)

(98,346)

(33,082)

(30,712)

(34,552)

(98,346)

(13,399)

(12,719)

(14,667)

(40,785)

(1,454)

1,454

99

–

–

–

–

99

(47,836)

(41,977)

(49,219)

(139,032)

41,655

54,140

54,140

71,680

91,716

187,316

187,316

57,759

79,284

79,284

317,708

508,838

440,241

440,241

760,981

760,981

200,226

107,382

557,698

936,987

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

19.  PROPERTy, PLANT ANd EquiPmENT (CONTiNuEd)
Leased plant and machinery

The consolidated entity leases mining equipment under a number of finance lease agreements  At 30 June 2011, the 
consolidated entity’s net carrying amount of leased plant and machinery was $107,382,000 (2010: $79,284,000)  The leased 
equipment is pledged as security for the related finance lease liabilities 

20.  ExPLORATiON ANd EvALuATiON

In thousands of AUD

Balance at 1 July 2009

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Balance at 30 June 2010

Balance at 1 July 2010

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Balance at 30 June 2011

Exploration and evaluation assets

Consolidated

Cost

3,838

1,506

5,344

5,344

4,078

9,422

Impairment 
losses

–

–

–

–

–

–

The recoverability of the carrying amounts of exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on the successful development 
and commercial exploitation or sale of the respective area of interest 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

21.  iNTANGiBLE AssETs

In thousands of AUD

Water access rights

Acquired haulage rights

Less: accumulated amortisation

Marketing commission rights1

Less: accumulated amortisation

Rail access rights2

Consolidated

2011

4,063

1,300

(548)

6,687

(1,317)

39,596

49,781

2010

4,063

1,300

(395)

–

–

38,520

43,488

1   During the year the consolidated entity acquired marketing commission rights (refer to note 39)  The marketing commission rights have been assessed 
as having a finite useful life and are amortised over specific sales tonnages using a fixed cost per tonne  The amortisation has been recognised in the 
statement of comprehensive income in the line item ‘selling and distribution expenses’ 

2   The consolidated entity has entered into agreements with the Rail Infrastructure Corporation and Australian Rail Track Corporation to underwrite 

60% of the funding of a major upgrade of the Muswellbrook to Narrabri rail infrastructure, which will increase the capacity of that line to more than 
15 million tonnes per annum  The initial funding for the upgrade has been obtained by Rail Infrastructure Corporation and 60% of this will be subject 
to repayment by the consolidated group over 15 years  The corresponding asset has been recognised and represents the group’s right to rail access 
over that period  The access rights will be amortised on a units sold basis reflecting the economic benefit derived over the life of the access once the 
upgrades are complete 

In thousands of AUD

movement in intangibles

Balance at 1 July 2009

Acquired during the year

Less: Accumulated amortisation

Balance at 30 June 2010

Balance at 1 July 2010

Acquired during the year

Less: Accumulated amortisation

Balance at 30 June 2011

22.  TRAdE ANd OThER PAyABLEs

In thousands of AUD

Current

Trade payables

Other payables and accruals

Deferred purchase consideration

Consolidated

Water  
access  
rights

Contract 
related 
intangible

Rail  
access 
rights

Marketing 
commission 
rights

953

3,110

–

4,063

4,063

–

–

4,063

1,058

–

(153)

905

905

–

(153)

752

35,383

3,137

–

38,520

38,520

1,076

–

39,596

–

–

–

–

–

6,687

(1,317)

5,370

Total

37,394

6,247

(153)

43,488

43,488

7,763

(1,470)

49,781

Consolidated

2011

2010

58,855

60,745

34,664

24,429

61,315

42,664

154,264

128,408

Deferred purchase consideration relates to an amount payable under the acquisition agreement for Creek Resources Pty Ltd 
executed in October 2007  The amount of contingent consideration payable is calculated based on the total coal reserve 
tonnage within the area acquired  During the current year, the consolidated entity made a payment of $8 million on account 
for the deferred consideration 

92

 
noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

23.  iNTEREsT-BEARiNG LOANs ANd BORROwiNGs

This note provides information about the contractual terms of the consolidated entity’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

In thousands of AUD

Current liabilities

Finance lease liabilities

Other loans unsecured

Non-current liabilities

Finance lease liabilities

Secured bank loans

Total interest-bearing liabilities

financing facilities

Secured bank loans

facilities utilised at reporting date

Secured bank loans

facilities not utilised at reporting date

Secured bank loans

financing facilities

Consolidated

2011

2010

15,169

34,267

49,436

82,827

46,330

129,157

178,593

95,595

46,330

49,265

16,659

20,648

37,307

57,622

–

57,622

94,929

–

–

–

At 30 June 2011, the consolidated entity’s financing facilities are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets 
of the consolidated entity 

finance lease facility

At 30 June 2011, the consolidated entity’s lease liabilities are secured by the leased assets of $107,382,000  
(2010: $79,284,000), as in the event of default, the leased assets revert to the lessor 

finance lease liabilities

Finance lease liabilities of the consolidated entity are payable as follows:

