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Whitehaven Coal

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FY2017 Annual Report · Whitehaven Coal
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ASX  
10 YEAR 
ANNIVERSARY
2007 to 2017

A DECADE  
OF GROWTH

Whitehaven Coal 
Annual Report 2017

ASX  
10 YEAR 
ANNIVERSARY
2007 to 2017

From starting as a small operator 
in NSW’s Gunnedah Basin in 1999, 
Whitehaven Coal has grown to  
become a leading producer of some  
of the world’s highest quality coal. 

This year marks the tenth anniversary  
of Whitehaven Coal listing on the Australian  
Securities Exchange (ASX) under the code WHC.

Whitehaven Coal produces 
more than 20 million tonnes of 
saleable (100% basis) thermal 
and metallurgical coal per annum 
from our suite of mines. In the 
past decade, the company has 
established itself as a major player  
in the Pacific Seaborne coal market.

Alongside our international links, our 
roots remain firmly in the North West 
NSW region. We are the largest 
employer in the area, with a total 
workforce of nearly 1,500 people. 
The company has contributed more 
than $1 bn into the local economy  
in the past five years.

Our coal travels from the  
Gunnedah Basin by rail to the  
Port of Newcastle before being 
shipped to customers mainly in 
Japan, Korea, Taiwan and India.

Whitehaven Coal strives for 
operational excellence and in  
2016 the Maules Creek mine was 
awarded the NSW Minerals Council 
Mining Operation of the Year.

As we look forward to another  
ten years of success, the proposed 
Vickery Extension Project is the  
next chapter in Whitehaven Coal’s 
story and will consolidate our 
longstanding commitment  
to the region. 

Listed on the Australian 
Securities Exchange with the 
code WHC, Whitehaven had  
1,026,046 shares on issue as  
at 30 June 2017. 

More information on Corporate 
Governance is elsewhere in  
this report and available at  
www.whitehavencoal.com.au

Whitehaven Coal’s Annual  
General Meeting (AGM) will  
be held on 25 October 2017.

An investor calendar is available  
on Whitehaven Coal’s website at  
www.whitehavencoal.com.au

CONTENTS

Overview 

Strategy 

Operations 

Sustainability 

Resources & Reserves 

Leadership & Management 

Financial Report 

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Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017

Year Highlights

Whitehaven Coal delivered another strong performance in FY2017  
as we continued to strengthen and grow the business. Net profit  
after tax for the year was $405.4m, up from $20.5m

In FY2017 full year ROM production grew 13% to 23.1Mt, total  
saleable production grew by 6% to 20.7Mt, sales revenue by  
52% to $1,773.2m. FOB cash costs were $58 per tonne, while  
EBITDA of $714.2m was up 219%.

Equity Basis

 SALEABLE COAL 
PRODUCTION (Mt)

  ROM COAL PRODUCTION (Mt)

 TOTAL RECORDABLE INJURY 
FREQUENCY RATE (TRIFR)

15.8Mt 

17.7Mt 

7.4 PER MILLION 

HOURS 

20

15

10

5

20

15

10

5

0
FY

2007

2015

2016

2017

0
FY

2007

2015

2016

2017

12

10

8

6

4

2

0
FY

2015

2016

2017

2

 
 
YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

  REVENUE ($m’s)

  NET DEBT ($m’s)

  NET PROFIT AFTER TAX (NPAT) ($m’s)

$1,773M 

$311M 

$405.4M 

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0
FY

2007

2015

2016

2017

1,000

800

600

400

200

0
FY

2007

2015

2016

2017

450

375

300

225

150

75

0
FY

-75

2007

2015

2016

2017

 COSTS FOB ($/t) 
(EXCLUDING ROYALTIES)

 OPERATING EBITDA ($m’s) 
(BEFORE SIGNIFICANT ITEMS)

 PRICE ACHIEVEMENTS ($/t) 
(EXCLUDING ROYALTIES)

$58/t 

$714.2M 

$104 

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
FY

2007

2015

2016

2017

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0
FY

2007

2015

2016

2017

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
FY

2007

2015

2016

2017

3

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORT 
 
 
Section 1:

OVERVIEW

Year in Review  

10 Year Story Highlights  

Chairman’s Statement  

CEO’s Statement  

 5

 6

 10

 12

4

Year in Review

Operations

Organisation

Corporate

The company improved its Total 
Recordable Injury Frequency Rate to 
7.4. Whitehaven’s TRIFR is well below 
the NSW coal mining average of 14.7.  

The Group’s workforce was nearly  
1,500 people at the end of June 2017. 
Employee and contractor numbers 
have grown from the beginning 
of H1 FY2017 as Maules Creek has 
continued to expand.

Net debt at 30 June 2017 was 
$311.1 million, with gearing of 9%.  
The decrease in net debt has been 
driven by capital management  
strong cashflows and disciplined 
capital management.

Achieved record saleable production  
across Group of 20.7Mtpa. 

Mining activity at Maules Creek 
entered its next stage with the mine 
operating at an annualised rate of 
10.5Mt in the second half.

Increased contracted volumes of 
higher margin semi soft coking coal  
from the Maules Creek mine.

Around 75 per cent of our workforce 
live in the area of our operations.

Whitehaven’s Aboriginal  
employment program at Maules  
Creek was recognised by the NSW 
Minerals Council and highlighted  
in the Prime Minister’s Closing  
The Gap report. The company 
continues to deliver on ensuring  
at least 10 per cent of the workforce  
is made up of Aboriginal or Torres 
Strait Islander people, reflecting the 
local population as a whole.

Work has neared completion of 
the various studies to produce the 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
required for Government approval for 
an expanded Vickery mine (10Mtpa).

Community

During FY2017 Whitehaven Coal and its 
Joint Venture partners made significant 
contributions to the New South 
Wales (NSW) economy and to local 
economies in North West NSW. 

The year saw the successful 
installation and operation of an 
expanded 400 metre face at  
the Narrabri underground mine.  
The larger face allows a greater 
volume of coal to be produced  
and reduces roadway development.

One of Whitehaven’s employees, 
Murray O’Keefe, was named  
NSW Young Achiever of the  
Year in the annual NSW Minerals 
Council industry awards.

A total of $171.9 million paid to the 
NSW Government in mining royalties. 

Spending $237 million in the 
Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth and 
Liverpool Plains region this year.

Made 90 donations to local  
community groups.

5

STRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 1 / OVERVIEWOVERVIEWWhitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017

10 Year Story

HIGHLIGHTS

ASX  
10 YEAR 
ANNIVERSARY
2007 to 2017

1999

Whitehaven Coal  
Limited is established

2000

Mining commenced  
at Canyon open  
cut mine (formerly  
Whitehaven mine)

2005

Mining commenced  
at Werris Creek  
open cut mine

2006

Mining commenced  
at Tarrawonga  
open cut mine

2007

Whitehaven Coal IPO  
and listed on the ASX

2007

Environmental  
assessments lodged  
for mines at Narrabri,  
Belmont/Rocglen 
and Sunnyside

2008

$130 million capital  
raising completed

Construction of  
Narrabri is underway

2009

NCIG under  
construction

2010

Canyon mine closed,  
rehab commenced

Production commenced  
at Rocglen

Purchase of 
Vickery Project

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SECTION 1 / OVERVIEW

2010

Capital raise of $203m

Expanded Gunnedah  
CHPP to 4.0Mtpa

2011

First coal from  
Narrabri

2013

Narrabri declared  
Commercial

Maules Creek  
aproved by  
Government

2014

Construction  
at Maules Creek

2012

Merger with Aston Resources

Boardwalk and  
Coalworks acquired

Longwall installed  
at Narrabri

2015

First coal at  
Maules Creek

Financial close  
on a $1.4 billion Senior  
Secured Bank Facility 

2016

2016

2017

Record ROM production  
at more than 20Mtpa  
on a 100% basis

Maules Creek  
declared commercial

Company won industry  
awards for Aboriginal 
employment program  
at Maules Creek,  
apprenticeship program  
(and for Annual Report)

Record year of production,  
23 million ROM Coal

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OVERVIEW 
 
 
 
 
Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017

10 Year Story

HIGHLIGHTS

ASX  
10 YEAR 
ANNIVERSARY
2007 to 2017

Whitehaven Coal was first formed in 1999 to develop the Canyon open-cut mine near 
Gunnedah. The success of this mine led to operations commencing at Tarrawonga  
and Werris Creek before the company listed on the ASX in 2007, raising $26m.

Whitehaven Coal story since 2007 (100% basis)

FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017

39.4

34.9

136.3

108.8

148.0

149.2

17.1

90.4

130.3

224.1

714.2

24.1

12.9

77.3

55.1

73.3

57.8

-67.2

-28.4

-10.7

20.5

405.4

2.3

2.8

3.3

3.9

4.7

4.9

8.2

10.3

14.6

19.7

20.7

EBITDA  
(Aud M)*

NPAT  
(Aud M)*

Saleable Coal 
Production (Mt)
( 100% Managed 
Basis)

* Excluding significant items from FY2008 onwards.

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SECTION 1 / OVERVIEW

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the listing and in that time Whitehaven Coal  
has gone from strength to strength. In our first year after listing we produced  
2.3m tonnes of coal and now we produce ten times that and have grown to have  
a market capitalisation of over $3 billion.

Whitehaven’s saleable production since the listing in 2007 (100% basis)

Million 
tonnes 
(Mt) 

25

20

15

10

5

0

FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

FY2015

FY2016

FY2017

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OVERVIEW 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s  
Statement

It gives me great pleasure to report on Whitehaven Coal’s  
performance during the 2017 financial year. Ten years since  
the company’s listing on the ASX, your company is now firmly 
entrenched as Australia’s leading independent coal company.  
This year has again been a record-breaking one for the company,  
one in which we produced, shipped and marketed in excess of  
20 million tonnes of premium quality coal.

In recording a profit for the year 
to 30 June 2017 of $405.4m, we 
have delivered the highest profit in 
the company’s history. As reported 
elsewhere in this report, Whitehaven 
Coal achieved revenue of $1773.2m, 
kept costs low at $58/t and delivered 
on our commitment to reduce debt.

The share price between 1 July 2016 
and 30 June 2017 rose 168% and this 
year has seen the Board propose to 
make a distribution of 20 cents per 
share, subject to shareholder approval. 
This payment to shareholders 
demonstrates the confidence that  
the Board has in the business. To  
our long-standing shareholders, and 
newer entrants to the registry, we 
thank you for your ongoing support.

In declaring this result, I would like to 
thank Paul Flynn and his outstanding 
executive team for again showing 
great leadership across our business, 
industry and local community over 
the past 12 months. I would also pay 
tribute to Whitehaven Coal’s strong 
and dedicated workforce for helping 
deliver another outstanding year.

A decade of growth

This year marks the tenth anniversary 
of the listing of Whitehaven Coal 
on the ASX. The company itself 
was founded in 1999 to develop the 
Canyon mine near Gunnedah.

In the decade since listing in 2007, 
your company has grown and now 
produces ten times the amount of  
coal than it did in the year of listing.

We have a proud history in the 
Gunnedah Basin where our mines, 
local investments, workforce and 
community contributions are centred. 
As I am fond of saying, the Gunnedah 
Basin is home to some of the highest 
quality coal in the world, coal which 
service export markets in Asia where 
it helps countries such as Japan and 
Korea meet their carbon emissions 
reduction targets.

As an Australian miner with a local 
focus, we want our projects to be 
environmentally and economically 
sustainable, and for the local community 
to benefit from our presence over the 
long-term. We are the largest non-
government employer in the North 
West NSW region, with a workforce  
of more than 1,500 working across  
eight geographically dispersed sites.

Since 2012 Whitehaven Coal has 
invested around $1bn in the economy 
in North West NSW, with wages, 
payments to councils, support for 
businesses and sponsorships and 
donations to community groups.  
We have a strong track record of 
creating skilled jobs and bringing new 
investment and prosperity to the region.

But as we look forward to the  
next decade, we want to do more.  
Our Vickery Project means a  
bigger Whitehaven Coal and more 
investment in local communities.  
The Vickery Project will support the 
local community by delivering more 
jobs, more investment and greater 
economic security. 

Drafting of the EIS document and 
supporting documents is nearing 
completion. A decision of the 
preferred rail route is close and  
is likely to be concluded in the 
September quarter.

Timing for construction 
commencement of the Vickery  
project remains market dependent, 
but will likely occur once Maules  
Creek has been fully ramped up  
to its 13Mtpa capacity.

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Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017SECTION 1 / OVERVIEW

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Innovation

I would like to close my report with 
a few words about innovation. 
Whitehaven Coal is an innovative 
company in an innovative industry.

At our world-class Maules Creek mine, 
the use of ultra-class equipment – 
trucks and excavators – has increased 
productivity and reduced costs. 
Up the road at our underground 
Narrabri operation, the longwall and 
newly installed 400 metre wide face 
is fully automated and was one of 
the first in Australia to be equipped 
with computerised operating system 
which enables horizon control. It is 
pleasing that Narrabri is now one of 
the most productive underground 
mines in Australia and the mine has 
consistently outperformed its original 
design capacity.

Conclusion

At our Gunnedah open cuts, the 
commissioning of a new explosives 
provider has lowered the amount 
of explosives used and improved 
fragmentation of the blasted material. 
The use of the explosives has also 
contributed to improved productivity 
of the mining fleet and lowered costs.

And with our high-quality coal helping 
countries across the region lower their 
carbon emissions, Whitehaven Coal 
and Australian coal producers more 
generally are well-placed to meet  
the increased global demand for 
cleaner coal.

Reflecting on the past year, and the 
decade since Whitehaven listing, it is 
fitting to thank and pay tribute to my 
fellow Directors, our Joint Venture 
Partners, shareholders, banking 
syndicate, management (both past 
and present), workforce and of course 
shareholders for their support over 
recent years.

As we look forward to another decade 
of success, your company would not 
be in the strong position that we are in 
today without your support. We look 
forward to another outstanding year 
in FY2018.

The Hon. Mark Vaile AO
Chairman

11

OPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTCEO’s  
Statement

This has been another significant 12 months of achievement  
for Whitehaven Coal. We continue to make strong progress both 
operationally and financially and this is thanks to a strong team  
driven effort. Before I set out some of our achievements and priorities,  
it is worth reflecting a little on how far we have come as a company.

As many shareholders will know, 
Whitehaven Coal was formed in 1999 
to develop the Canyon open-cut mine 
near Gunnedah. The commencement 
of operations soon followed at 
Tarrawonga and Werris Creek before 
the company listed on the Australian 
Securities Exchange in 2007. The past 
decade has seen your company grow 
from a relatively small mining company 
to a major coal player in the Australian 
(and international) markets.

Reporting on the past financial year, 
my thanks to all who have made 
this happen. From our excellent 
management team to our dedicated 
workforce who so diligently go about 
their business each day.

The hard work has been rewarded 
by the company reporting its highest 
ever profit for the year. This is a fitting 
result for a company celebrating its 
10 year anniversary of listing on the 
ASX and reflects well on all of those  
people who have shared and 
participated in the journey.

It is also pleasing to demonstrate the 
confidence that the board has in the 
business by proposing a 20 cents per 
share distribution to shareholders. 
The investments made over the past 
five years are generating healthy cash 
flows, debt levels have fallen over the 
last two years by more than $600m 
from their peak and the company has 
a strong balance sheet so shareholders 
can expect to receive more returns.

Operations

Turning to some of the achievements  
of the past 12 months, Whitehaven  
Coal set a series of records for FY2017:

 – ROM coal production of  

23.1Mt (up 13%)

 – Saleable coal production  

of 20.8Mt (up 6%)

 – Coal sales of 20.7Mt (up 3%).

Importantly, we have delivered what 
we said we would do this time last 
year: a continued focus on safety, 
meeting production guidance 
provided to the market, holding  
costs in the first quartile, and 
continuing to repay debt. 

Each of our operations has 
contributed greatly over the course 
of the year. Obviously the largest 
single contributor to the year on year 
improvement has been Maules Creek 
at 9.7Mt ROM coal. The Narrabri 
underground mine overcame some 
operational challenges early in the  
year to produce 7.3Mt ROM coal,  
and installed the first 400m wide 
longwall face.