In thousands of AUD

Less than one year

Between one and five years

More than five years

Consolidated

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
2011

23,136

66,942

40,496

130,574

Interest 
2011

7,967

19,807

4,804

32,578

Principal 
2011

15,169

47,135

35,692

97,996

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
2010

22,589

67,120

–

Interest 
2010

5,930

9,498

–

Principal 
2010

16,659

57,622

–

89,709

15,428

74,281

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

24.  EmPLOyEE BENEfiTs

In thousands of AUD

Current

Salaries and wages accrued

Liability for long service leave

Liability for annual leave

25.  PROvisiONs

Mine rehabilitation and closure

Onerous contracts

Current

Non-current

In thousands of AUD

movement in provisions

Balance at 1 July 2010

Provisions made during the period

Provisions used during the period

Unwind of discount

Balance at 30 June 2011

Consolidated

2011

2010

2,998

215

5,576

8,789

30,746

3,283

34,029

4,932

29,097

34,029

1,883

115

4,247

6,245

28,898

–

28,898

1,246

27,652

28,898

Mine  
rehabilitation 
 and closure

Onerous 
contracts

28,898

1,380

(260)

728

–

3,283

–

–

30,746

3,283

Increases in the provision for rehabilitation were made during the year as a result of additional disturbance at several mines 
and a reassessment of the areas of disturbance and rehabilitation rates  Rehabilitation and mine closure expenditure is 
expected to occur over the life of the mining operations which ranges from 5 to 25 years  Refer to Note 3(r) for details 
on the nature of the obligation 

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30 june 2011

26.  shARE CAPiTAL ANd REsERvEs

In thousands of AUD

a)  share capital

Consolidated

2011

2010

Fully paid ordinary shares 493,816,735 (2010: 493,650,070)

591,339

591,176

b)  movements in shares on issue
Ordinary shares

Beginning of the financial year

Issued for cash

Exercise of share options

Costs of shares issued, net of tax

Consolidated

2011

Nos of 
shares 
000’s

$000’s

2010

Nos of 
shares 
000’s

$000’s

493,650

591,176

407,213

367,352

–

167

–

–

167

(4)

71,684

14,753

–

214,886

14,753

(5,815)

493,817

591,339

493,650

591,176

The Company has also issued share options (see note 33) 

c)  Terms and conditions of issued capital

Fully paid ordinary shares carry one vote per share, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting of the Company and carry the 
right to receive dividends as declared  In the event of a winding up of the Company, fully paid ordinary shares carry the right 
to participate in the proceeds from the sale of all surplus assets in proportion to the number of and amounts paid up on 
shares held 

d)  hedge reserve

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments 
related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred 

e)  share-based payments reserve

The share-based payment reserve is used to record the value of share-based payments provided to director-related entities and 
senior employees under share option plans  Refer to note 33 for further details of these plans 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

26.  shARE CAPiTAL ANd REsERvEs (CONTiNuEd)
f)  dividends

In thousands of AUD

Recognised amounts

Declared and paid during the year:

Final franked dividend for 2010: 2 8c (2009:6 0c)

Interim franked dividend for 2011: 3 3c (2010: 2 8c)

unrecognised amounts

Consolidated

2011

2010

13,822

16,295

30,117

28,584

13,819

42,403

Final franked dividend for 2011: 4 1c (2010: 2 8c)

20,273

13,822

The above final dividend was declared after the year end  These amounts have not been recognised as a liability in the financial 
statements for the year ended 30 June 2011 but will be brought to account in the year ending 30 June 2012  

dividend franking account

In thousands of AUD

30 per cent franking credits available to shareholders of Whitehaven Coal Limited 
for subsequent financial years

The Company

2011

2010

101,723

143,374

The above available amounts are based on the balance of the dividend franking account at year end adjusted for:

(a)  franking credits that will arise from the payment of the current tax liabilities;

(b)  franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the year end;

(c) 

 franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables by the tax consolidated entity 
at the year end; and

(d) 

 franking credits that the entity may be prevented from distributing in subsequent years 

The ability to utilise the franking credits is dependent upon there being sufficient available profits to declare dividends  
In accordance with the tax consolidation legislation, the Company as the head entity in the tax-consolidated consolidated 
entity has also assumed the benefit of $nil (2010: $nil) franking credits 

In thousands of AUD

Impact on the franking account of dividends proposed or declared before the  
financial report was authorised for issue but not recognised as a distribution to  
equity holders during the period

The Company

2011

2010

(8,689)

(5,924)

96

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

27.  OPERATiNG LEAsEs
Consolidated entity as lessee

The consolidated entity leases mining equipment, office equipment and office space under operating leases  The leases 
typically run for one to five years with an option to renew on the mining equipment and office space  None of the leases 
includes contingent rentals  

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 30 June 2011 are as follows:

In thousands of AUD

Less than one year

Between one and five years

Leases as lessor

Consolidated

2011

3,727

988

4,715

2010

5,053

1,348

6,401

The consolidated entity leases out land it will use for future mining operations under operating leases  Some lease 
payments have been received upfront under these contracts and have been recorded as deferred income on the statement 
of financial position  

At 30 June 2011 $32,612,000 (2010: $16,829,000) of land was leased under these operating leases 

28.  CAPiTAL ExPENdiTuRE COmmiTmENTs

In thousands of AUD

Plant and equipment and intangibles

Contracted but not provided for and payable:

Within one year

One year or later and no later than five years

Consolidated

2011

2010

55,866

148,830

–

7,480

55,866

156,310

29.  ExPLORATiON ExPENdiTuRE COmmiTmENTs

In order to maintain current rights of tenure to exploration tenements, the consolidated entity is required to perform minimum 
exploration work to meet the minimum expenditure requirements specified by various State governments  These obligations are 
subject to renegotiation when application for a mining lease is made and at other times  These obligations are not provided for 
in the financial report and are payable:

In thousands of AUD

Within one year

One year or later and no later than five years

Consolidated

2011

–

6,495

6,495

2010

504

6,313

6,817

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

30.  CONTiNGENCiEs

The directors are of the opinion that provisions are not required in respect of these matters, as it is not probable that a future 
sacrifice of economic benefits will be required or the amount is not capable of reliable measurement 

In thousands of AUD

Guarantees

Consolidated

2011

2010

(i) 

 The consolidated entity provided bank guarantees to the Department of Mineral Resources 
NSW as a condition of continuation of mining and exploration licenses

26,079

20,790

(ii)  The consolidated entity provided bank guarantees to Rail Infrastructure Corporation

(iii)   The consolidated entity provided bank guarantees to the Roads and Traffic Authority 

of NSW

(iv)   The consolidated entity provided bank guarantees to Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group

(v) 

 The consolidated entity provided bank guarantees to Port Waratah Coal Services Limited

(vi)   The consolidated entity provided bank guarantees to Peabody Coal Trade International Ltd

(vii)   The consolidated entity provided bank guarantees to Jones Lang LeSalle

38,622

400

16,920

6,754

–

82

38,622

1,650

16,920

6,754

5,866

–

88,857

90,602

Take-or-Pay commitments

The consolidated entity has entered into contracts for rail and port capacity which are under Take-or-Pay arrangements  
The minimum commitment under these contracts is detailed below:

In thousands of AUD

Less than one year

Between one and five years

More than five years

Retention bonus scheme

Consolidated

2011

46,457

2010

39,228

141,128

113,288

58,100

66,815

245,685

219,331

During the year, the consolidated entity implemented a retention bonus scheme for 28 key senior employees in the Whitehaven 
Group  Under the scheme, retention amounts up to an aggregate total of $6,638,119 are payable to those key senior 
employees who remain in the employment of the Whitehaven Group on 1 February 2012  These amounts will become payable 
earlier than 1 February 2012 if an employee is terminated for any reason other than serious misconduct or material breach 
of employment conditions 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

31.  RECONCiLiATiON Of CAsh fLOws fROm OPERATiNG ACTiviTiEs

In thousands of AUD

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the period

Adjustments for:

Depreciation 

Amortisation

Foreign exchange losses unrealised

Unwinding of discounts on provisions

Unwinding of discounts on receivables

Share-based compensation payments

Gain on sale of interest in Narrabri project

Gain on sale of non-current assets

Operating profit before changes in working capital and provisions

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in inventories and deferred stripping

Change in trade and other payables

Change in unearned revenue

Change in provisions and employee benefits

Change in tax payable

Change in deferred taxes

Cash flows from operating activities

Consolidated

Note

2011

2010

19

21

25

12

33

9

9

9,946

114,884

40,785

1,470

26,985

728

(6,052)

6,431

31,872

153

8,698

852

(4,511)

17,485

–

(114,314)

(294)

(165)

79,999

17,542

54,954

(18,007)

(31,753)

(29,682)

45,541

(280)

2,517

4,671

(311)

2,279

(47,471)

(69,360)

13,274

79,369

15,933

(39,523)

32.  suBsEquENT EvENTs
In the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report there has not arisen any item, transaction or 
event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors of the Company, to affect significantly the operations 
of the consolidated entity, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the consolidated entity, in future financial 
years other than the following:

•	 The directors have resolved to pay a fully franked dividend of 4 1 cents per ordinary share (refer Note 26) 

•	 After the year end the Company granted Share Acquisition Rights (SARs) over 720,000 ordinary shares to key senior 

employees as part of ongoing long-term incentive plans  The SARs vest over the period 1 July 2012 to 1 July 2015 and 
are subject to market based performance hurdles  

•	 On 27 July 2011, 651,679 ordinary shares were issued pursuant to the vesting of employee SARs 

•	 On 16 August 2011, the Company entered into long-term arrangements with Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for 

rail track access between the Company’s mines and Newcastle Port 

•	 The consolidated entity received a claim in June 2008 in relation to the performance of its obligations under a coal sales 

contract  The claim was settled on 1 July 2011 for an amount of US$1,625,000 

The financial effect of the above matters has not been brought to account in the financial statements for the year ended 
30 June 2011 but will be recognised in future financial periods 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