Elsewhere, the set of smaller 
Gunnedah open cut mines – Werris 
Creek, Tarrawonga and Rocglen – 
again showed why they remain the 
bedrock of the business with record 
annual production of 6.1Mt ROM coal.

Of particular note is the strong safety 
performance at all of the Gunnedah 
operations registering only one 
recordable injury for the entire year.

Our team’s continued focus on safety 
has seen Whitehaven Coal’s Total 
Recordable Injury Frequency Rate 
(TRIFR) reduce to 7.4. This compares 
with an NSW mining industry average 
of 14.7. Safety remains a key priority and 
further focus will be placed on ensuring 
ongoing high safety standards.

Community

As the region’s largest single employer, 
we continue to grow a strong and 
productive workforce. This in turn has 
been a major contributor to our region 
being one of the most healthy, from a 
growth perspective, across  the State.

Over the past 12 months we have 
continued to build on our efforts to 
maintain and grow good relations 
with the local community. One such 
initiative supported this year was 
the launch of the Girls Academy in 
Gunnedah. The Girls Academy works 
within local school systems to provide 
support for Indigenous high school 
age girls to engage in school and 
pursue their goals.

Our goal is that as Whitehaven 
continues to grow, the composition 
of the company’s workforce should 
reflect the population in which 
we operate. As such, this year we 
launched maternity leave support for 
existing employees and as reported 
in our recent WGEA submission, 
increased the number of female 
employees by 26% and female 
operators by 56%. We will continue 
to focus on making progress in this 
important area and endeavour to 
identify opportunities for local  
people to join Whitehaven.

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Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017SECTION 1 / OVERVIEW

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Whitehaven’s continued efforts 
in community relations has been 
recognised this year around the  
wider community.

Our Aboriginal employment program 
at Maules Creek was highlighted as a 
model of best practice by the Prime 
Minister in this year’s Closing The Gap 
report, while Maules Creek employee 
Murray O’Keefe was awarded the 
Young Achiever Award at the 2017 
NSW Mining Industry and Suppliers’ 
Awards. The Young Achiever  
Award recognises an inspirational 
young professional aged between  
18–35 years who is building a 
successful career in mining. 
Congratulations to Murray.

Outlook

Coal has powered the industrialised 
world’s development and prosperity 
over the past century. Cheap, 
affordable, scalable and accessible 
energy has lifted millions out of 
energy poverty and improved living 
standards and life expectancy across 
the entire world.

As shareholders in Whitehaven Coal, 
you may be aware that your company 
has been passionate advocates for 
the coal industry. We will continue  
to be so.

As a supplier of some of the highest 
quality coal in the world, we are 
well-placed to meet the increasing 
global demand for cleaner coal. Our 
coal basin produces exceptionally 
high-quality coal which gives us 
a major competitive advantage in 
the premium growth markets of 
Asia. When our coal is used in high 
efficiency low emissions power 
stations (HELE) now commonplace 
in our exports markets, it generates 
substantially less emissions than any 
power station here in Australia.

Looking ahead, our focus for  
the next year is on:

 – An enhanced  focus on safety  
as our number one priority
 – Consolidating our growth 

operationally to bolster our 
business processes and systems 
ready for the next wave of growth

 – Delivering increased saleable 

production but maintaining a laser 
focus on cost control
 – the submission of the 

Environmental Impact Statement 
for the Vickery Extension Project. 

From a financial perspective, our 
balance sheet is in a strong positon 
and we will continue to focus on 
further reducing our debt, returns to 
shareholders and providing flexibility 
for future growth.

In conclusion, it has been another 
strong year of delivery, and on many 
levels we believe a successful year.  
Thank you for your support.

Paul Flynn
Managing Director and CEO

13

RESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTOVERVIEWSection 2:

STRATEGY

Strategy  

Future Growth: Vickery Extension Project  

Creating Value  

Coal and its Global Role today  

Coal and Future Demand in Asia  

Coal and Technology  

 15

 16

 18

 20

 21

 22

14

Strategy

Whitehaven Coal’s strategy is focused on enhancing the strong position we have established  
as the coal supplier of choice, the employer of choice and the coal mining investment of choice.  
As we continue to grow our business, our long-term priorities are:

Premium Markets

Projects

Operating Efficiency

Whitehaven Coal continues to have 
a long-term commitment to reduce 
costs, wherever it is safe to do so.  
By doing so, we have been able  
to grow margins and productivity  
to support future growth and  
capital improvements.

Whitehaven Coal continues to 
strengthen relationships with 
established customers throughout 
the key markets of Japan, Korea 
and Taiwan, while generating new 
opportunities across South East  
Asia and beyond. Our high-quality 
coal ensures we are aligned to  
the Asian markets that require  
a premium product.

Premium Products

As the dominant player in the only 
emerging high-quality coal basin in 
Australia, Whitehaven Coal is uniquely 
positioned to fulfil the needs of those 
markets requiring premium quality 
coal. The world wants technological 
advancement and more energy 
created with lower emissions. 
Regulatory change around the world 
encourages the use of Whitehaven’s 
high-quality coal.

Having delivered the tier one Maules 
Creek mine ahead of schedule and 
below budget, Whitehaven Coal has 
a track record of efficient project 
management. As we look forward 
to another ten years of success, the 
proposed Vickery Extension Project 
is next in our pipeline of projects to 
meet market needs. 

Talented Personnel

Whitehaven Coal is committed to 
developing the skills of its people, 
working together to build a culture 
of respect, transparency and 
efficiency, while continuing to attract 
and retain the right people with 
the right skills to meet the future 
demands of the business.

15

OVERVIEWOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSTRATEGYSECTION 2 / STRATEGYFuture Growth:  
Vickery Extension Project

Whitehaven Coal’s Vickery Extension Project seeks to expand the size of the already-approved 
Vickery Coal Project. The Project site is located approximately 25 kilometres north of Gunnedah  
in the Gunnedah Coal Field. The project encompasses the former Vickery Mine and the former 
Canyon mine, which closed in 2010.

Whitehaven Coal received approval 
from the NSW  Government for the 
4.5Mtpa Vickery open cut mine  
in September 2014. We are now 
seeking approval to increase 
production up to 10.0Mtpa.

The increased production will help 
fund new infrastructure for the mine, 
including a new washery and rail line. 
A new rail line will see coal mined 
by Whitehaven transported via rail, 
reducing the amount of coal trucks 
on local roads initially, and potentially 
removing coal trucks from shared 
roads altogether in the future.

A new coal washery on site at  
Vickery will enable us to close and 
transfer the functions of the Gunnedah 
CHPP currently located at the northern 
end of town.

If approved, the Project is expected 
to create 500 jobs during the 
construction phase, and 450 jobs 
during operations. Consistent with  
all our operations, the majority  

of our operational workforce will be 
based in the local community.

Vickery last operated as a functioning 
open cut mine in the late 1990s and the 
site has been partially rehabilitated.

A completely revised and enhanced 
Environmental Impact Statement for 
the Vickery Extension Project is due to 
be lodged with the NSW Department 
of Planning and Environment in 
September 2017.

The NSW Department of Planning  
and Environment is expected to  
take up to eighteen months to  
approve the Vickery Extension  
project. During this time Whitehaven 
will seek to form a joint venture by 
selling up to 30% of the project to 
potential product offtakers and  
or investors.

Once the project is approved the 
Whitehaven Board, along with the  
joint venture partners, will consider  
the final investment decision. 

Vickery Projects Timeline 2007 – 2017

The Vickery Extension 
Project will provide more 
investment and greater 
economic security for 
the local region

500 JOBS
If approved, the Project 
will provide 500 jobs 
during the construction 
phase and 450 jobs 
during operations

1990s
Vickery last operated  
as a functioning mine  
in the late 1990s

The final investment decision will be 
taken subject to market conditions and  
the outlook for the sale of the high-quality 
products to be produced by the project.

FY2011
Initial JORC  
resource for  
Vickery released

FY2015
Approval received  
for the Vickery  
project at initial 
4.5Mtpa ROM coal

2017

FY2010
Purchase of  
Vickery project  
from Rio Tinto

2007

16

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017SECTION 2 / STRATEGY

I

W
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I

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Vickery Project Indicative Timeline from 2017

CY2018
Formation of JV, 
interested parties 
invited  
to participate

H1 CY2019 
Proposed project 
approval by all 
the relevant 
Government 
authorities

2017

September 2017
EIS lodged, 
approval process 
commenced

H1 CY2019 
Board to make 
final investment 
decision

CY2023 
Fully ramped production of  
10Mtpa ROM coal and 8.5Mt saleable 
product  comprising 40% thermal 
coal and 60% metallurgical coal 
available for sale

17

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSTRATEGY 
 
Creating Value

Building long-term relationships with our customers, people, communities and investors. 

Customer Value

Employee Value

Community Value

  STAKEHOLDERS

Employees working across 
Whitehaven’s operations

 – Employment and career pathways
 – Training and development

  ENGAGEMENT

 – Professional development
 – Annual safety day
 – Leadership briefing sessions
 – Employee surveys
 – Internal communications channels 

including prestart meetings, 
company emails, newsletters,  
site notices and events

  STAKEHOLDERS

Steel producers and power plants, 
including joint venture partners,  
in Japan, Taiwan, Korea and  
South East Asia

 – Safe, reliable and consistent supply 
and delivery of quality products

 – Maintain strong technical and 

commercial relationships through 
open and honest communication  
and delivering on our promise

  ENGAGEMENT

 – Japan office  

(with in-country employee)
 – Highly skilled and experienced 

marketing team
 – Quality control of  

Whitehaven products
 – Targeted continuous  

improvement programs
 – Regular visits to operations

  STAKEHOLDERS

Local and Aboriginal communities in 
proximity to Whitehaven’s operations 
and the broader North West NSW 
community

 – Potential environmental and 

social impacts associated with 
Whitehaven’s operations

 – Sustainable community development 

through local employment, 
training and education, business 
development and opportunities, and 
investment in services and amenities

 – Culture and heritage impacts

  ENGAGEMENT

 – Office in Gunnedah central 

business district

 – Community consultation  

and engagement

 – Whitehaven-hosted community events
 – Donations and sponsorship program
 – Partnerships and investments  

in major projects

 – Trainee and apprenticeship 

programmes

 – Dedicated Aboriginal Community 

Relations employee

We have helped 

18 

countries meet their energy 
needs over the past 12 months

We made payments of 

$159.4m 

to around 1,000 employees 
in remuneration and 
superannuation

We have invested 

$1bn 

in the North West NSW  
economy since 2012

In the past year  
we made 

90 

donations to  
community groups

18

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Supplier Value

Investor Value

Economic Value

  STAKEHOLDERS

  STAKEHOLDERS

Sourcing and collaborating with 
range of diverse suppliers, including 
businesses local to Whitehaven’s 
operations in North West NSW

 – Working closely with suppliers and 
contractors to achieve mutually 
beneficial outcomes

 – Transparent communication 
throughout contract award 
process and meeting agreements 
and processes on an ongoing basis

  ENGAGEMENT

 – Regular meetings, communication 

and reviews with strategic 
suppliers and contractors
 – Strategic relationships with 
contractors and suppliers
 – Early engagement with key 

contractors and suppliers for  
major projects

Shareholders, investors and regional 
and international organisations 
concerning environmental, human 
rights, sustainability and corporate 
social responsibility

 – Long-term wealth creation
 – Risk management
 – Community engagement
 – Environmental performance
 – Human rights
 – Compliance

  ENGAGEMENT

 – Annual report
 – Sustainability reporting
 – State and Federal  

Government reporting

 – Media releases
 – ASX announcements
 – Environment and community 

departments

  STAKEHOLDERS

Federal, State and Local 
Governments, businesses  
and suppliers, local workforce

  ENGAGEMENT

 – Job creation
 – Taxes, royalties and Voluntary 
Planning Agreement payments
 – Funding of public infrastructure  

and services

 – Payments to business  
and service suppliers

 – Training and employment
 – Supporting innovation  

and productivity

We worked with more than

350 

local suppliers during  
the past year

167% 

shareholder return between 
1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017

$171.9m 

in royalties paid to the NSW 
Government this year

$3.5m 

in voluntary planning 
agreements payments last 
year for local community 
infrastructure

19

OVERVIEWOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 2 / STRATEGYSTRATEGYCoal and its  
Global Role Today

Coal is a critical provider of modern necessities such as power, light and heat through reliable and 
affordable electricity generation, and in the form of everyday materials such as steel and concrete. Coal 
provides 41% of the world’s electricity, 75% of the world’s steel and 85% of the world’s cement production.

According to the International Energy 
Outlook (IEO) 2016, coal remains the 
second-largest primary energy source 
worldwide—behind oil. Coal represents 
29% of global primary energy (IEA, 
WEO 2016, p.204; IEA, Medium Term 
Coal Market Report 2016, p.17 ).

Coal-fired power plants currently fuel 
41% of global electricity (IEA, WEO 
2016, p.204). Coal currently accounts 
for 29% of global primary energy 
demand, compared to 31% for oil, 
21% for gas and 1% for renewables 
(excluding large-scale hydro and 
biomass)( IEA, WEO 2016, p.57).

In the future the world faces a huge 
challenge in meeting global energy 
demand. Technology-driven urban 
lifestyles, the growth of the middle class, 
rising incomes, and more electricity-
enabled appliances and machines 
will contribute to electricity demand 
doubling (WEC, World Energy Scenarios 
2016 p.9). All sources of energy will be 
needed to meet this challenge.

While renewables will have a role to 
play, fossil fuels are the only source able 
to provide base load electricity around 
the clock. According to the IEA, global 
electricity from coal is expected to 
grow to 2040 (IEA, WEO 2016,) even 
as its overall share decreases relative  
to other fuels and renewables.

11%
Global electricity 
generation from coal 
is expected to grow by 
around 11% to 2040* 

29%
Coal accounts for 29%  
of global primary  
energy demand^

Source: *World Coal Association. IEA,  
WEO 2016. ^IEA, WEO 2016, p.57.

Global primary energy demand 
under the IEA New Policies Scenario

Global electricity mix

2014 total primary 
energy demand

13,684 Mtoe

  Coal  

  Oil  

  Gas  

  Nuclear  

  Renewables  

2040 total primary 
energy demand

17,866 Mtoe

  Coal  

  Oil  

  Gas  

  Nuclear  

  Renewables  

 29%

 31%

 22%

 5%

 13%

 23%

 27%

 24%

 7%

 20%

2014 electricity 
generation

23,809 TWh

2040 electricity 
generation

39,047 TWh

  Coal  

  Oil  

  Gas  

  Nuclear  

  Hydro  

  Bioenergy  

 41%

 4%

 22%

 11%

 16%

 2%

  ‘New’ renewables  

 4%

  Coal  

  Oil  

  Gas  

  Nuclear  

  Hydro  

  Bioenergy  

 28%

 1%

 23%

 12%

 16%

 3%

  ‘New’ renewables  

 17%

Source: World Coal Association. International Energy Agency, 
World Energy Outlook 2016, see page 49 for more details.

Source: World Coal Association. International Energy Agency, World 
Energy Outlook 2016. Coal increases from 9,707TWh to 10,787TWh,  
see page 49 for more details. 

20

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Coal and Future  
Demand in Asia

In its annual World Energy Outlook 2016 report, the IEA forecasts that coal  
will remain the largest single source of electricity generation through to 2040.  
Most of the new demand for coal will be driven by South East Asia and India. 

The IEA continues to see an increase 
in global coal use by 0.2% per year, 
and says China’s coal use will continue 
to make up more than half of the 
country’s total power generation,  
with Australia remaining the largest 
coal exporter, followed by Indonesia. 
Also the IEA predicts that the future 
of energy growth will be led by  
non-OECD countries, with India,  
South East Asia and China in 
particular leading demand. 

Based on the 2016 IEA World  
Energy Outlook report, global coal 
demand will have rebounded to 2014 
levels as a result of growth in India  
and South East Asia by 2040, and  
over 80% of global coal consumption 
will take place in Asia.

Electricity demand in South East  
Asia almost triples over the period,  
to around 2000 TWh in 2040,  
an increase bigger than current  
demand in India.

The world wants technological 
advancement and more energy 
created with lower emissions. 
Whitehaven Coal is uniquely 
positioned to fulfil the needs  
of those markets such as Asia 
requiring premium quality coal.

Installed Coal Generation Capacity 
by Country/Region

South East Asia electricity generation  
by source in the New Policies Scenario
Southeast Asia electricity generation by source in the New Policies Scenario

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

historical

projected

2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

h
W
T
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
T

0.5

0

1990

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

  China

  India

  Japan

  Korea

  Taiwan

  Other Asia

  Africa

  Europe

  North America

   Central America

  Mediterranean

  South America

  Coal 

  Oil 

Year

  Gas 

  Nuclear 

  Renewables 

Source: World Coal Association Analysis.

Source: Adapted from IEA WEO 2015.

21

OVERVIEWOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 2 / STRATEGYSTRATEGY 
Coal and Technology

Even in a world where renewables play a larger role in the energy mix, coal such as  
Whitehaven’s best quality, high energy, low ash, low sulfur coal, has a vital role to play.

There is an assumption that we can get 
rid of coal, and only by getting rid of it 
can we meet climate objectives. This 
is false. Coal plays a critical role in the 
world’s energy mix and is going to do 
so for a very long time to come. Coal 
is not the problem, emissions are, and 
in order to reduce emissions and get 
us on the pathway to achieving the 
Paris Agreement’s well below 2 degree 
target, high efficiency low emissions 
(HELE) technologies should be 
supported to reduce emissions. 

HELE and Australia

Australia is facing an energy shortfall 
with 8GW of coal plants to retire by 
2030, and a total of 25GW by 2040. 
While wind and solar have a role to  
play, the only affordable, reliable 
electricity available 24/7 comes  
from coal-fired plants.

Coal-fired generation is both reliable 
and affordable. It runs at capacity well 
over 85 per cent of the time (compared 
to 20 to 37 per cent for intermittent 
renewables); it strengthens the grid 
and because Australia has the highest 
quality coal in its backyard, it provides 
national energy security.

Leading HELE technology already 
anchors electricity production of 
countries such as Japan and Germany. 
Fast growing economies of Asia  
are also building and planning some 
1200 HELE plants.

Sources: Minerals Council of Australia factsheet 
The Affordable Energy Solution (July 2017).

Cost by generation to  
meet Australia’s looming  
50,000GWh shortfall

  HELE

  WIND

  SOLAR PV

Capacity required
6.5GW
Construction cost 
$14BN

Capacity required
15.4GW
Construction cost 
$33.9BN

Capacity required
28.5GW
Construction cost 
$59.9BN

Source: Solstice Development Services, 2017;  
GHD, 2017; MCA Calculations. 

Note: 50,000GWh is the approximate output 
of Liddell, Yalloum, Vales Point and Gladstone 
that are likely to close by 2030 (Hazelwood is 
an additional 11,000GWh).

HELE technologies and efficiency improvements

EFFICIENCY 
RATE*

CO2  
INTENSITY

COAL  
CONSUMPTION

STEAM  
TEMPERATURE

More 
Efficient

Advanced  
ultra-supercritical

45–50%

670–740g CO2/kWh

290–320g/kWh

700˚C+

Ultra-supercritical

Up to 45%

740–800g CO2/kWh

320–340g/kWh

600˚C+

Supercritical

Up to 42%

800–880g CO2/kWh

340–380g/kWh

Approx. 
550˚C–600˚C

Less 
Efficient

Subcritical

*Lower heating value

Up to 38%

≥880g CO2/kWh

≥380g/kWh

<550˚C

Source: Adopted from IEA, Technology Roadmaps, High-efficiency lo-emissions coal-fired power generation, 2012.

22

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017HELE and  
emissions reductions

HELE coal-fired generation reduces 
emissions by up to 50 per cent. A 
HELE USC emits 0.773 t CO2 /MWh 
or 49 per cent less than the recently 
retired Hazelwood brown coal plants 
or 25 per cent less than subcritical 
black coal plants which dominate 
Australia’s coal fleet.

If all existing coal plants in Australia 
upgraded to the best HELE 
technology this would reduce 
emissions by 45 million tonnes per 
year or 25 per cent of National 
Electricity Market coal emissions.

Importantly, HELE USC also sets us on 
the pathway to adopting CCS which 
would reduce CO2 emissions to near 
negligible levels of 0.106 t CO2 /MWh.
For the first time, Australian 
engineering experts have produced 
a 550-page technical study and cost 
estimate to build a HELE coal-fired 
power plant in Australia. 

Solstice Development Services and 
GHD conclude the construction 
cost of building a 1000 MW ultra-
supercritical (USC) plant would be 
$2.2 billion.

Electricity sourced from a HELE plant 
is also the cheapest at $40 to $78 
MWh compared to gas at $69 to $115 
MWh. Intermittent wind ($64 to $115 
MWh) and solar ($90 to $171 MWh). 
These costs blow out further when 
the necessary cost of battery storage 
is added.

The study shows significant savings 
by using existing power station sites 
and utilising the latest technology 
from Asia.

A HELE plant costs less to build 
than the $3 billion of subsidies to 
renewables every year and is the 
lowest cost 24/7 power.

Sources: Minerals Council of Australia factsheet 
The Affordable Energy Solution (July 2017). 
Solstice Development Services, Prospects for a 
HELE USC coal-fired power station development 
desktop study, June 2017, GHD, HELE power 
station cost and efficiency report, June 2017.

8GW
NEM baseload  
capacity closing 
between 2017 and 2030

$3BN
Government subsidies 
paid to renewables in 
Australia in 2015–16

193%
Average state electricity 
wholesale price increase 
in the year to March 2017

$2.2BN
The cost of building a 
1000 MW USC plant  
on a brownfield site

Source: Solstice Development Services, 2017;  
GHD, 2017; MCA Calculations.

HELE electricity is the lowest cost 24/7 power (A$/MWh) 
Electricity generations costs 2017

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

USC black 
coal

USC black 
coal 
with CCS

Combined
cycle
gas

Combined
cycle gas
with CCS

Open
cycle
gas

Intermittent
wind

Wind with
combined
cycle gas

Wind
and
battery

Intermittent
solar PV

Solar
and
battery

23

OVERVIEWOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 2 / STRATEGYSTRATEGYOur Assets  

Outlook  

Maules Creek  

Narrabri  

Gunnedah Open Cuts  

Infrastructure and Logistics  

 25

 26

 28

 29

 30

 31

24

Section 3:OPERATIONSOur Assets

Whitehaven Coal Tenements

Maules Creek Mine

Narrabri

Tarrawonga Mine

AUSTRALIA

NSW

Gunnedah

Sydney

PACIFIC OCEAN

Whitehaven Coal 
shipped to premium 
Asian markets

Narrabri Mine

Gunnedah CHPP

Boggabri

Gunnedah

Vickery Project

Rocglen Mine

Tamworth

Gunnedah 
Coal Basin

Werris Creek Mine

Gloucester

Muswellbrook

Singleton

NEW SOUTH 
WALES

0

50

km

100

Key:

Whitehaven Assets
Railway

Newcastle
(PWCS and 
NCIG Coal 
Terminals)

Sydney

Managed Coal Sales FY2017

Thermal  
Coal Sales  
FY2017

16.2Mt

  Japan  

  Taiwan  

  Korea  

  Chile  

  Malaysia  

   Indonesia  

   Other 

 63%

 11%

 7%

 3%

 3%

 2%

 11%

Metallurgical  
Coal Sales  
FY2017

4.4Mt

  India  

  Japan  

  Korea  

  China  

  Taiwan  

  Vietnam  

  Other  

 29%

 20%

 14%

 13%

 10%

 8%

 6%

25

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 3 / OPERATIONSOPERATIONSOutlook

Operations

Demand

Saleable coal production guidance for 
FY2018 is in the range of 22Mt to 23Mt, 
higher than FY2017 as Maules Creek 
is expected to produce ROM coal at 
an annualised rate of 10.5Mt for the 
full year and ROM production from 
Narrabri is also expected to increase. 
The next ramp up step for Maules 
Creek is scheduled to commence 
early in FY2019. ROM production 
from Narrabri in FY2018 is expected 
be higher than FY2017 following the 
installation of the wider longwall 
face and the requirement for only 
one longwall change-out. ROM coal 
production for the Gunnedah open 
cuts is expected to return to a level 
more in line with historical run rates. 

Maules Creek and Narrabri are tier 
one assets with long mine lives and 
industry leading low cost structures. 
There are opportunities to increase 
production at both mines in the near 
and medium term, while prospects 
also exist for life of mine extensions. 
These mines are now firmly 
established as key pillars underpinning 
Whitehaven’s future success.

Whitehaven’s high-quality, clean coals 
continue to attract strong demand 
from a growing customer base in 
over ten countries. Whitehaven has 
attracted a number of new customers 
during FY2017 in countries such as 
China and Vietnam for semi soft coking 
coal and Malaysia for thermal coal. 

Recent analysis by CRU, a respected 
industry consultant, indicates that 
demand for seaborne thermal coal 
will continue to grow steadily over the 
next five years. The growth profile 
incorporates declining imports by 
China, modest import growth by 
India and strong import growth from 
a number of developing South East 
Asian countries.

Pricing

Coal demand remains strong, 
especially in Asia, and is responsible 
for the improvement in prices for 
both metallurgical and thermal coal 
in recent weeks. The demand for 
thermal coal in China increased as 
hot weather and reduced hydro 
availability increased the coal burn in 
thermal power stations. Imports of 
thermal coal into the country have 
been higher than anticipated, and 

when combined with weather  
related constraints on supply from 
Indonesia and some production  
issues in Australia, have pushed  
up the price of seaborne thermal  
coal in the past two months. While 
most of these issues are likely to 
be resolved in coming months, the 
confluence of events has provided  
a good platform for the thermal  
coal price as FY2018 unfolds. In the 
longer term, as a number of Asian 
countries continue to deploy new 
HELE power stations, the demand  
for high-quality thermal coal will 
continue to grow strongly.

Following a six month period of 
extreme price volatility in spot 
metallurgical coal prices after the 
Queensland cyclone, metallurgical 
coal prices are now stabilising. The 
price remains well supported by 
strong steel production in China and 
a number of other countries. One 
area of uncertainty is the pricing 
mechanism for metallurgical coal 
types. The drawn out negotiations 
to settle quarterly benchmark prices 
for the June quarter and subsequent 
changes to the quarterly benchmark 
pricing methodology are likely to result 
in closer correlation between quarterly 
benchmark and spot index prices.

Thermal Coal Price/t (globalCOAL Newc Index)  

  USD 

  AUD 

150

120

90

60

30

26

01/07/2016

01/10/2016

01/01/2017

01/04/2017

01/07/2017

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
SECTION 3 / OPERATIONS

27

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OPERATIONS 
 
 
 
 
Maules Creek

Whitehaven’s newest and largest coal mine 
produced 9.7Mt of ROM coal and 9.0Mt of 
saleable coal during the year. The production 
ramp up continued in line with schedule as  
more mining equipment was added 
progressively to the mining fleet.  

The pace of ramp up is limited by the amount of space 
within the open cut where the large ultra class equipment 
can operate safely and efficiently. Maules Creek was 
operating at an annualised rate of 10.5Mt in the second half 
of the year and will continue to operate at that rate for all 
of FY2018. It is worth noting that commercial operations 
only began two years ago and already the mine is making 
a significant contribution to Whitehaven’s total production, 
profitability and cash flow.

It is pleasing to report that market acceptance of the  
Maules Creek thermal and metallurgical coal products has 
been outstanding. The high-quality thermal coal is being 
eagerly sort by many of Whitehaven’s key customers along 
with new customers. Most of the thermal coal production 
is now sold under longer term contracts with pricing linked 
to the globalCOAL NEWC Index. Customers are paying an 
average a premium of around 9% over the Index price for 
the coal because of its higher energy and low ash qualities. 

Sales of metallurgical coal are increasing ahead of 
expectations and reached 26% of total coal sales from  
the mine for the year. Expectations are that coal sales  
from Maules Creek will reach 50:50 thermal and metallurgical 
coal mix over the next three years. Many metallurgical coal 
customers are still in the testing phase for the coal, seeing 
how the coal performs in their respective coking coal blends, 

Maules Creek Mine Timeline 2007 – 2017

Maules Creek Saleable Coal Production (Mt)

10.0

7.5

5.0

2.5

0.0

2012

FY2014

2013

FY2015

2014

FY2016

2015

2016
FY2017

before they will commit to longer term contracts. However, 
several spot/trial customers have already signed up to longer 
term contracts and are likely to become long-term customers 
for the product.

Mining has commenced below the Braymont seam with  
the first of several lower seams likely to be accessed later 
this year. These seams contain higher quality coking coal 
and will enhance the overall quality of the coking coal  
sold into the market. This should attract more customers  
in the future.

The number of employees at the mine continues to increase. 
More than 70 employees at the mine are from an Indigenous 
background. The number of female operators at the mine is 
12% of the workforce.

Production guidance for FY2018 is in the range of 10.3Mt 
and 10.6Mt ROM coal. Actual production of 9.7Mt ROM  
coal for FY2017 was in the range provided as guidance  
for the year.

FY2013
Final approvals 
obtained from both 
Federal and NSW 
Government for 
Maules Creek Project

FY2015
First coal railed 
from Maules Creek 
less than one year 
after construction 
commenced

FY2017
Increased 
production at 
Maules Creek to 
annualised rate  
of 10.5Mtpa

FY2012
Merger with Aston 
Resources and 
Whitehaven

FY2012
Sold 10% stake  
in Maules Creek  
project to J-Power 
Australia Pty Ltd

FY2014
Construction 
of Maules 
Creek Project 
commenced

FY2016
Maules Creek named NSW 
Mine of the Year – produced 
7.4Mt saleable coal in first year 
of commercial production

2007

28

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Narrabri

In another strong year and one in which  
the face widening project was completed,  
ROM coal production was 7.3Mt. Saleable  
coal production was 7.0Mt for the year. 
The mine continues to be one of the most 
productive and lowest cost underground  
mines in Australia.

As indicated above, mining in the final 300 metre wide 
longwall panel (LW106) was completed in the second  
half of the year. The subsequent longwall changeout  
was completed on schedule and budget with mining  
of the first 400 metre wide panel commencing in April.  
The installation of the 400 metre wide panel which cost 
about $84 million on a 100% basis was the culmination  
of a two year expansion project at the mine. Work included 
expanding coal stockpile space on the surface, upgrading 
the electricity supply to the longwall and upgrading the 
conveyor system to haul the coal from the mine to the 
surface. Future production from the mine will be higher  
and costs lower than could be achieved with the  
300 metre wide face.

Work is underway in the exploration lease to the south 
of the current mining lease at Narrabri with a view to 
increasing the Resource and Reserves in the area. A drill 
programme commenced early in 2017 along with mine 
planning and environmental studies. The results of this 
activity should become available over the next year and  
could lead to an increase in Narrabri mine life.

Production guidance for FY2018 is in the range of 8.0Mt  
to 8.4Mt ROM coal. Actual production of 7.3Mt ROM coal 
for FY2017 was modestly below the guidance range of 
7.5Mt to 7.8Mt provided with the half year results.

Narrabri Mine Timeline 2007 – 2017

Narrabri Saleable Coal Production (Mt)

8

6

4

2

0

2012
FY2013

2013
FY2014

2014
FY2015

2015
FY2016

2016
FY2017

One of the most productive 
underground mines in Australia.

FY2009
Narrabri 
construction 
ongoing

FY2011
Expansion of 
existing operations 
– four continuous 
miners operating 
at Narrabri

FY2013
Narrabri declared 
commercial

FY2015
Record production 
during year – 
including Narrabri 
at 7.7Mt ROM coal 
for year

FY2017
Narrabri’s 400 
metre wide 
longwall operating

2007

FY2008
Narrabri Project approved 
and lease granted. Narrabri 
JV formed with sale of  
7.5% stakes to Yudean Group, 
EDF Trading and J-Power

FY2010
Sale of 7.5% stake 
in Narrabri to 
Korean consortium

FY2012
Longwall installed 
at Narrabri and 
undergoing 
commissioning

FY2014
Second longwall 
changeout 
at Narrabri 
completed

FY2016
Move to widen 
longwall at 
Narrabri by  
100 metres to  
400 metres

29

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 3 / OPERATIONSOPERATIONSGunnedah Open Cuts

The three foundation mines owned by 
Whitehaven – Tarrawonga, Rocglen,  
Werris Creek and associated Gunnedah  
CHPP performed very strongly and safely  
in FY2017. Tarrawonga and Rocglen set  
new full year production records of 2.7Mt  
and 1.6Mt respectively. 