33.  shARE-BAsEd PAymENTs
a)  Recognised share-based payment expenses

In thousands of AUD

Employee expenses

Share options – director-related entities

Shares issued – director-related entities1

Share options – senior employees

Consolidated

2011

2010

2,102

–

4,329

6,431

9,898

7,175

412

17,485

1   Shares were issued to Dalara Investments Pty Ltd, a company controlled by Mr Allan Davies, as trustee for the AJ and LM Davies Family Trust  
The Board committed to issue these shares on 19 February 2009  The shares were subsequently approved by shareholders at the AGM on 
17 November 2009  Accounting standard AASB 2 deems the issue date of these shares to be the date shareholder approval was formally received  
Accordingly, the company is required to account for the issue based on the prevailing share price at the date of the AGM resulting in a significantly 
higher valuation for accounting purposes 

b)  Types of share-based payment plans
Option grant to former CEO/Managing Director on 5 September 2007

The Company issued share options to the former Chief Executive Officer when he was appointed in October 2007  The terms 
and conditions of the grant are as follows  

Option

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 3

Exercise  
price

Number of  
instruments

Vesting conditions

Expiration date

$2 50

$2 50

$2 50

1,000,000

1st anniversary of employment

21 October 2012

1,000,000

2nd anniversary of employment

21 October 2012

1,000,000

3rd anniversary of employment

21 October 2012

3,000,000

Option grant to senior employees on 19 February 2009

The Company issued share options to senior employees on 19 February 2009  The terms and conditions of the grant are 
as follows  

Option

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 3

Tranche 4

Tranche 5

Tranche 6

Tranche 7

Tranche 8

Tranche 9

Tranche 10

Exercise  
price

Number of  
instruments

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

$1 00

33,333

16,667

16,666

66,666

33,333

33,334

66,666

33,333

66,668

33,334

400,000

Vesting conditions

1 July 2008

1 January 2009

1 July 2009

26 October 2009

2 November 2009

1 July 2010

26 October 2010

2 November 2010

26 October 2011

2 November 2011

Expiration date

30 June 2010

31 December 2010

30 June 2011

26 October 2011

2 November 2011

30 June 2012

26 October 2012

2 November 2012

26 October 2013

2 November 2013

100

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

33.  shARE-BAsEd PAymENTs (CONTiNuEd)
Option grant to director-related entity on 17 November 2009

The Company issued share options to Dalara Management Pty Limited, an entity related to Allan Davies, at the AGM on 
17 November 2009  These options had previously been approved by the board on 19 February 2009  The terms and conditions 
of the grant are as follows  

Option

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 3

Exercise  
price

$1 70

$1 70

$1 70

Number of  
instruments

Vesting conditions

1,666,666

31 October 2009 

1,666,667

31 October 2010

1,666,667

31 October 2011

5,000,000

Expiration date

31 October 2013

31 October 2013

31 October 2013

Option grant to senior employees on 4 August 2010 and 13 October 2010

The Company issued share acquisition rights to senior employees under the company’s long-term incentive program  The terms 
and conditions of the grant are as follows  

Option

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 3

Exercise  
price

Number of  
instruments

Vesting conditions

$0 00

$0 00

$0 00

$0 00

$0 00

486,671

1 July 2011/1 July 2012 

243,329

1 July 2012/1 July 2013

191,675

1 July 2011/1 July 2012

191,669

1 July 2012/1 July 2013

191,656

1 July 2013/1 July 2014

1,305,000

Expiration date

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2014

The share acquisition rights vest subject to achieving a total shareholder return (‘TSR’) as follows:

•	 TSR over vesting period above 75th percentile – 100% vest

•	 TSR over vesting period below the 50th percentile – 0% vest

•	 TSR over vesting period between 50th and 75th percentile – sliding scale of vesting between 0% and 100%

c)  movement in options

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices of, and movements in, share options issued 
during the year: 

Outstanding at beginning of period

Exercised during the period

Granted during the period

Forfeited during the period

Outstanding at 30 June

Exercisable at 30 June

Weighted average 
exercise price  

2011

$1 96

$1 00

$0 00

$0 00

$1 71

$2.06

Number of  
options 
2011

8,366,667

(166,665)

1,305,000

(50,000)

9,455,002

6,433,333

Weighted average 
exercise price  

2010

$1 25

$1 00

$1 70

–

$1 96

$2.18

Number of  
options 
2010

18,119,200

(14,752,533)

5,000,000

–

8,366,667

4,799,998

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

33.  shARE-BAsEd PAymENTs (CONTiNuEd)
c)  movement in options (continued)

The outstanding balance as at 30 June 2011 is represented by:

(i) 

(ii) 

 200,002 senior employee options over ordinary shares having an exercise price of $1 00, exercisable on meeting the 
above conditions and until the dates shown above 

 3,000,000 senior employee options over ordinary shares having an exercise price of $2 50, exercisable on meeting the 
above conditions and until 22 October 2012 

(iii)   5,000,000 director-related entity options over ordinary shares having an exercise price of $1 70, exercisable on meeting 

the above conditions and until 31 October 2013 

(iv)   1,255,000 share acquisition rights having an exercise price of $0 00, exercisable on meeting the above conditions and until 

the dates shown above 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the year ended 30 June 2011 
was $6 68 (2010: $4 89) 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at 30 June 2011 is 1 91 years (2010: 2 92 years) 

d)  Option pricing models

The fair value of options granted to director-related entities is measured using a Black Scholes model 