Total ROM coal production from the three mines  
was 6.1Mt for the year, significantly above the guidance  
range of 5.2Mt to 5.5Mt ROM coal. Saleable coal  
production for the year was 4.8Mt with the difference 
between ROM and saleable coal production due to a  
build up in coal stocks at the mines in the final month  
of the year. As a result of the increased production and 
improved efficiencies costs across the three mines were  
lower than expected, helping these foundation mines make  
an increased contribution to Whitehaven’s results for the year. 

The TRIFR across the operations was less than 1.0 at  
year end. This rate is significantly below the NSW open  
cut average rate. This is a creditable performance  
by these mines as they set the pathway for all of 
Whitehaven’s operations.

As previously indicated ROM coal production  
exceeded guidance for FY2017. Production guidance  
for FY2018 is expected to be in the range of 5.0Mt  
and 5.4Mt.

Gunnedah Open Cuts Timeline 2007 – 2017

FY2009
Production 
commenced at 
Rocglen and 
Sunnyside

FY2008
Whitehaven moves 
to full ownership of 
Werris Creek mine

2007

FY2008
Rocglen Project 
approved and 
lease granted. 
Construction 
commenced

30

Open Cut Saleable Coal Production (Mt)

6.0

4.5

3.0

1.5

0.0

2012
FY2013

2013
FY2014

2014
FY2015

2015
FY2016

2016
FY2017

Rocglen: one of our Gunnedah mines 
underpinning our operations

FY2017
Record year of 
production

FY2013
Cost-cutting initiatives  
include Sunnyside placed  
into Care and Maintenance  
and Mine Plans at Tarrawonga 
and Rocglen revised

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Infrastructure and Logistics

Rail Track

Rail Haulage

Port Capacity

Whitehaven contracts its below rail 
capacity with the Australian Rail 
Track Corporation (ARTC). The 
capacity framework which governs 
this contract has been recently 
renegotiated for a further 5 year term 
with a material reduction in track 
access costs. Whitehaven continues to 
work with ARTC to expand effective 
capacity within the Gunnedah Basin 
without requiring additional physical 
infrastructure through improved 
operating efficiencies. The objective 
of this work is to improve supply chain 
productivity and reduce costs.

Whitehaven has two rail haulage 
contracts, one with Pacific National and 
one with Aurizon. These contracts have 
a common expiry date in 2026. These 
contracts provide for the haulage of up 
to 30Mtpa, which allows for all currently 
projected brownfield expansions. 
The company is able to align planned 
increases in production with contract 
rail haulage capacity by giving notice 
to the rail providers of the need for 
additional capacity. This supports the 
planned increases in Whitehaven’s 
managed production levels, whilst 
minimising fixed cost exposure.

Whitehaven holds contracts at the  
Port of Newcastle – either at NCIG  
or PWCS – to support planned 
shipments. Whitehaven will require 
additional port capacity for the 
forecast production ramp up over  
the next 5 years. There is currently 
surplus port capacity available at the 
port for both short-term surge and  
long-term annual requirements. 

31

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 3 / OPERATIONSOPERATIONSSustainability  

Key Statistics  

Health and Safety  

People  

 33

 34

 36

 38

Diversity and Inclusion  

Community  

Aboriginal Engagement  

Environment  

 40

 42

 44

 46

32

Section 4:SUSTAINABILITYSustainability

Whitehaven Coal is committed to operating a sustainable business.  
We recognise the importance of underpinning our operations with an aligned  
organisational culture, effective stakeholder engagement, good governance and  
business processes that embed sustainable practices into our day-to-day operations.

Since 1999 Whitehaven Coal has had 
its roots firmly in North West NSW.  
As we have grown to become the 
largest private employer in the area, 
so the region has grown with us.

Whether protecting the local 
environment, employing and  
training local people, supporting  
local organisations or helping fund 
new community infrastructure, 
Whitehaven Coal has a record of 
achievement since 1999. 

Whitehaven Coal focuses on 
programs that can deliver greatest 
long-term benefits to the local 
community. This includes the opening 
a new dedicated office in Gunnedah 
CBD in 2016 to enhance the link with 
the local community and provide 
the opportunity for members of the 
community to directly engage with 
the company.

The local community supports  
our approach. A survey carried  
out by Newgate Research revealed 
that 66% of people in Gunnedah 
support mining and Whitehaven  
Coal has the strongest reputation  
in the region among mining 
companies who have coal mines  
in the Gunnedah Basin.

Ensuring a continued positive 
influence in the community will require 
long-term investment and resources. 
Respect and care for the community 
is the best way of showing mining 
can and does co-exist with other 
industries such as agriculture.

COMMUNITY

$1bn
Whitehaven Coal has 
contributed around 
$1 billion to the North West 
NSW region since 2012

LOCAL BUSINESS

350
Last year we worked  
with more than 350 local  
businesses and suppliers

Our focus in the coming year will 
continue to emphasise how we:

 – maintain our strong safety record
 – most effectively and efficiently 
manage our impact on the 
environment

 – empower and support our people 
to perform at the highest level, and

 – continue to engage and support 
local community development 

Whitehaven Coal’s Health, Safety, 
Environment and Community 
Committee sets the direction for the 
company’s continuing commitment 
to the highest safety, environmental 
management and community 
engagement standards.

Working with Whitehaven Coal’s 
executive and senior management 
teams, the Committee helps ensure 
Whitehaven Coal has the leadership, 
capabilities, systems and reporting 
procedures required to achieve zero 
harm. Whitehaven Coal regularly 
reports our activities to Community 
Consultative Committees that have 
been established for each mine that  
we operate. 

Documents on our website include the:

 – Employee Code of Conduct
 – Diversity Policy
 – Continuous Disclosure Policy
 – Securities Trading Policy
 – Political Donation Policy
 – Anti-Corruption Policy
 – Donations and Sponsorship Policy.

Awards and Achievements

Whitehaven Coal strives 
for operational excellence 
and in 2016 the Maules 
Creek mine was awarded 
the NSW Minerals Council 
Mining Operation of  
the Year.

One of the team at  
Maules Creek, Murray 
O’Keefe, Acting Mining 
Supervisor, was named 
Young Achiever of the 
Year by the NSW  
Minerals Council in 2017.

The Indigenous 
employment program 
at Maules Creek was 
recognised by the NSW 
Minerals Council as 
‘best in class’ within the 
industry and was included 
as a case study in the 
Prime Ministers Closing 
the Gap report for 2017.

Whitehaven Coal’s 
apprenticeship and 
trainee scheme has  
won two awards –  
the Large Host Employer 
and Safety award – at the 
HVTC Excellence Awards.

33

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYKey Statistics

Performance data

Safety and People

Number of employees (FTE)*

Percentage of female representation in company

Percentage identifying as Aboriginal and/or  
Torres Strait Islander employees

Fatalities

Total recordable injury frequency rate per million hours worked (TRIFR)

7.4

Lost time injury frequency rate per million hours worked (LTIFR)

Safety – number of penalty infringement notices

*Not including contractors.

2.2

0

ASX  
10 YEAR 
ANNIVERSARY
2007 to 2017

Year to  
30 June 2017

Year to  
30 June 2016

Year to  
30 June 2015

960

11.0%

11%

0

843

10.3%

11%

0

10.6

2.8

0

779

8.7%

8%

0

9.7

2.1

0

Environment: Land

Environment – number of penalty infringement notices

Land owned/leased (hectares)

Land disturbed (hectares)

Land rehabilitated (hectares)

Land leased for agriculture (hectares)

Land based biodiversity offset (hectares)

Properties leased for agricultural purposes

Year to  
30 June 2017

Year to  
30 June 2016

Year to  
30 June 2015

3

68,314

2,942

668

27,572

21,741

112

2

4

65,487

63,270

2,672

653

29,382

20,078

111

1,450

550

30,350

20,078

109

  INFRASTRUCTURE

  COMMUNITY

$3.5M

committed this year to 
local infrastructure  
and service upgrades

90

donations to 
community groups  
and projects  

  PEOPLE

75%

Around three quarters 
of our workforce live 
in the area of our 
operations, supporting 
the local economy

34

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Environment: Energy

Greenhouse gas emissions (kilotonnes CO2-e)

Intensity – greenhouse gas emissions  
(tonnes CO2-e per tonne ROM coal)

Total energy use (terajoules)

Intensity – total energy use (gigajoules per tonne ROM coal)

0.193

*Most recent reportable period.

Year to  
30 June 2016*

Year to  
30 June 2015

Year to  
30 June 2014

1,161.8

0.057

3,967.5

761.8

0.048

3,128.4

0.198

465.6

0.040

2,212.2

0.192

Environment: Water

Water license allocation (mL)

River/bore water extraction (mL)

Water used (mL)

Water recycled (mL)

*Data not available for year to 30 June 2015.

Economic: Community

Wages and Salaries ($m)

Payments in taxes and royalties to governments ($m)

Payments to businesses and suppliers in North West NSW ($m)

$237.7

Voluntary planning agreement expenditure ($m)

$3.5

Number of donations and sponsorships made to community groups

90

Donations and sponsorships ($’000)

$296

Year to  
30 June 2017

Year to  
30 June 2016

Year to  
30 June 2015

9,804

1,464

3,649

2,826

9,925

1,580

3,964

1,985

–*

–*

–*

–*

Year to  
30 June 2017

Year to  
30 June 2016

Year to  
30 June 2015

$159.4

$226.3

$139.3

$166.0

$203.0

$6.4

75

$217

$125.6

$129.6

$214.9

$0.9

70

$208

  PEOPLE

140

staff participated in 
the 2017 Whitehaven 
Coal Safehaven  
Conference

  LAND

2%

of land owned  
by Whitehaven  
is actively mined

  ENVIRONMENT

160,000 

trees planted in 
biodiversity offsets 
this year

35

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYHealth and Safety

Whitehaven Coal’s operations share the conviction to never compromise  
on the health and safety of our people, making this a priority at all times.

Our goal is for zero workplace injuries 
or illness and for every person to go 
home safe and healthy after each 
work day. Whitehaven Coal’s people 
are committed to continually improve 
performance and provide a safe and 
healthy workplace for fellow employees, 
business partners and contractors.

As the company continues to grow its 
operations, Whitehaven Coal proactively 
reviews and improves its practices, 
responses and training procedures, 
collaborating with internal and external 
specialists to educate, communicate 
and engage with our workers.

On health, Whitehaven Coal takes cares 
of workers by preventing and reducing 
exposure to noise, dust, manual 
handling and vibration. The potential for 
fatigue to contribute to safety incidents 
is understood across the industry 
and Whitehaven Coal uses a range of 
methods to reduce potential for harm.

Whitehaven Coal sites have been  
smoke-free since 2016 and wellness 
campaigns have also taken place 
around obesity, mental health, 
stretching, hydration and skin cancers.

Whitehaven and NSW coal TRIFR

  Whitehaven Coal TRIFR
  NSW Coal TRIFR

25

20

15

10

5

0

14.67

7.42

Jul ’13

Jan ’14

Jul ’14

Jan ’15

Jul ’15

Jan ’16

Jul ’16

Jan ’17

Note: Data includes WHC employees and contractors at all mine  sites, Gunnedah CHPP and Corporate office. 
TRIFR refers to total recordable injury frequency rate.

Performance

Whitehaven Coal safety performance 
confirms the effectiveness of the 
Safehaven Rules introduced by  
the company in 2014.

In FY2017 Whitehaven’s TRIFR  
(Total Recordable Injury Frequency 
Rate per million hours worked)  
was 7.42. The Whitehaven group 
TRIFR has halved since the Safehaven 
program began in 2014.

Whitehaven’s TRIFR rate compares 
favourably with the NSW industry 
benchmark of 14.7.

On an operational basis the Gunnedah 
operations registered only 1 recordable 
injury for the year.

Over the year there were no fatal 
incidents across Whitehaven’s 
operations. All high-risk incidents  
were investigated and necessary 
measures taken to prevent similar 
incidents.

  CASE STUDY

Safehaven Conference

More than 140 people from across Whitehaven took 
part in the company’s annual Safehaven Conference.

The day provided an opportunity for our people 
to come together in an internal forum to reinforce 
Whitehaven expectations, review current programs  
and introduce new areas of focus.

Topics discussed this year included critical control 
monitoring, airborne dust, personal health, movement 
for improvement and safety leadership.

Attendees heard from a number of keynote speakers 
including Victoria Cross awardee Daniel Keighran, 
motivational speaker Matt Church and work safety 
advocate Helen Fitzroy.

Whitehaven also holds health and safety forums for  
key contractors twice a year, with the most recent 
attended by 240 people.

36

  CASE STUDY

Movember

For the third year in a row employees supported  
the Movember appeal, which supports activities  
related to tackling men’s health issues.

Among the fundraising activities the team at  
Maules Creek donated $2,359 to Movember this year, 
with the total raised now in excess of $10,000 over  
the past three years.

Maules Creek Mine employees: Craig Brewster, 
Plant Operator, Murray O’Keefe, Mining Supervisor 
and Bec Severin, Plant Operator.

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Mines Rescue

For the fifth consecutive year 
the team at Narrabri took part in 
the Hunter Valley Mines Rescue 
Underground Competition. The 
team’s fantastic results of second in 
2015 (beaten by only ½ point) and 
winners in the First Aid component 
in 2016 reflect both the effort and 
importance the team members place 
on aspiring to be industry leaders in 
underground rescue.

The Hunter Valley Mines Rescue 
Competition is designed to help 
simulate underground emergencies  
so mines can practice rescue in real 
life emergency scenarios. 

The competition covers scenarios 
such as First Aid, Search and Rescue, 
Breathing Apparatus and a theory 
paper on Mines Rescue’s procedures 
and equipment. The competition also 
tests the teams’ proficiency and ability 
to complete these scenarios under the 
critical eye of Mines Rescue personnel 
and accredited assessors. 

The competition is not mandatory 
for Mines Rescue teams to attend, 
however Narrabri supports the 
initiative of the team to aspire to  
be industry leaders in underground 
mines rescue. Narrabri has firmed 
its support for the competition by 
electing to hold the Australian Titles  
at Narrabri in late 2017. 

The Narrabri Coal Mines  
Rescue Team are sponsored by:

 – Pirtek
 – Impact Mining
 – Cougar Mining
 – Stripes Asset Services
 – Continental Eagle
 – Turner Signs & Embroidery
 – Blackwoods
 – Westrac
 – BIS Industries
 – Australian Drilling Systems
 – Banksia Group

Safety Values

We believe that  
safe production  
is the only way

We believe that all 
incidents can be 
prevented

Working safely  
is a condition of 
employment

We want and need 
everyone’s input to  
do business safely

3737

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYPeople

Whitehaven Coal is focused on creating the conditions in which people can realise their potential  
and consistently deliver high performance. The company does this through a diverse workforce, 
inclusive culture, a dynamic and flexible work environment, advanced systems and a lean 
management structure to minimise costs and drive productivity.

Local Employment Focus

Sourcing the majority of the workforce, 
contractors and service providers  
from the local areas in which we 
operate, Whitehaven Coal understands 
the important role each mine plays  
in supporting regional Australia and  
the future of the resources sector.

Whitehaven Coal provides employment, 
training, apprenticeships and 
educational opportunities to support the 
advancement of individual careers during 
a time of significant change in energy 
demand, technology and legislation.

As the leading private sector employer 
in the North West NSW region, 
Whitehaven Coal’s local employment 
focus is a key strategic pillar of the 
business. The company encourages 
employees to live locally and support 
the local communities in which the 
company operates, rather than 
promoting fly-in-fly-out principles.

As at 30 June 2017, Whitehaven  
Coal’s overall workforce including 
contractors was nearly 1,500 people, 
of whom almost 1,000 are full time 
equivalent employees. 