The fair value of options granted to the senior employees is measured using a Monte Carlo Simulation model incorporating 
the probability of the performance hurdles being met 

The following table lists the inputs to the models used for the years ended 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2010:

Fair value of share options and assumptions

2011

2010

2011

2010

Director-related entities

Senior employees

Fair value at grant date

Share price

Exercise price

Expected volatility (weighted average volatility)

Option life (expected weighted average life)

Expected dividends

Risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds)

All shared-based payments are equity settled  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$2 41

$4 95-$5 33

$4 42

$5 73-$6 20

$1 70

60%

$0 00

40%

1-3 years

1-4 years

10%

1%

3 50%

4 60-4 80%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

34.  RELATEd PARTiEs

The following were key management personnel of the consolidated entity at any time during the reporting period and unless 
otherwise indicated were key management personnel for the entire period:

Name

directors

John Conde 

Neil Chatfield

Alex Krueger

Hans Mende

Tony Haggarty

Andrew Plummer

Allan Davies

Executives

Austen Perrin

Timothy Burt

Tony Galligan

Position

Chairman

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Managing Director

Executive Director

Executive Director

Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary

General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary

General Manager Infrastructure

key management personnel compensation 

The key management personnel compensation included in ‘personnel expenses’ (see note 11) is as follows:

In AUD

Wages and salaries

Contributions to superannuation plans

Other associated personnel expenses

Increase in liability for annual leave

Increase in liability for long service leave

Share-based compensation payments

Consolidated

2011

2010

3,491,742

3,178,047

223,294

215,327

15,792

85,954

–

38,369

82,420

–

2,987,825

17,167,429

6,804,607

20,681,592

individual directors and executives compensation disclosures

Information regarding individual directors and executives compensation and some equity instruments disclosures as permitted 
by Corporations Regulations 2M 3 03 and 2M 6 04 are provided in the Remuneration Report in the Directors’ report 

Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has entered into a material contract with the consolidated entity since 
the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interests existing at year end 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

34.  RELATEd PARTiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Loans from key management personnel and their related parties

There were no loans outstanding to key management personnel and their related parties, at any time in the current or prior 
reporting periods 

Other key management personnel transactions

A number of related parties and key management persons hold positions in other entities that result in them having control 
or significant influence over the financial or operating policies of those entities 

These entities transacted with the Company or its subsidiaries in the reporting period  The terms and conditions of the 
transactions with management persons and their related parties were no more favourable than those available, or which might 
reasonably be expected to be available, on similar transactions to non-director-related entities on an arm’s length basis 

For all related parties disclosed below, there were no guarantees given or received, or provisions for doubtful debts over the 
outstanding balances at year end, nor were these balances secured against any assets of the consolidated entity 

The aggregate amounts recognised during the year relating to key management personnel and their related parties were 
as follows: 

(i) 

 The consolidated entity has entered into a sub-lease with XLX Pty Limited, a company of which Tony Haggarty, Andrew 
Plummer and Allan Davies are all directors, for office space in Sydney  Fees amounted to $353,753 (2010: $311,381)  
This agreement includes payment for utilities, parking, teleconferencing, office supplies and services and is on normal 
commercial terms  XLX Pty Limited also provided project consulting services to the consolidated entity during the year 
amounting to $1,252,673 (2010: $341,661)  There was no outstanding balance payable to XLX Pty Limited at year end 
(2010: $44,000) 

(ii) 

 The consolidated entity sells coal to and buys coal from Energy Coal Marketing Pty Ltd (‘ECM’), a company controlled 
by Hans Mende  During the year the company made sales to ECM amounting to $27,919,142 (2010: $43,481,042) 
and purchases of $nil (2010: $30,750,712)  These transactions were carried out on an arm’s length basis at market rates  
At the year end there was no balance owed to the consolidated entity (2010: $208,966)  

(iii)   The consolidated entity sells coal to and buys coal from AMCI International AG, a company jointly controlled by Hans 

Mende  During the year the company made sales to AMCI amounting to $124,177 (2010: $20,604,418) and purchases 
of $nil (2010: $14,576,664)  These transactions were carried out on an arm’s length basis at market rates  There was 
no balance outstanding at year end (2010: $nil) 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

34.  RELATEd PARTiEs (CONTiNuEd)
movements in shares

The movement during the reporting period in the number of ordinary shares in Whitehaven Coal Limited held, directly, indirectly 
or beneficially, by each key management person, including their related parties is as follows:

No  of shares

directors

John Conde

Neil Chatfield

Tony Haggarty

Alex Krueger

Hans Mende

Andy Plummer

Allan Davies

Executives

Austen Perrin

Timothy Burt

Tony Galligan

No  of shares

directors

John Conde

Neil Chatfield

Tony Haggarty

Alex Krueger

Hans Mende

Andy Plummer

Allan Davies1

Executives

Austen Perrin

Timothy Burt

Tony Galligan

Held at  

1 July 2010

Received on 
exercise of 
options

Purchased 
under  
the Equity 
Participation 
and Option 
Deed

Other  

purchases

Held at  

Sales

30 June 2011

378,605

256,805

33,479,897

–

76,019,833

33,514,254

2,625,000

54,635

6,500

73,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

378,605

256,805

33,479,897

–

76,019,833

33,514,254

2,625,000

(54,635)

(6,500)

(39,000)

–

–

34,000

Held at  

1 July 2009

Received on 
exercise of 
options

Purchased 
under  
the Equity 
Participation 
and Option 
Deed

Other  

purchases

Held at  

Sales

30 June 2010

301,887

301,887

31,143,795

–

75,379,833

29,883,070

125,000

49,717

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

92,666

33,334

–

–

76,718

4,918

–

(50,000)

378,605

256,805

7,326,266

9,836

(5,000,000)

33,479,897

–

–

–

640,000

–

–

–

76,019,833

7,326,266

4,918

(3,700,000)

33,514,254

–

–

–

–

2,500,000

4,918

6,500

–

–

–

–

(53,000)

2,625,000

54,635

6,500

73,000

1   Shares were issued to Dalara Investments Pty Ltd, a company controlled by Mr Allan Davies, as trustee for the AJ and LM Davies Family Trust  
The Board committed to issue these shares on 19 February 2009  The shares were subsequently approved by shareholders at the AGM on 
17 November 2009  

1
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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

34.  RELATEd PARTiEs (CONTiNuEd)
Options and rights over equity instruments

The movement during the reporting period in the number of options over ordinary shares in the Company held, directly, indirectly 
or beneficially, by each key management person and director-related entities, including their related parties, is as follows:

Held at  

1 July 2010

Granted/
(Forfeited) 

Exercised

30 June 2011

Held at  

Vested during 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable at  
30 June 2011

director-related entities

Tony Haggarty

Andy Plummer

Allan Davies

Executives

Austen Perrin

Timothy Burt

Tony Galligan

director-related entities

Tony Haggarty

Andy Plummer

Allan Davies

Executives

Austen Perrin

Tony Galligan

–

–

5,000,000

–

–

–

100,000

100,000

–

–

65,000

85,000

Held at  

1 July 2009

Granted/
(Forfeited) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,000,000

1,666,667

3,333,333

200,000

33,333

66,666

65,000

85,000

Held at  

–

–

–

–

Vested during 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable at  
30 June 2010

Exercised

30 June 2010

7,326,266

7,326,266

–

–

7,326,266

7,326,266

–

–

7,326,266

7,326,266

–

–

–

5,000,000

100,000

33,334

–

–

–

–

33,334

5,000,000

1,666,666

1,666,666

100,000

–

33,333

33,334

33,333

–

106

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

35.  CONsOLidATEd ENTiTy’s suBsidiARiEs, AssOCiATEs ANd iNTEREsTs iN JOiNT vENTuREs

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and the subsidiaries listed below 

Ownership interest

Country of 
incorporation

2011 
%

2010 
%

Parent entity

Whitehaven Coal Limited

subsidiaries

Whitehaven Coal Mining Limited

Namoi Mining Pty Ltd

Namoi Agriculture and Mining Pty Limited

Betalpha Pty Ltd

Betalpha Unit Trust

Tarrawonga Coal Pty Ltd

Whitehaven Coal Holdings Limited

Whitehaven Coal Infrastructure Pty Ltd

Narrabri Coal Pty Ltd

Narrabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd

Narrabri Coal Sales Pty Ltd

Creek Resources Pty Ltd

Werris Creek Coal Sales Pty Ltd

Werris Creek Coal Pty Ltd

WC Contract Hauling Pty Ltd

Whitehaven Blackjack Pty Ltd

Whitehaven Project Pty Ltd

Whitehaven Project Holdings Pty Ltd

Australian Coal Inter Holdings 11 B V 

Australian Coal Inter Holdings 11A B V 

Jointly controlled entities

Tarrawonga Coal Sales Pty Limited

Blackjack Carbon Pty Limited

Blackjack Carbon Sales Pty Limited

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Netherlands

Netherlands

Australia

Australia

Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

70

50

50

The consolidated entity has interests in the following jointly controlled operations, whose principal activities involve the 
development and mining of coal:

Tarrawonga Coal Project Joint Venture

Narrabri Coal Joint Venture

Blackjack Carbon Joint Venture

2011

70%

70%

50%

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

n/a

n/a

100

100

70

50

50

2010

70%

70%

50%

The consolidated entity’s share of the above jointly controlled entities has been recorded using the proportional consolidation 
method  The amounts set out below are included in the 30 June 2011 consolidated financial statements under their 
respective categories 

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

35.  CONsOLidATEd ENTiTy’s suBsidiARiEs, AssOCiATEs ANd iNTEREsTs iN JOiNT vENTuREs 
(CONTiNuEd)

In thousands of AUD

statement of comprehensive income

Operating and administration expenses

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventory

Deferred stripping

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Total liabilities

Guarantees

2011
$000

2010
$000

70,954

66,826

8,510

4,961

9,674

15,984

39,129

6,065

3,164

6,088

5,317

20,634

–

2,054

419,091

246,881

1,691

1,691

420,782

250,626

459,911

271,260

53,560

36,542

87

270

53,647

36,812

7,497

7,497

6,999

6,999

61,144

43,811

The Joint Ventures provided bank guarantees to the Department of Mineral Resources NSW 
as a condition of continuation of mining and exploration licenses