Apprenticeships and  
Vocational Training

Whitehaven Coal has run an 
apprenticeship program since 2011. 
Operated in conjunction with Hunter 

Valley Training Company (HVTC), 
Whitehaven has hosted 25 apprentices, 
and since late 2016 has 14 apprentices 
working with the company.

One of Whitehaven Coal’s first year 
electrical apprentices, Georgia Foley, 
was recently awarded the Bert Evans 
Scholarship, which recognises a female 
apprentice in a non-traditional trade  
for women.

The ongoing commitment to offering 
apprenticeships and traineeships 
extends to vocational employment.  
This year, the company focused 
on raising awareness of its 2017/18 
Vacation Employment Program. 
Primarily aimed at Mining, Electrical and 
Mechanical Engineers, the Program will 
run from December 2017 until March 
2018.  Whitehaven representatives 
visited university careers fairs in both 
NSW and QLD to discuss the Vacation 
Employment Program with students  
for the first time in FY17. 

People Priorities

Whitehaven Coal’s ongoing focus 
is to ensure it builds, supports and 
benefits from an increasingly diverse 
workforce that is reflective of the 
general population of the region in 
which we operate, whilst fostering and 
encouraging an inclusive workplace. 

The benefit of longevity of having 
mine lives of 30 plus years provide the 
company with the platform to bring  
the opportunity for generational 
change in the North West region. 

To further attract, support and 
retain a diverse population of valued 
employees, a number of initiatives were 
recently undertaken or are currently 
underway, including the following: 

 – A paid parental leave program  
was introduced, providing up to 
18 weeks of paid parental leave  
for eligible employees

 – A leadership development program 
was recently launched to invest in 
people managers across the business, 
and to provide coaching and support 
to women in senior roles
 – Whitehaven commenced 

sponsorship of WIMnet NSW 
Mentoring Program which provides 
women in the mining industry with 
mentors from whom they can learn 
and receive career guidance and 
development. The company also 
offered some of its female employees 
the opportunity to participate as 
mentees in the program

 – Investigations were undertaken to 
review the adequacy of childcare 
demands versus supply in the region. 
Although current needs appear to  
be met, a watching brief will be kept 
on this as both the company and  
the region grow.

Commitment and Values

Our commitment is to be:

 A leading producer of  
some of the world’s  
highest quality coal

 A company that has  
locally-based employees 
wherever possible

38

 A proud member of and 
leading employer in the North 
West NSW region

 A company that achieves 
Zero Harm to our people  
and our community

 A provider of stable and 
secure employment 
opportunities for local 
Aboriginal people

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITY

(Pic Of Ian Lorrenz NSWMC Award)

  CASE STUDY

One of Whitehaven Coal’s first year electrical apprentices, Georgia Foley, was  
this year awarded the Bert Evans Scholarship which recognises a female apprentice  
in a non-traditional trade for women.

Pictured is Georgia with Whitehaven’s Aron Cane, HVTC field officer Paul Briscoe  
and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson. The scholarship awards $5000 each year for  
three years.

This year also saw Maules Creek employee Murray O’Keefe be awarded the  
Young Achiever Award at the 2017 NSW Mining Industry and Suppliers’ Awards.

The Young Achiever Award recognises an inspirational young professional aged between  
18–35 years who is building a successful career in mining. Murray, 29, joined Whitehaven’s  
then under construction flagship open cut operation at Maules Creek in July 2014.

Whitehaven Coal CEO and Managing Director Paul Flynn said Murray is to be congratulated  
for his achievements not only as a dedicated and gifted mining employee, but as a great  
local role model for young people in Gunnedah.

“Murray is a great example of what young people can achieve if they set goals and work  
hard to achieve them”, said Mr Flynn.

Pictured is Murray (centre) celebrating his award with Whitehaven’s EGM Operations, Jamie Frankcombe (left), 
and Peter Wilkinson (right), General Manager Maules Creek.

To promote Whitehaven Coal’s 2017/18 Vacation Employment Program, a team 
attended careers fairs around NSW and Queensland. Primarily aimed at Mining, 
Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the program will run from December 2017  
until March 2018.

To promote the program, some of the Whitehaven team attended career fairs at the 
University of Newcastle, University of NSW and University of Brisbane where students 
could find out more about the company, the program and future career prospects.

The core values of our business are:

 Safety in all  
our operations

 Continuous development  
and improvement

 Openness with  
customers and partners

 Social and environmental 
responsibility

 Operational excellence  
and sustainable growth

 Professionalism and integrity 
in everything we do

 Leadership in all areas

39

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FINANCIAL REPORTSUSTAINABILITY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diversity and Inclusion

Whitehaven Coal aims for an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds 
that reflect diversity of gender, culture, experience and skills. Our goal is that as the company 
continues to grow, the composition of the workforce should reflect the population in which  
we operate.

The company’s Diversity Policy, which 
is reported in accordance with the 
requirements of the Workplace Gender 
Equality Act 2012 (Act), shows that 
Whitehaven Coal continues to make 
good progress on increasing female 
participation in our workforce.

Over the last year, female 
representation in the business  
has increased to 11%. A total of 12% 
of operational roles at Maules Creek 

are being carried out by females, 
reflecting an above industry average 
figure, while at the Whitehaven Board 
level, two of our six non-executive 
Directors are female.

Whitehaven’s annual public report 
lodged with the Work place Gender 
Equality Agency can be accessed at 
www.whitehavennews.com.au/ 
gender-diversity/

AT 30 JUNE 2017

FEMALE

%

MALE

%

Board

Senior Management

Other/Employees

Total

2

4

99

105

29%

13%

11%

11%

5

33

824

862

71%

87%

89%

89%

AT 30 JUNE 2016

FEMALE

%

MALE

%

Board

Senior Management

Other/Employees

Total

2

5

82

89

29%

13%

10%

10%

5

34

722

761

71%

87%

90%

90%

While the WGEA report specifically 
references gender diversity, 
Whitehaven has continued to make 
good progress across multiple 
elements of diversity and equality in 
our workforce over the last 12 months, 
as reflected by the following:

 – Approximately 11% of  

Whitehaven’s employees  
self-identify as Aboriginal and/or 
Torres Strait Islander

 – More than 70 Indigenous employees 

at our Maules Creek mine

 – Approximately $12 million in  

annual salaries flowing through  
our Indigenous workforce back  
into the local communities within 
which we operate

 – Whitehaven’s Indigenous 

employment program at Maules 
Creek was by the NSW Minerals 
Council as ‘best in class’ within the 
industry, and was included as a case 
study in the Prime Minister’s Closing 
the Gap report for 2017

 – The company continues to support 
programs that facilitate access to 
education, and assisting new and 
developing local Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander businesses.

Paul Flynn, Whitehaven Coal Managing Director and CEO (centre), took part in a panel discussion to help launch 
a new EY report called ‘Has mining discovered its next great resource?’ in association with Women in Mining. 
The discussion was led by Tracey Waring, EY Global IFRS Mining and Metals Leader.

40

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Performance Against Diversity  
and Inclusion Objectives

Each year the Board review and approve measurable 
diversity and inclusion objectives. Progress against  
these objectives for FY17 is summarised below. 

Key area of focus include:

 – Representation and participation
 – Leadership development
 – Community and industry 
 – Systems, processes and performance metrics

Diversity and  
Inclusion Objectives For FY17

Progress Over FY17

Representation  
and Participation:   
Increase representation  
of female and Aboriginal  
employees across the business

 – Female representation in business increased to 11%
 – Females occupy 12% of operational roles at Maules Creek, Whitehaven’s  

largest open cut mine site

 – Introduced paid parental leave for eligible employees
 – Aboriginal representation across company is 11%
 – More than 70 Indigenous employees at Maules Creek.

Leadership Development:

Community and Industry:

Systems, Processes and 
Performance Metrics:

 – Pilot leadership development program launched to support people managers 

and help female leaders transition into more senior roles

 – Design of a career path survey to investigate employee views on their ambitions 

and development, ready to launch in FY18

 – Female employees offered mentee positions under WIMnet mentoring program 

to offer career guidance and development

 – Informal mentors provided to support new Aboriginal employees
 – Continuation of apprenticeship and cadet programs.

 – Continue to meet targets and milestones set out in Reconciliation Action  

Plan 2015–2017

 – The Executive team attended an on-site Aboriginal Cultural Awareness  

training program 

 – Commenced sponsorship of WIMNet Mentor Program, providing mentoring 

opportunities to develop women in the mining industry

 – Continued recognition of women in the workplace through submissions  

to Women in Mining Awards

 – Continued sponsorship and development of female apprenticeships and 

promotion of female cadet work experience programs

 – Company continues to support programs facilitating access to education, and 

assisting new and developing local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

 – Ongoing monitoring of data on number of female and Aboriginal applications, 

interviews and appointment statistics using e-recruitment system
 – All vacancies advertised on Our Mob, an Aboriginal careers website
 – Quarterly reporting on diversity performance metrics for each site
 – Monitor tenure data and collect exit interview data to gain understanding  

of reasons for employee turnover

 – All advertised vacancies state Whitehaven’s commitment to increasing the 

number of women and Aboriginal people in workforce and welcomes applicants 
who reflect diversity of gender and culture

 – Monitoring pay equity as part of WGEA reporting and annual salary review,  

and identify areas needed to be addressed.

Going forward, the focus for FY18 will continue to be on these four key pillars outlined above to foster diversity and 
inclusion, by building upon initiatives introduced over FY17, and introducing new programs and processes. We are 
confident this will assist Whitehaven to continue on its path towards an increasingly productive, diverse and ultimately  
more successful workforce as it grows in future years.

41

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYCommunity

Whitehaven Coal recognise that creating social and economic value in the  
communities in which the company operates is critical for the success of our business.

$1BN
contributed to the  
North West NSW region 
in the last 5 years

66%
of Gunnedah  
residents support  
mining

$237.7M
spent in local region  
in the year has been 
distributed to council 
projects through the 
Maules Creek Voluntary  
Planning Agreement

Our focus is on programs that can 
deliver greatest long-term benefits to 
the local communities that host our 
operations. Engagement with local 
communities happens in a variety of 
ways. Whitehaven regularly reports 
activities to community consultative 
committees and through newsletters, 
media releases and advertising while 
feedback can be provided through 
a dedicated office in the Gunnedah 
central business district.

The company carries out formal 
consultations, carries out an annual 
community survey and holds 
community days including this year 
hosting a family day at the Maules 
Creek and Werris Creek mines along 
with numerous site visits by community 
and local interest groups. 

The local community supports our 
approach. A survey carried out by 
Newgate Research revealed that 66% 
of people in Gunnedah support mining 
and Whitehaven Coal has the strongest 
reputation in the region among mining 
companies who have coal mines  
in the Gunnedah Basin.

Measuring Social  
and Business Value

Since 2013 Whitehaven Coal has 
contributed around $1 billion to the 
North West NSW region. This is made 
up of wages to employees, payment 
to councils for community projects, 
support for local businesses and 
suppliers and donations to community 
groups and organisations.

In FY2017 Whitehaven spent 
$237.7 million in the Gunnedah, Narrabri, 
Tamworth and Liverpool Plains regions. 
The company committed $3.5 million 
to local infrastructure and service 
upgrades last year and last year made 
90 annual charitable grants, donations 
and sponsorships to community 
groups. This support focuses on 
programs supporting health, education, 
representative level Indigenous sport 
and whole of community benefit.

Each mine has a voluntary planning 
agreement with the relevant council. 
More than $13.4 million has been 
distributed to council projects  
through the Maules Creek Voluntary 
Planning Agreement, which has funded 
the Narrabri airport upgrade and 
improved water supply infrastructure  
at Baan Baa. Over the past three  
years, various Boggabri projects  
have received $800,000.

Among the major activities supported 
this year included the Narrabri 
Education Foundation, Boggabri Multi 
Purpose Centre, Narrabri Education 
Foundation, Narrabri, Gunnedah and 
and Quirindi Shows, North Narrabri, 
Boggabri Drovers Campfire, Boggabri 
Health, Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child 
and Family Centre in Narrabri, Girls 
Academy, Narrabri and Gunnedah 
Education Fund and a range of  
other community organisations.  

Maules Creek Mine Open Day

42

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Gunnedah

Narrabri

Australian champion Bareback 
Rider Dee Heinemann 
(NARRABRI EMPLOYEE)

Champion boxer  
Wade Ryan  
(NARRABRI EMPLOYEE)

Boggabri

Werris Creek

43

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYAboriginal Engagement

In 2015, we began executing on the objectives set out in our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 
Our RAP operates across all areas of the business and contains practical and meaningful objectives  
to address issues affecting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Since launching the inaugural RAP  
in September 2015, we have achieved 
the following:

 – More than 80 Indigenous people 

employed at our Maules Creek mine 
 – Around 11% employees self-identify 
as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait 
Islander people

 – We estimate that approximately 

$12m in annual salaries are flowing 
through our Indigenous workforce 
back into local communities  

 – Pleasingly, our Indigenous 

employment program at Maules 
Creek was recognised by the NSW 
Minerals Council as ‘best in class’ 
within the industry and was included 
as a case study in the Prime Ministers 
Closing the Gap report for 2017. 

Whitehaven’s approach goes beyond 
direct employment. We support 
programs that facilitate access to 
education from kindergarten through 
to university and mature age. 

These include:
 – The Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child  
and Family Centre in Gunnedah, 
which was the first of nine Aboriginal 
Child and Family Centres to open  
its doors in NSW

 – Our partnership with the Girls 
Academy, which will assist  
Gunnedah High School  
participants on a pathway  
to tertiary education and/or  
securing long-term employment.

Our commitment to assisting new and 
developing local Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander businesses continues to 
progress and moving forward we are 
working with our major contracting 
companies and suppliers to encourage 
support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander employment and business 
development within their spheres  
of influence.  

Whitehaven’s Aboriginal and Torres 
Strait Islander business procurement 
commitment was highlighted in case 
studies for the NSW Minerals Council, 
Aboriginal Affairs NSW (OCHRE 
Report), and the NSW Small Business 
Commission. Whitehaven continues 
to be represented on the NSW 
Industry Based Agreement for the 
Minerals Industry to actively promote 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
business development. Whitehaven 
also participates in a Minerals Council 
Indigenous Relations Working Group.

11%
of Whitehaven’s 
employees self-identify as 
Aboriginal and/or Torres 
Strait Islander people

$12 MILLION
in annual salaries are 
flowing through our 
Indigenous workforce 
back into local 
communities

‘BEST IN CLASS’
Indigenous employment 
program at Maules Creek 
was recognised by the 
NSW Minerals Council

To continue progress, Whitehaven Coal 
will publish its next RAP document later 
this year, moving from an ‘Innovate’ to a 
‘Stretch’ RAP.  

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia 
each July to celebrate the history, culture and 
achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous 
communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. 
The week is a great opportunity to participate in a 
range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander community.

As per our Reconciliation Action Plan, each year 
Whitehaven Coal holds an on-site BBQ at an operating 
site with guest speaker/s from the local Aboriginal 
community to celebrate NAIDOC Week. Over the past 
two years on-site BBQs have been hosted at Narrabri 
(pictured) and Tarrawonga. 

44

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 201745

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYWhitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017

Environment

Whitehaven Coal is committed to safe,  
responsible and sustainable environmental  
management across all aspects of our operations. 

Air Quality

Water

Noise Management

Waste and Recycling

The company is operating 
under stringent noise 
guidelines, set by the NSW 
Government. A number 
of sites utilise predictive 
meteorological systems  
to plan operations  
to minimise noise impacts.

Real-time monitoring is  
in place to allow our site-
based staff to undertake 
adaptive management to 
minimise noise impacts. The 
company also implements 
a range of other noise 
management measures 
such as sound attenuation 
on mining equipment.

Whitehaven generates 
various types of waste 
during exploration, 
construction, operation  
and closure activities  
across its mining facilities.

Our strategy for mineral 
waste management 
includes segregation and 
placement of overburden 
and coal reject materials in 
waste emplacements which 
are designed to be safe, 
stable and non-polluting.

Wherever possible 
Whitehaven segregates 
recyclable materials 
and engages specialist 
contractors for collection 
and reprocessing.

Air emissions from 
Whitehaven’s coal mines  
are tightly regulated. All  
coal mines have in place 
systems for monitoring 
and managing air quality, 
particularly dust from 
excavation and haul truck 
activity and emissions 
arising from the use  
of explosives.

Monitoring results are  
made available through 
each site’s Community 
Consultative Committee  
and on our website.

Each of our operations 
are guided by site-specific 
Water Management Plans.

In FY2017 Whitehaven’s 
total water allocation 
across our operations was 
9,804 megalitres. The total 
amount used was 3,649 
megalitres – around a third 
of our available allocation.

Much of the water used by 
our operations is obtained 
from rainfall captured 
in dams at our sites and 
is used to assist mining 
activities, coal washing and 
dust suppression. Mine 
water cannot be released 
off site (except on certain 
regulated occasions at our 
Werris Creek operation). 
Sediment laden water is 
permitted to be released 
following certain rainfall 
events or under controlled 
release scenarios where the 
water quality complies with 
strict criteria.

46

SECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITY

We are mindful of the impact of 
our operations on the environment 
and surrounding communities and 
undergo extensive assessments  
for surface water, groundwater,  
flood impact, flora and fauna, 
Aboriginal cultural heritage,  
historical heritage, air quality, 
agriculture and geochemistry impacts.

As Whitehaven has grown as a 
business, we have worked to  
ensure the business maintains  
strong sustainability practices 
throughout every stage of the 
mining process, from prior to 
commencement, during operations 
until well after eventual close.

Each Whitehaven operation also 
implements rehabilitation plans, 
working to minimise potential  

impacts on the local environment  
and where appropriate returns  
mining areas to pre-mining vegetation 
communities such as pastoral, 
woodland and forest for future use.

An extensive library of resources 
are available on the Whitehaven 
Coal website including regulatory 
approvals, monitoring data, 
performance reviews and factsheets.

Progressive  
Rehabilitation

Whitehaven applies an 
integrated approach 
to land management 
to ensure responsible 
rehabilitation practices  
are reflected throughout 
every stage of the mining 
life cycle.

Where applicable, 
disturbed land is generally 
rehabilitated to align with 
pre-mining vegetation 
communities such as 
pasture, woodland and 
forest. Rehabilitation 
monitoring is conducted  
in accordance with each 
site’s Mining Operations 
Plan and relevant 
management plans.

Closure Planning

Closure plans and financial 
provisions to execute 
these plans are developed 
and maintained for all of 
Whitehaven’s sites. Closure 
planning plays an important 
role in the planning 
and development of 
Whitehaven’s projects and 
operations to ensure that 
the legacy impacts of its 
operations are minimised.

A key component 
in the development 
and fulfilment of the 
company’s closure plans 
is the consultation and 
engagement with key 
stakeholders to ensure 
that land is returned in  
a state that supports 
future opportunity 
and long-term benefit. 
Whitehaven’s closure plans 
are subject to external 
review and approval.

Management of 
Non-Mining Land

Most of the land we  
own and lease is not 
involved in mining 
activities. The majority is 
set aside as biodiversity 
offsets or is licensed 
to local farmers for 
productive agricultural 
activities. About two per 
cent, or less than 2,000 
hectares of our land is 
involved in current mining 
activities or is being 
rehabilitated after mining.

Where industry activity 
intersects with agriculture, 
Whitehaven seeks to put 
land to productive use. 
Nearly 30,000 hectares 
of land are being used for 
agricultural purposes. This 
can include arrangements 
with previous managers 
of the land to continue 
grazing or cropping. This 
ensures non-mining land 
continues to contribute to  
a diverse local economy.

Biodiversity

Whitehaven has more than 
20,000 hectares of land 
that are being managed 
as biodiversity offset 
areas. These areas are 
established conservation 
areas to offset impacts 
which cannot be avoided, 
managed or mitigated  
due to the nature of the 
coal resource.

These offset areas are 
based on guidance from 
independent experts and 
regulatory authorities to 
ensure they represent like-
for-like, or better, biodiversity 
values than the area 
impacted by operations.

This years significant 
offset-related work has 
been undertaken:

 – 668 hectares rehabilitated
 – 160,000 trees planted  

in offset areas
 – An additional 

937 hectares of 
revegetation has  
been prepared
 – 16.8 kilometres of  

new fencing installed
 – 76 kilometres of old 
fencing removed

 – 11,000 hectares sprayed 

for weed control.

47

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSUSTAINABILITYClimate Change

At Whitehaven, we recognise that the production of coal and coal-fired generation are associated 
with greenhouse gas emissions, and we are aware of our responsibilities to help preserve the 
environment for current and future generations. As a major coal producer, we also recognise our 
responsibility to continue providing the energy people need.

The task we share with many others  
is to support, develop and introduce 
new coal-production and energy-
generation technologies and working 
practices that will help to reduce 
environmental impact while continuing 
to meet global energy demands.  
We believe that the high energy,  
low ash product we produce will 
become an increasingly important 
source of the move to using higher 
quality coal for power generation.

The trend to new, more efficient coal 
fired generation in the Asia-Pacific 
region is critical to Australia’s role  
as a key energy exporter, and  
high-quality Australian coal is ideally 
suited to help bring about a lower 
emissions future, today. 

To assess how carbon policy and 
regulation will impact our business 
we closely monitor national and 
international climate and energy 
policy developments. We advocate 
for policies that are environmentally 
effective and economically efficient.

Whitehaven mines some of the best 
quality coal in the world, high in 
energy and low in ash, sulphur and 
other impurities. Our coal assists key 
customers, such as the Governments of 
Japan and Korea, reduce their carbon 
emissions by up to 30 per cent.

48

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017SECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITY

International Energy 
Agency Projections

The International Energy Agency (IEA) regularly makes projections about world coal 
demand based on various future scenarios for energy development. The scenarios  
used by the IEA as the bases for these projections vary by time and publication.  
Further details are available to the public directly from IEA, including through the  
IEA’s website: www.iea.org/publications/scenariosandprojections

The “New Policies Scenario” is IEA’s central scenario in 
its World Energy Outlook report (WEO). It incorporates 
policies and measures affecting energy markets that 
have already been adopted, as well as other relevant 
commitments and plans that have been announced 
by countries, including national pledges to reduce 
emissions and plans to phase-out fossil fuel subsidies, 
even if the measures to implement these commitments 
have yet to be identified or announced.

Different scenarios used by the IEA in its projections 
of energy demand have different implications for coal 
usage. Projected coal usage is highest in the “Current 
Policies Scenario” and lowest in the “450 Scenario.” 
The Current Policies Scenario (previously called 
the “Reference Scenario”) assumes no changes in 
policies from the mid-point of the year of publication, 
thus considering policies and measures that have 

already been formally enacted, but assuming that 
governments do not implement any commitments 
that have yet to be finalised by legislation and will not 
introduce any new policies affecting coal usage.

Finally, the 450 Scenario assumes implementation  
of a set of government policies consistent with a goal 
of limiting long-term increases in the average global 
temperature to two degree Celsius, a limit determined 
by various governments and non-governmental 
organisations and recognised by nations of the world  
in the 2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference  
in Cancun, Mexico.

Although the New Policies Scenario is the IEA’s central 
scenario, the IEA does not endorse any particular 
scenario as being a more probable forecast than  
the others.

49

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 4 / SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYSection 5:

RESOURCES  
& RESERVES

Coal Resources August 2017 

Measured 
Resource 
(A)

Indicated 
Resource 
(B)

Measured 
+ Indicated  
(A + B)

Inferred 
Resource 
(C) 

Competent 
person

Report 
date

CL375 AUTH346  
EL8072

220

400

620

Tenement

Maules Creek Opencut*

Narrabri North 
Underground**

Narrabri South 
Underground**

Tarrawonga Opencut***

Tarrawonga Underground

ML1609

180

EL6243

EL5967 ML1579 
ML1685 ML1693

EL5967 ML1579 
ML1685 ML1693

Werris Creek Opencut

ML1563 ML1672

Rocglen Opencut

ML1620

Rocglen Underground

ML1620

Vickery Opencut

Vickery Underground

Gunnedah Opencut

CL316 EL4699 
EL5831 EL7407 
EL8224 ML1464 
ML1471

ML1624 EL5183  
CCL701

Gunnedah Underground

EL6450 EL6587

Bonshaw Opencut

Ferndale Opencut

EL7430

EL7430

Ferndale Underground

EL6861

Oaklands North Opencut

EPC862

Pearl Creek Opencut****

30

42

10

15

5

–

230

–

7

2

–

103

–

110

–

190

150

18

15

2

4

3

165

95

47

138

4

135

–

260

14

370

180

60

25

17

9

3

395

95

54

140

4

238

–

370

14

30

–

140

13

14

–

–

1

110

135

89

24

7

134

73

580

38

1

2

3

4

4

4

4

4

5

5

4

4

4

6

6

4

7

Mar-17

Mar-17

Mar-16

Mar-17

Apr-14

Mar-17

Mar-17

Mar-15

Jul-15

Jul-15

Jun-14

Jun-14

Jun-14

Jan-13

Jan-13

Jun-14

Nov-12

Total Coal Resources

954

1640

2594

1388

1. Shaun Tamplin, 2. Charles Parbury, 3. Rick Walker, 4. Benjamin Thompson, 5. John Rogis, 6. Greg Jones, 7. Phill Sides 

*  Maules Creek Joint Venture - Whitehaven owns 75% share. 

**  Narrabri Joint Venture - Whitehaven owns 70% share. 

***   Whitehaven owns 70% share of opencut resources within ML1579, ML1685 and ML1693. The total combined resource for Tarrawonga Mining Leases (ML1579, 

1685 and 1693) and Exploration Licence (EL5967) is reported. 

**** Dingo Joint Venture - Whitehaven owns 70% share. 

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

5050

captionCoal Reserves – August 2017

Tenement

Maules Creek 
Opencut*

Narrabri North 
Underground**

Narrabri South 
Underground**

Tarrawonga  
Opencut ***

Werris Creek  
Opencut

CL375 
AUTH346

ML1609

EL6243

EL5967 
ML1579 
ML1685 
ML1693

ML1563 
ML1672

Rocglen Opencut

ML1620

Vickery Opencut

CL316 
EL4699 
EL7407

Total Coal Reserves

Recoverable Reserves

Marketable Reserves

PROVED

PROBABLE

TOTAL

PROVED

PROBABLE

TOTAL

Competent 
Person

Report 
Date

190

310

500

175

265

440

69

–

30

11

1.8

55

94

11

2

0.6

124

94

41

13

2.4

67

–

25

11

1.4

–

302

200

673

200

974

–

280

53

75

9

2

0.5

178

582

120

75

34

13

1.9

178

862

1

2

3

1

1

1

1

Mar-17

Mar-17

Jul-14

Mar-17

Mar-17

Mar-17

Mar-15

1. Doug Sillar,  3. Michael Barker, 2. Graeme Rigg 

*   Maules Creek Joint Venture - Whitehaven owns 75% share. 

**   Narrabri Joint Venture - Whitehaven owns 70% share. 

***    Whitehaven owns 70% share of opencut reserves within ML1579, ML1685 and ML1693. The total combined reserve for Tarrawonga Mining Leases 

(ML1579, 1685 and 1693) and Exploration Licence (EL5967) is reported. 

#   The Coal Reserves for active mining areas are current as at report date. 

##   Coal Reserves are quoted as a subset of Coal Resources. 

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

51

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 5 / RESOURCES & RESERVESRESOURCES & RESERVESCorporate Governance  

Directors  

Senior Executives  

 52

 53

 56

Corporate Governance

Our Board is focused on high standards of governance, compliance, business conduct, safety and  
environmental performance – all of which are vital to Whitehaven’s performance. It is our belief that high-quality 
corporate governance supports long-term value creation for shareholders and other stakeholders. With this 
in mind, we have reviewed our corporate governance and reporting practices and our corporate governance 
statement has been made available on our website this year, in the section titled Corporate Governance:  
www.whitehavencoal.com.au/about_us/corporate_governance.cfm

52

Section 6:LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTBoard of Directors

The Hon.  
Mark Vaile AO

John C Conde AO 
BSc, BE (Electrical) (Hons),  
MBA (Dist)

Dr Julie Beeby 
BSc (Hons I), PhD  (Physical Chemistry), 
MBA, FAICD

Chairman and  
Non-executive Director

Deputy Chairman and  
Non-executive Director

Appointed: 3 May 2012

Appointed: 3 May 2007

Non-executive Director

Appointed: 17 July 2015

John has over 30 years’ of broad 
based commercial experience across 
a number of industries, including the 
energy sector, and was chairman of 
the company prior to the merger  
with Aston Resources. John is 
chairman of Bupa Australia and  
New Zealand, Cooper Energy  
Limited and The McGrath 
Foundation. He is also president of 
the Commonwealth Remuneration 
Tribunal and a non-executive director 
of the Dexus Property Group. He 
retired as chairman of the Sydney 
Symphony Orchestra in May 2015.  
He was previously chairman of 
Ausgrid (formerly Energy Australia) 
and Destination NSW. He was 
formerly chairman and managing 
director of Broadcast Investment 
Holdings, as well as a non-executive 
director of BHP Billiton Limited and 
Excel Coal Limited.

Julie has more than 25 years’ 
experience in the minerals and 
petroleum industries in Australia 
including major Australian and US 
resources companies and as Chief 
Executive Officer of WestSide 
Corporation, an ASX listed, 
Queensland-based coal seam 
gas company. Julie has technical, 
operations and strategy expertise 
and has held senior and executive 
positions in coal mining, mining 
services and coal seam gas after 
commencing her career in coal and 
mineral processing research.

Julie is currently the Chairman of the 
Queensland Electricity Transmission 
Corporation Limited, Powerlink 
Queensland, and non-executive 
director of OZ Minerals Limited. Julie 
has previously held non-executive 
director positions on the Boards of 
Gloucester Coal Limited, Forge Group 
Limited, CRC Mining, Queensland 
Resources Council and Australian  
Coal Research. 

As Deputy Prime Minister of Australia 
and Leader of the National Party 
from 2005 to 2007, Mark established 
an extensive network of contacts 
throughout Australia and East 
Asia. His focus at home was with 
regional Australia and particularly 
Northern NSW. As one of Australia’s 
longest serving Trade Ministers from 
1999 through until 2006, Mark led 
negotiations which resulted in Free 
Trade Agreements being concluded 
with the United States of America, 
Singapore and Thailand as well as 
launching negotiations with China, 
Japan and ASEAN. Importantly, 
early in his Ministerial career as the 
Minister for Transport and Regional 
Services, Mark was instrumental in 
the establishment of the ARTC which 
operates the Hunter Valley rail network.

Mark brings significant experience 
as a company director, having been 
Chairman of Aston Resources and 
CBD Energy Limited, and is currently 
an independent Director on the 
boards of Virgin Australia Limited and 
Servcorp Limited which are both listed 
on the ASX. Mark is also a Director of 
Stamford Land Corp which is listed 
on the Singapore Stock Exchange, 
a Director Trustee of HostPlus 
Superfund, Chairman of Palisade 
Regional Infrastructure Fund and 
Independent Director and Chairman 
of SmartTrans Limited.

53

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 6 / LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT 
Board of Directors continued

Paul Flynn 
BComm, FCA

Tony Haggarty 
MComm, FAICD, CPA

Christine McLoughlin 
BA, LLB  (Honours), FAICD

Managing Director

Appointed: 25 March 2013

Previously Non-executive Director

Appointed: 3 May 2012

Non-executive Director  
from 25 March 2013

Previously Managing Director  
to 24 March 2013

Appointed: 3 May 2007

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 until 27 March 2013.

Paul has extensive experience in the 
mining, infrastructure, construction  
and energy sectors gained through 
20 years as a professional advisor 
at Ernst & Young. Paul was formerly 
Chief Executive Officer and Managing 
Director of the Tinkler Group and 
was instrumental in the merger of 
Whitehaven Coal with Aston Resources. 
Paul joined the Board of Whitehaven 
on 3 May 2012 and assumed the role 
of Managing Director and CEO on 
27 March 2013. As a partner for over 
eight years, Paul was the managing 
partner of Ernst & Young’s Sydney 
office and a member of its Oceania 
executive team.