3,055

3,055

Capital expenditure commitments – Plant and equipment and intangibles

Contracted but not provided for and payable:

Within one year

One year or later and no later than five years

Take-or-Pay commitments

Less than one year

Between one and five years

More than five years

108

46,282

125,491

–

7,480

46,282

132,971

28,801

101,433

58,100

13,889

89,298

66,815

188,334

170,002

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

36.  EARNiNGs PER shARE
Basic earnings per share 

The calculation of basic earnings per share at 30 June 2011 is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and 
a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year calculated as follows:

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 

Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders before significant items

weighted average number of ordinary shares

Issued ordinary shares at 1 July

Effect of shares issued during the year

Weighted average number of ordinary shares at 30 June

Basic earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders (cents)

Basic earnings per share before significant items attributable to ordinary 
shareholders (cents)

diluted earnings per share

Consolidated

2011
$000

2010
$000

9,946

114,884

73,300

55,108

Consolidated

2011
000’s

2010
000’s

493,650

407,213

55

68,219

493,705

475,432

2.0

14.8

24.2

11.6

The calculation of diluted earnings per share at 30 June 2011 is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and 
a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding adjusted for the diluting impact of potential equity instruments 
calculated as follows:

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (diluted)

Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (diluted)

Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders before significant items

weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic)

Effect of share options on issue

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

diluted earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders (cents)

diluted earnings per share before significant items attributable to ordinary 
shareholders (cents)

109

Consolidated

2011
$000

2010
$000

9,946

114,884

73,300 

55,108 

Consolidated

2011
000’s

2010
000’s

493,705

475,432

6,316

2,628

500,021

478,060

2.0

14.7

24.0

11.5

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noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

37.  AudiTORs’ REmuNERATiON

In AUD

Audit services:

Auditors of the Company – Ernst & Young

Audit and review of statutory financial statements – current year

Audit of joint ventures 

Non-audit services:

Auditors of the Company – Ernst & Young

Due diligence services

Review of National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act requirements

Taxation services

Other assurance services

38.  PARENT ENTiTy iNfORmATiON

In thousands of AUD

information relating to whitehaven Coal Limited:

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Issued capital

Retained earnings

Share-based payment reserve

Total shareholders’ equity

Profit of the parent entity

Total comprehensive income of the parent entity

110

Consolidated

2011

2010

354,138

156,300

510,438

487,229

74,059

–

7,210

342,503

151,723

494,226

–

86,684

40,508

5,142

568,498

132,334

Company

2011

2010

285,614

770,720

(2)

(9,694)

720,338

16,330

24,358

761,026

35,496

35,496

325,337

790,087

(37,527)

(41,034)

720,175

10,951

17,927

749,053

49,837

49,837

noteS to the Financial StatementS
30 june 2011

39.  BusiNEss COmBiNATiONs – ACquisiTiONs

During the year the consolidated entity acquired a coal marketing business  The provisional fair values of identifiable assets 
and liabilities acquired as at the date of acquisition were:

In thousands of AUD

Assets

Property, plant and equipment

Liabilities

Employee benefits

Total net identifiable assets at fair value

Marketing commission rights acquired1

Total consideration

Fair value  
at acquisition 
date

Carrying value

50

(26)

50

(26)

24

7,000

7,024

1   The marketing commission rights arise as a result of acquiring interests in existing marketing agreements  The consolidated entity will receive the benefit 

of cost savings on marketing commissions that would have otherwise been payable under the marketing agreements  Of the total cost savings on 
marketing commissions, $0 3m related to marketing commissions payable as at the date of acquisition and were expensed on acquisition  The remaining 
$6 7m of cost savings have been recognised as an intangible asset (refer to note 21) 

40.  dEEd Of CROss GuARANTEE

Pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) dated 13 August 1998, the wholly-owned subsidiaries listed below 
are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports, and 
directors’ report 

It is a condition of the Class Order that the Company and each of the subsidiaries enter into a Deed of Cross Guarantee  
The effect of the Deed is that the Company guarantees to each creditor payment in full of any debt in the event of winding 
up of any of the subsidiaries under certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001  If a winding up occurs under other 
provisions of the Act, the Company will only be liable in the event that after six months any creditor has not been paid in full  
The subsidiaries have also given similar guarantees in the event that the Company is wound up 

The subsidiaries subject to the Deed are:

•	 Whitehaven Coal Mining Limited

•	 Namoi Mining Pty Ltd

•	 Betalpha Pty Ltd

•	 Tarrawonga Coal Pty Ltd

•	 Whitehaven Coal Holdings Limited

•	 Whitehaven Coal Infrastructure Pty Ltd

•	 Narrabri Coal Pty Ltd

•	 Narrabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd

•	 Narrabri Coal Sales Pty Ltd

•	 Creek Resources Pty Ltd

•	 Werris Creek Coal Sales Pty Ltd

•	 Werris Creek Coal Pty Ltd

•	 WC Contract Hauling Pty Ltd

The Company and each of the subsidiaries entered into the deed on 27 June 2008 

The Deed of Cross Guarantee includes the Company and subsidiaries which are included within the statement of 
comprehensive income and statement of financial position of the consolidated entity  