Paul managed many of the firm’s 
largest mining and energy clients 
across Australia, Asia, South and North 
America. Paul has also fulfilled various 
leadership roles with large corporations 
on secondment including as the CFO  
of a top 50 listed company.

Non-executive Director 

Appointed: 3 May 2012

Christine has more than 25 years’ 
experience working in diverse and 
highly regulated sectors in Australia, 
UK and South East Asian markets. 
Christine has expertise in strategy,  
risk, stakeholder engagement and 
human resources in industries 
including financial services, 
telecommunications, health and 
nuclear science. Christine is currently 
a Director of Suncorp Group Limited, 
nib holdings ltd, Spark Infrastructure 
Group and Chairman of Venues NSW. 
She was formerly Chairman of the 
Australian Payments Council and 
a former Director of the Australian 
Nuclear Science & Technology 
Organisation (ANSTO), the Victorian 
Transport Accident Commission and 
Westpac insurance companies in 
Australia and New Zealand.

54

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
Raymond Zage 
BSc Finance

Non-executive Director

Appointed: 27 August 2013

Raymond is the Managing Director 
and Chief Executive Officer of Farallon 
Capital Asia, which is responsible for 
investing capital in Asia on behalf of 
Farallon Capital Management, one of 
the largest alternative asset managers 
in the world. Raymond has been 
involved in investments throughout 
Asia in various industries including 
financial services, infrastructure, 
manufacturing, energy and real 
estate. Previously, Raymond was in 
the investment banking division of 
Goldman, Sachs & Co. in Singapore, 
New York and Los Angeles.

The Whitehaven Coal Board of Directors  
(not pictured Raymond Zage).

55

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 6 / LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSenior Executives

Paul Flynn 

Kevin Ball 
BComm, CA 

Timothy Burt 
B.Ec, LLB  (Hons) LLM 

Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer

Refer to details set out on page 54.

Chief Financial Officer

General Counsel  
and Company Secretary 

Appointed as Chief Financial Officer 
of Whitehaven Coal in October 2013, 
Kevin Ball has over 25 years’ experience 
working in the mineral and energy 
industry across coal, oil and gas and  
in complex consulting practices.

A finance graduate of the University  
of New South Wales, Kevin is a 
Chartered Accountant having spent  
11 years with Ernst & Young  
at the commencement of his career 
predominantly in EY’s natural resources 
group and has a graduate Diploma  
in Geoscience (Mineral Economics) 
from Macquarie University.

Timothy joined Whitehaven as General 
Counsel and Company Secretary 
in July 2009. He has over 20 years’ 
ASX Listed company legal, secretarial 
and governance experience across 
a range of industries. Prior to joining 
Whitehaven, Timothy held senior roles 
at ASX listed companies Boral Limited, 
UGL Limited and Australian National 
Industries Limited. He holds a Master  
of Laws from the University of Sydney.

56

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
Brian Cole 
BE (Civil-H1), M Eng Science, MBA,  
Fellow IE Aust, C P Eng., M AIMM

Jamie Frankcombe 
BE (Mining), MBA (Technology) 

Scott Knights 
BEcons (Hons) 

Executive General Manager  
– Project Delivery

Executive General Manager  
– Operations 

Executive General Manager  
– Marketing and Logistics

Brian has more than 35 years’ 
experience in heavy engineering 
projects and operations at an 
executive level in the energy related 
sector, and has been focused on 
the Maules Creek project and other 
brownfields capital projects within the 
Whitehaven portfolio. Most recently 
Brian managed the construction of 
the three stages of the third coal 
terminal in Newcastle for NCIG 
with a combined capital cost circa 
$2.8 billion. Brian was appointed 
Executive General Manager –  
Project Delivery in June 2012.

Jamie was appointed Executive 
General Manager – Operations  
in February 2013. Jamie was 
previously Director Operations at 
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. Prior 
to that he has had extensive senior 
experience in coal mine operations 
and development including as  
the Chief Operating Officer of  
PT Adaro Indonesia, Executive 
General Manager – Americas for 
Xstrata Coal and General Manager 
Operations for Xstrata Coal’s Hunter 
Valley open cut operations.

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Engineering 
(Mining) from Wollongong 
University and a Master of Business 
Administration (Technology) 
from APESMA Deakin University. 
Additionally he holds First Class 
Certificate of Competency 
qualifications for both the NSW  
and Queensland coal industry.

Scott was appointed Executive 
General Manager – Marketing 
in August 2014. Prior to joining 
Whitehaven he was Vice President 
Sales, Marketing and Logistics for 
Peabody Energy Australia. Scott 
has over 25 years’ experience in 
a wide range of commercial roles 
including marketing, sales, logistics, 
management and business strategy in 
the commodities sector, working for 
Peabody Energy, Rio Tinto, PwC and 
Renison Goldfields Consolidated.

57

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESFINANCIAL REPORTSECTION 6 / LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTDirectors’ Report  

Renumeration Report (audited)  

 59

 68

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  

 90

Consolidated statement of financial position  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Consolidated statement of cash flows  

Notes to the consolidated financial statements  

Directors’ declaration  

Auditor’s report  

ASX additional information  

 91

 92

 93

 94

 131

 132

 139

58

Section 7:FINANCIAL  REPORT Directors’ Report

For the year ended 30 June 2017

The Directors present their report together with the consolidated financial report  
of Whitehaven Coal Limited (‘the Company’ or ‘Whitehaven’), being the Company,  
its subsidiaries, and the Group’s interest in joint operations for the year ended  
30 June 2017 and the auditor’s report thereon.

Principal activities

1. 
The principal activity of Whitehaven Coal Limited and its controlled entities (the ‘Group’) during the period was  
the development and operation of coal mines in New South Wales.

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

2. 

Directors and Executives

2a. 

Directors

See pages 53 to 55.

2b. 

Senior Executives

See pages 56 to 57.

2c. 

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 section 205G(1) of the Corporations Act 2001, at the date of this report is as follows:

Mark Vaile

John Conde

Julie Beeby

Paul Flynn1

Tony Haggarty

Christine McLoughlin

Raymond Zage

1  Mr Flynn held 1,822,081 options issued by the Company as at the date of this report. 

Ordinary shares

2,043,132

888,620

55,000

383,792

11,934,485

75,000

–

59

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTDirectors’ Report2d. 

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 are:

Director

Mark Vaile

John Conde

Julie Beeby

Paul Flynn

Tony Haggarty

Christine McLoughlin

Raymond Zage

Directors’ 
Meetings

Audit & Risk 
Management 
Committee 
Meetings

Remuneration 
Committee 
Meetings

Health, Safety, 
Environment 
& Community 
Committee 
Meetings

Governance & 
Nominations 
Committee 
Meetings

A

 11 

11

11

11

11

11

11

B

 11

11

11

11

11

11

11

A

 6 

 6 

 – 

 – 

 6 

 – 

 – 

B

 6 

 6 

 – 

 – 

 5 

 – 

 – 

A

 5 

 5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 5 

 – 

B

 5 

 5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 5 

 – 

A

 – 

 – 

 4 

 – 

 4 

 4 

 – 

B

 – 

 – 

 4 

 – 

 4 

 4 

 – 

A

 1 

 1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1 

 – 

B

 1 

 1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1 

 – 

A  Number of meetings held during the time the Director held office during the year.

B  Number of meetings attended.

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 persons who are or have 
been directors or officers of the Company or its controlled entities 
against certain liabilities (subject to certain exclusions).

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.

3d. 

Indemnification of auditors

To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to 
indemnify its auditors, Ernst & Young, as part of the terms of its 
audit engagement agreement against claims by third parties 
arising from the audit (for an unspecified amount). No payment 
has been made to indemnify Ernst & Young during or since the 
financial year.

3e. 

Rounding

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations 
Instrument 2016/191 and dated 24 March 2016 and, in accordance 
with that Class Order, all financial information presented in 
Australian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand 
unless otherwise stated. 

3. 

Other

3a. 

Dividends

Paid during the year

During the year the Company did not pay any dividends.

Declared after end of year

The directors have not declared a dividend in respect of  
FY2017. However, the subsequent events note sets out  
details of a proposed distribution to shareholders which  
will be subject to approval by shareholders at the Company’s  
AGM on 25 October 2017.

3b. 

Share options

Shares issued on exercise of options

During the reporting period no options have been exercised.

Unissued shares under options

At the date of this report there were 5,440,707 unissued ordinary 
shares of the Company under options. Refer to note 5.5 of the 
financial statements for further details of the options outstanding. 

3c. 

Indemnification  
and insurance of officers 

Indemnification

The Company has agreed to indemnify, to the fullest extent 
permitted by law, all current and former directors of the Company 
against liabilities that may arise from their position as directors of 
the Company and its controlled entities. The agreement stipulates 
that the Company will meet the full amount of any such liabilities, 
including costs and expenses.

60

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Directors’ Report (cont.)4. 

Operating and financial review

Financial headlines

 – Net profit after tax (“NPAT”) increased to $405.4m.

 – Operating EBITDA before significant items increased by 219% to $714.2m.

 – Cash generated from operations increased by 143% to $655.3m.

 – Net debt of $311.1m at 30 June 2017 and gearing reduced to 9%.

The following table summarises the key reconciling items between the Group’s operating EBITDA before significant items and its 
statutory profit.

WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED – CONSOLIDATED

Revenue

Net profit before significant items

Significant items after tax (refer to note 2.2 in the financial statements)

Net profit after tax

Operating EBITDA before significant items

Significant items before tax and financing (refer to note 2.2 in the financial statements)

Net interest expense (refer to note 5.2 in the financial statements)

Other financial expenses

Depreciation and amortisation

Gain on asset disposals

Profit before tax

FY2017

FY2016

$ MILLION

$ MILLION

1,773.2

1,164.4

367.2

38.2

405.4

714.2

(55.0)

(42.1)

(7.9)

20.5

–

20.5

224.1

–

(56.9)

(9.1)

(133.9)

(130.4)

0.1

475.4

–

27.7

The 30 June 2017 NPAT includes the impact of the following two 
significant items (refer to note 2.2 in the financial statements):

 – A $55.0m impairment charge in relation to early stage 

exploration assets.

 – Recognition of additional deferred tax assets in respect of 
previously unrecognised income tax losses of $76.7m.

The recognition of these items has the effect of increasing the NPAT 
by $38.2m. There were no significant items recognised in FY2016.

Review of financial performance

FY2017 NPAT before significant items of $367.2m represents  
an increase of $346.7m compared to $20.5m in FY2016.  
The significant turn-around in the FY2017 result was driven  
by a strong operating performance coupled with improved  
coal prices with FY2017 EBITDA before significant items of 
$714.2m reflecting an increase of $490.1m (219%) compared  
to $224.1m in FY2016.

EBITDA before significant items was underpinned by EBITDA 
margins improving to $46/t in FY2017 from $14/t in FY2016.  
The improved EBITDA margin performance reflects increased  
coal prices during the year, an increase in metallurgical coal  
sales volumes as a proportion of total sales volumes and the 
enduring benefit associated with the sustainable cost reductions 
achieved in recent years. 

The key factors that contributed to the FY2017 NPAT before 
significant items result for the year include:

 – Strong safety performance.

 – Gross revenue increased to $1,773.2m in FY2017 from  

$1,164.4m in FY2016. The increase was driven by the A$37/t 
increase in A$ realised prices to average A$112/t in FY2017  
from A$75/t in FY2016 and by an increase in sales volumes to 
15.8Mt in FY2017 from 15.5Mt in FY2016. 

 – The key drivers of A$ realised prices during the period were:

 – The Newcastle GlobalCoal Index price averaged US$81/t  
for high-quality thermal coal in FY2017, US$28/t above  
the average of US$53/t recorded in FY2016. 

 – The Group realised an average price of US$102/t in 
FY2017 for its sales of metallurgical coal products. 
The realised price reflects a combination of quarterly 
benchmark linked and index based contracts.

 – The high-quality of thermal coal from the Maules Creek 
mine which typically achieved both quality and energy 
premiums relative to the Newcastle GlobalCoal Index 
price during the period. Thermal coal sales from Narrabri, 
Rocglen and Tarrawonga broadly received the Index price 
during the year.

 – An increase in the proportion of metallurgical coal sales 

from 15% in FY2016 to 21% in FY2017 was underpinned by 
increased production of metallurgical coal at Maules Creek. 

 – A strengthened currency partially offset some of the 

benefits of improved prices – the A$ increased to average 
0.75 in FY2017 from an average of 0.73 in FY2016 

 – The increase in prices for both thermal and metallurgical 
coal during FY2017 reflected the return of the market to 
supply/demand balance following production cuts in a 
number of key coal producing countries namely China, 
Indonesia, the USA and Australia.

 – FOB costs per tonne of A$58/t in FY2017 remain in the best 
cost quartile. While FOB costs per tonne have increased by 
$2/t from A$56/t in FY2016, this is largely due to the cost of 
producing increased metallurgical coal tonnages, the costs 
incurred to recover production that was lost due to wet 
weather in the September 2016 quarter and due to changes  
in the composition of the sales mix. 

 –

Increased production from Maules Creek continues to 
increase the resilience of Whitehaven’s portfolio both from  

61

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTDirectors’ Reporta volume and quality perspective and helps to reduce the  
impact of Narrabri longwall change-outs while supporting 
further improvement in the utilisation of contracted rail and 
port capacity. Gunnedah open cuts delivered a record result  
at historically low operating costs.

 – Selling and distribution costs reflect the benefits of larger scale 

operations, and utilisation of contracted infrastructure capacities.

 – Administration costs were lower than the prior period.

Whitehaven’s investment in the development of Maules Creek  
at the bottom of the coal price cycle, the ramp up of Narrabri 
underground and the productivity improvements exhibited at 
the Gunnedah open cuts have provided a solid platform for 

the business and ensured that the Group continues to be well 
positioned to capitalise on an improved environment for thermal 
and metallurgical coal. Maules Creek delivered production in the 
second half of FY2017 at an annualised run rate of 10.5Mt with 
best quartile costs and a premium product delivering significant 
premiums to the prevailing thermal prices. This is reflected 
in the significant contribution that Maules Creek has made to 
Whitehaven’s FY2017 EBITDA.

Whitehaven has a policy to maintain a strong capital base so as  
to maintain investor, creditor and debt market confidence and to 
ensure that the business is well positioned to support attractive 
future growth opportunities.

Cash flows and capital management

CASH FLOW SUMMARY

Operating cash flows 

Investing cash flows 

Net free cash flow

Financing cash flows

Cash at the beginning of the period

Cash at the end of the period

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Net debt 

Undrawn syndicated facility 

Gearing ratio1 (%)

Leverage2 (times)

1  Net Debt/(Net Debt plus Equity).

2  Net Debt/ EBITDA before significant items. 

FY2017

FY2016

$ MILLION

$ MILLION

607.6

(93.7)

513.9

(528.3)

101.5

87.1

171.9

(93.1)

78.8

(79.8)

102.4

101.5

30 June 
2017

30 June 
2016

$ MILLION

$ MILLION

311.1

775.0

9%

0.4

839.3

365.0

23%

3.8

Cash flow and capital management commentary

Operating cash flows of $607.6m in FY2017 increased by 254% 
compared to FY2016. The increase reflects both the resilience 
of the coal price recovery, which has seen both thermal and 
metallurgical coal prices being maintained at constructive levels, 
and excellent operational performance. Costs for FY2017 were 
within the best cost quartile of the industry cost curve.

completing remaining Maules Creek project related items, main 
road development at Narrabri and expenditure to progress the 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required for Government 
approval for an expanded Vickery mine (10Mtpa). Throughout the 
cycle Whitehaven has continued to allocate sustaining capital at 
each of its mines to maintain safe and productive operations.

The strength of the operating cash flow performance has also  
been underpinned by the increasing scale that Maules Creek  
brings to the Whitehaven portfolio. Interest payments were lower  
as drawn debt was reduced to $398.3m at 30 June 2017 from 
$940.8m at 30 June 2016, while investments in working capital 
occurred in FY2017 predominantly due to the increased sales 
prices in trade receivables balances.

Investing cash outflows of $93.7m in the year ended 30 June 
2017 are consistent with FY2016. Growth capital has been 
allocated toward procuring the Narrabri 400 metre face, 

Whitehaven’s liquidity position strengthened considerably during 
FY2017. There was $87.1m in cash and $775.0m in undrawn facilities 
available at 30 June 2017. Net debt of $311.1m at 30 June 2017 was a 
reduction of $528.2m from 30 June 2016. Whitehaven remains well 
within the target range on all its key capital management metrics.