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DirectorS’ Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the directors of Whitehaven Coal Limited, I state that:

In the opinion of the directors:

(a) 

 the financial statements and notes of Whitehaven Coal Limited are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 
including:

(i) 

(ii) 

 giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2011 and of its performance 
for the year ended on that date; and

 complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the 
Corporations Regulations 2001; 

(b) 

 the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 2; and

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

 there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due 
and payable  

 this declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with 
section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 for the financial year ending 30 June 2011 

 as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed Group 
identified in note 39 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject, by virtue 
of the Deed of Cross Guarantee 

On behalf of the Board

John Conde 
Chairman

Sydney 
23 August 2011

112

 
 
inDepenDent auDitor’S report 
to the memberS oF whitehaven coal limiteD

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113

 
 
 
 
 
 
inDepenDent auDitor’S report 
to the memberS oF whitehaven coal limiteD

114

aSX aDDitional inFormation

Additional information required by the Australian Securities Exchange Limited Listing Rules and not disclosed elsewhere 
in this report is set out below 

shAREhOLdiNGs 
substantial shareholders

The number of shares recorded as owned by substantial shareholders and their associates in the most recent substantial 
shareholder notices advised to the Company by these shareholders are set out below:

Shareholder

FRC Whitehaven Holdings BV

Hans Mende 

Fritz Kundrun 

AMCI International AG

Ranamok Pty Ltd*

Anthony Haggarty and HFTT Pty Ltd

Percentage of  
capital held

27 63

15 96

15 82

11 32

7 65

6 78

Number of ordinary 
shares held per most 
recent substantial 
shareholder notice

131,650,000

76,019,833

75,379,833

53,951,500

37,214,254

33,479,897

* 

 Figures are based upon the substantial shareholder notice received 20 January 2010  Current holding as at 10 August 2011 is 33,514,254 shares 
equating to 6 78% of capital 

voting rights
Ordinary shares

Refer to note 26 in the financial statements

Options

There are no voting rights attached to the options  

Distribution of equity security holders

Category

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

There are 28 holders of options over ordinary shares  Refer to note 33 in the financial statements 

The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares is 190 

sECuRiTiEs ExChANGE

The Company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange  

115

Number of equity 
security holders

1,580

2,524

845

686

70

5,705

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aSX aDDitional inFormation

OThER iNfORmATiON

Whitehaven Coal Limited, incorporated and domiciled in Australia, is a publicly listed company limited by shares 

Twenty largest shareholders (legal ownership)

Name

FRC Whitehaven Holdings BV

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited (Cash Income A/C)

Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd

UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

National Nominees Limited

Ranamok Pty Ltd (Plummer Family A/C)

HFTT Pty Ltd (Haggarty Family A/C)

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Ltd

Cogent Nominees Pty Limited

Mr Michael Jack Quillen (Quillen Family A/C)

Nicola Investments II LLC

Kirstin Investments II LLC

Markus Investments II LLC

INVIA Custodian Pty Limited (Davies Family A/C)

Tasman Asset Management Ltd (Tyndall Australian Share Whole)

ARGO Investments Limited

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited (Pipooled A/C)

Cogent Nominees Pty Limited (SMP Accounts)

This information is current as at 10 August 2011

Number of ordinary 
shares held

Percentage of 
capital held

80,650,000

63,981,745

54,145,503

52,360,193

36,916,878

36,779,297

33,514,254

33,437,979

18,717,433

7,780,369

7,085,000

5,660,377

2,830,189

2,830,188

2,625,000

2,129,099

2,111,698

2,060,843

1,905,279

1,760,165

16 31

12 94

10 94

10 59

7 47

7 44

6 78

6 76

3 79

1 57

1 43

1 14

0 57

0 57

0 53

0 43

0 43

0 42

0 39

0 36

449,281,489

90.86

116

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

diRectoRs

John Conde, Chairman 
Tony Haggarty, Managing Director 
Neil Chatfield 
Alex Krueger 
Hans Mende 
Andy Plummer 
Allan Davies

compAny secRetARies

Austen Perrin 
Timothy Burt

RegisteRed And pRincipAl  
AdministRAtive office

Level 9, 1 York Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Ph: +61 2 8507 9700 
Fax: +61 2 8507 9701

AustRAliAn Business 
numBeR 

ABN 68 124 425 396

stock exchAnge listing

Australian Securities Exchange Ltd 
ASX Code: WHC

AuditoR

Ernst & Young 
Ernst & Young Centre 
680 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: +61 2 9248 5555 
Fax: +61 2 9248 5199

shARe RegistRy

Computershare Investor Services  
Pty Limited 
GPO Box 523 
Brisbane QLD 4001
Ph: 1300 850505 
Fax: +61 7 3237 2100

legAl AdviseRs

McCullough Robertson 
Level 12, Central Plaza Two 
66 Eagle Street 
Brisbane QLD 4000

countRy of incoRpoRAtion

Australia

weB AddRess

www.whitehavencoal.com.au

.

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www.whitehavencoal.com.au

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