As a result of the strength of Whitehaven’s balance sheet, its scale 
of operations, and its improved earnings and cash flow generation, 
Whitehaven is well placed to expand its operations from its existing 
portfolio of opportunities or to take advantage of external growth 
opportunities that may arise. 

62

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Directors’ Report (cont.)Consolidated equity production, sales and coal stocks

WHITEHAVEN TOTAL (000t)

FY2017

FY2016

Movement

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Sales of Purchased Coal

Total Coal Sales

Coal Stocks at Year End

17,718

15,769

15,487

328

15,815

2,371

15,760

15,072

15,432

79

15,511

1,307

12%

5%

0.4%

–

2%

81%

Significant highlights for FY2017 include:

Review of operations – safety

 – ROM and saleable coal production for the year were 12%  
and 5% higher respectively than the prior corresponding 
period (“pcp”).

 – Coal sales of 15.8Mt were 2% higher than the pcp.

 – Sales of metallurgical coal continued to grow and represented 

21% of total sales for the year.

 – Maules Creek delivered production in the second half FY2017  
at an annualised run rate of 10.5Mt with best quartile costs.

 – The high-quality thermal coal from the Maules Creek mine 

continues to be highly valued by customers and typically 
achieved quality and energy premiums relative to the  
Newcastle GlobalCoal Index price.

 – Metallurgical coal quality from Maules Creek has exceeded  
early expectations and continues to attract high levels of 
customer interest.

 – At Narrabri, the installation of the first 400 metre wide panel 
was completed on schedule and below budget with longwall 
mining commencing in April.

 – Full year ROM coal production records were set at 

Tarrawonga and Rocglen 2.7Mt and 1.6Mt respectively. 

The Group’s total workforce including contractors was 
approximately 1,500 people at the end of June 2017, making 
Whitehaven Coal the largest private sector employer in the north-
west NSW region. Employee and contractor numbers have grown 
from the beginning of the year as Maules Creek continued to ramp 
up production. 

Providing a safe working environment for employees is critical 
at Whitehaven Coal and is key to the Group’s improving financial 
performance. Whitehaven Coal provides training, equipment, 
resources and systems to create the safest possible work 
environment at each site. Building a culture of safety awareness  
is the foundation for continuous improvement to exceed targets  
and to exceed industry averages.

As part of the Company’s Health and Safety Policy,  
Whitehaven Coal aims to:

 – Achieve zero workplace injuries and illnesses

 – Achieve zero plant and equipment damage

 – Achieve zero environmental incidents

2017 Performance

Safety performance continued to improve during the year. 
Whitehaven’s Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) 
of 7.4 recordable injuries per million hours at the end of June fell 
from 10.6 at June 2016. 

Whitehaven’s TRIFR is well below the NSW coal mining average  
of 14.7. 

63

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTDirectors’ ReportMaules Creek 

Ownership: Whitehaven 75% and Operator; ICRA MC Pty Ltd (an entity associated with Itochu Corporation) 15%; J-Power Australia Pty Ltd 10%.

MAULES CREEK 100% (000t)

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Coal Stocks at Year End

The ramp up of ROM coal production at Maules Creek continues on 
schedule with production reaching an annualised rate of 10.5Mt in 
the second half of FY2017. Production for the full year was at the 
upper end of guidance, despite the slow start to the year brought 
about by unusually heavy rainfall in the September quarter. 

The next step in the ramp up of Maules Creek production is 
expected to occur early in FY2019.

Maules Creek has continued its track record of consistently 
delivering high-quality thermal coal. Maules Creek thermal coal 
is one of the highest quality coals sold into the Asian seaborne 
market and continues to gain increased penetration with both 
existing and new customers, many of whom are seeking to utilise 
this high energy, low ash coal in new High Energy Low Emission 
(‘HELE’) technology power stations.

Narrabri 

FY2017

FY2016

Movement

9,729

8,986

8,879

636

7,826

7,384

7,421

609

24%

22%

20%

4%

Sales of metallurgical coal represented 26% of sales in FY2017, 
an increase compared to 14% in FY2016. Whitehaven is steadily 
executing term contracts with customers for the purchase of semi 
soft coking coal. Coal testing programmes are demonstrating the 
value in use of this low ash, low sulphur and high-quality semi soft 
coking coal. Customer interest is expected to increase further as 
mining progresses to the lower seams of the Maules Creek deposit  
as these seams exhibit even better coking characteristics than the 
coal produced in the preceding two years of commercial activity. 

Production guidance for FY2018 is in the range of 10.3Mt and  
10.6Mt ROM coal.

Ownership: Whitehaven 70% and Operator; J-Power 7.5%; EDF Trading 7.5%; Upper Horn Investments Limited 7.5%;  
Daewoo International Corporation and Korea Resources Corporation 7.5%.

NARRABRI MINE 100% (000t)

FY2017

FY2016

Movement

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Coal Stocks at Year End

7,267

6,987

6,823

318

6,888

7,269

7,532

135

6%

(4%)

(9%)

136%

Narrabri ROM coal production was 7.3Mt in FY2017, placing the 
mine as one of the most productive underground mines in Australia. 
Narrabri experienced some geotechnical issues in the December 
quarter which adversely impacted production for the year and led 
to a modest underperformance relative to the guidance target for 
the year.

An important milestone was achieved in FY2017 with the installation 
of the 400 metre wide longwall face which was completed on 
schedule and below budget. After some debottlenecking, the new 
longwall equipment and associated infrastructure is now operating as 
expected with regular 200,000 tonne production weeks achieved. 

Roadway development for the next panel remains on schedule for 
commencement of longwall mining in panel LW108 in the first half  
of CY2018. 

Production guidance for FY2018 is in the range of 8.0Mt to 8.4Mt 
ROM coal. In the following two years (FY2019 and FY2020), 
production will be lower as the displacement caused by a fault 
mined through in earlier longwall panels has increased. At this stage 
the plan in FY2019 and FY2020 is to step the longwall around the 
fault, rather than attempt to mine through the fault zone due to the 
risk of damage and delay. 

64

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Directors’ Report (cont.)Open Cut Mines (excluding the Maules Creek Mine)

Ownership: Werris Creek Whitehaven 100%; Rocglen Whitehaven 100%; Tarrawonga Whitehaven 70% and Operator and Idemitsu 30%.

OPEN CUTS 100% (000t)

ROM Coal Production

Saleable Coal Production

Sales of Produced Coal

Coal Stocks at Year End

The Gunnedah open cut mines produced a record 6.1Mt ROM 
coal production in FY2017. This included 2.1Mt in the final quarter 
of the year. The increased production was due to a concerted 
effort by these operations to compensate for the adverse impact 
on production associated with the wet weather in the September 
quarter and the geotechnical issues experienced at Narrabri in 
the December quarter.

The strong finish to the year has resulted in an increase in ROM 
coal stocks at all mines. These stocks will be processed and 
sold during the first half of FY2018.  Cost reductions have been 
achieved at all operations during FY2017. 

Rocglen and the Gunnedah CHPP have both achieved another 
milestone of being three years free of injuries.

Production guidance for FY2018 is in the range of 5.0Mt and 
5.4Mt ROM coal. 

Vickery

Ownership: Whitehaven 100%.

Work progressed on the various studies to produce the 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required for Government 
approval for an expanded Vickery mine (10Mtpa). Drafting of the 
EIS document and supporting documents is nearing completion. 
Submission of the completed EIS to the Department of Planning  
and Infrastructure is expected within the September quarter of 
CY2017. Discussions with numerous interested parties regarding  
the formation of a joint venture will commence following the 
lodgement of the EIS.

Timing for construction commencement of the Vickery project 
remains market dependent, but will likely occur once Maules 
Creek has been fully ramped up to its 13Mtpa capacity. 

Exploration projects

Whitehaven has several exploration and potential development 
projects in Queensland and New South Wales. These are early 
stage exploration projects. A decision was taken to record an 
impairment charge for these early stage projects in FY2017 
because of the change in timeframe for their likely development. 

In the current market environment the Company is focused  
on maintaining the tenements in good standing but is limiting  
its spending on those projects.

FY2017

FY2016

Movement

6,142

4,811

4,616

1,886

5,791

5,038

5,095

901

6%

(5%)

(9%)

109%

Infrastructure 

Rail Track 

For commentary, see page 31.

Rail Haulage

For commentary, see page 31.

Port Capacity

For commentary, see page 31.

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 Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs 
of the Group, in future financial years, other than the following:

Subsequent to the end of the financial period, the Group 
refinanced its A$1.2 billion Senior Secured Bank Facility in August 
2017 provided by a syndicate of Australian and international 
banks. The new facility is comprised of a $1.0 billion drawable 
revolver and a $0.2 billion guarantee facility. The new facility’s 
A$1.0 billion drawable line of credit is for general corporate 
purposes and has a maturity of July 2021. 

Subsequent to the end of the financial period, the Group repaid a 
further $100 million of debt drawn under the senior bank facility. 

Subsequent to the end of the financial period, the Directors have 
proposed a 20 cent per share distribution to shareholders, which 
is expected to comprise a 14 cent capital return and a 6 cent 
unfranked dividend. Whitehaven is seeking a class ruling from the 
ATO in relation to the proposed distribution. The proposed capital 
return component is subject to receiving shareholder approval 
at Whitehaven’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2017 
and, if approved by shareholders, will be paid in November 2017 
along with the related unfranked dividend. Further details will be 
provided in the Notice of Meeting for the AGM.

65

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTDirectors’ ReportOutlook and likely developments 

Operations

Saleable coal production guidance for FY2018 is in the range of 
22Mt to 23Mt, higher than FY2017 as Maules Creek is expected to 
produce ROM coal at an annualised rate of 10.5Mt for the full year 
and ROM production from Narrabri is also expected to increase. 
The next ramp up step for Maules Creek is scheduled to commence 
early in FY2019. ROM production from Narrabri in FY2018 is 
expected be higher than FY2017 following the installation of the 
wider longwall face and the requirement for only one longwall 
change-out. ROM coal production for the Gunnedah open cuts is 
expected to return to a level more in line with historical run rates. 

Maules Creek and Narrabri are tier one assets with long mine lives 
and industry leading low cost structures. There are opportunities 
to increase production at both mines in the near and medium term, 
while prospects also exist for life of mine extensions. These mines 
are now firmly established as key pillars underpinning Whitehaven’s 
future success.

Demand

Whitehaven’s high-quality, clean coals continue to attract strong 
demand from a growing customer base in over ten countries. 
Whitehaven has attracted a number of new customers during  
FY2017 in countries such as China and Vietnam for semi soft 
coking coal and Malaysia for thermal coal. 

Recent analysis by CRU, a respected industry consultant, indicates 
that demand for seaborne thermal coal will continue to grow 
steadily over the next five years. The growth profile incorporates 
declining imports by China, modest import growth by India and 
strong import growth from a number of developing South East 
Asian countries. 

Pricing

Coal demand remains strong especially in Asia and is responsible for 
the improvement in prices for both metallurgical and thermal coal 
in recent weeks. The demand for thermal coal in China increased 
as hot weather and reduced hydro availability increased the coal 
burn in thermal power stations. Imports of thermal coal into the 
country have been higher than anticipated, and when combined 
with weather related constraints on supply from Indonesia and some 
production issues in Australia, have pushed up the price of seaborne 
thermal coal in the past two months. While most of these issues are 
likely to be resolved in coming months, the confluence of events 
has provided a good platform for the thermal coal price as FY2018 
unfolds. In the longer term, as a number of Asian countries continue 
to deploy new HELE power stations the demand for high-quality 
thermal coal will continue to grow strongly.

Following a six month period of extreme price volatility in spot 
metallurgical coal prices after the Queensland cyclone, metallurgical 
coal prices are now stabilising. The price remains well supported by 
strong steel production in China and a number of other countries. 
One area of uncertainty is the pricing mechanism for metallurgical 
coal types. The drawn out negotiations to settle quarterly benchmark 
prices for the June quarter and subsequent changes to the quarterly 
benchmark pricing methodology are likely to result in closer 
correlation between quarterly benchmark and spot index prices.

Risks relating to  
Whitehaven’s future prospects 

Whitehaven operates in the coal sector. There are many factors, 
both specific to Whitehaven and to the coal industry in general, 
which may, either individually or in combination, affect the future 
operating and financial performance of the Group, its prospects 
and/or the value of Whitehaven. Many of the circumstances 
giving rise to these risks are beyond the control of the Whitehaven 
Directors and its management. The major risks believed to be 
associated with investment in Whitehaven are as follows:

Market risks

The Company’s future financial performance will be impacted  
by future coal prices and foreign exchange rates. 

The factors which affect coal prices and demand include the 
outcome of future sales contract negotiations, general economic 
activity, industrial production levels, changes in foreign exchange 
rates, changes in energy demand and demand for steel, changes 
in the supply of seaborne coal, changes in international freight 
rates or other transportation infrastructure and costs, the cost of 
other commodities and substitutes for coal, market changes in coal 
quality requirements and government regulation which restricts 
the use of coal, imposes taxation on the resources industry or 
otherwise affects the likely volume of sales or pricing of coal. 

Sales made under export contracts are denominated in US dollars. 
The Company uses forward exchange contracts (FECs) to hedge 
some of its currency risk in line with its hedging policy.

Operating risks

The Company’s coal mining operations are subject to operating  
risks that could result in decreased coal production which could 
reduce its revenues. Operational difficulties may impact the 
amount of coal produced at its coal mines, delay coal deliveries 
or increase the cost of mining for varying lengths of time. Such 
difficulties include (but are not limited to) weather (including 
flooding) and natural disasters, unexpected maintenance or 
technical problems, failure of key equipment, depletion of the 
Company’s Reserves, increased or unexpected reclamation costs 
and interruptions due to transportation delays.

Geology risks

Resource and Reserve estimates are stated to the JORC Code and 
are expressions of judgement based on knowledge, experience and 
industry practice. There are risks associated with such estimates, 
including that coal mined may be of a different quality, tonnage or 
strip ratio from those in the estimates.

Development risks

There is a risk that circumstances (including unforeseen 
circumstances) may cause delays to project development, 
exploration milestones or other operating factors, resulting in  
the receipt of revenue at a date later than expected. Additionally, 
the construction of new projects/expansion by the Company may 
exceed the currently envisaged timeframe or cost for a variety of 
reasons outside of the control of the Company.

66

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Directors’ Report (cont.)5. 

Auditor independence and non-audit services

5a. 

Auditor’s independence declaration

Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

The auditor’s independence declaration forms part of the 
Directors’ report for financial year ended 30 June 2017. It is  
set out on page 88.

5b. 

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 

 – all non-audit services were subject to the corporate 

governance procedures adopted by the Company and have 
been reviewed by the Audit & Risk Management 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

Taxation services 

Other non-audit services

Review of National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act requirements

Consolidated 
2017

Consolidated 
2016

$

$

20,000

66,100

56,451

142,551

42,712 

99,500 

11,068 

153,280

67

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTDirectors’ ReportRemuneration Report

(Audited)

Dear Shareholder, 

We present our Remuneration Report for the financial year ended 
30 June 2017 (FY2017). The report explains our remuneration 
arrangements. 

The Board continues to apply a fair and responsible executive 
remuneration framework which operates effectively to 
appropriately incentivise and reward senior executives to execute 
our strategy while being aligned with shareholder interests. Our 
strategy has been to build a portfolio of assets that operates in the 
best quartile of the coal cost curve and to develop and operate 
that portfolio of assets in a safe and sustainable manner. The Board 
believes that the current framework has been effective.

At the 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM), shareholders voted 
99.54% in favour of our Remuneration Report.

Whitehaven Coal’s performance in FY2017

In FY2017 the Company was the best performing stock in the 
ASX200 index delivering a total shareholder return of 167%. 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Flynn (CEO), 
is supported by a strong executive leadership group and the 
Board believes that the Company is well positioned to continue 
to improve its performance and to deliver value for shareholders. 
The Company’s balance sheet strength and quality of operations 
underpin the confidence of the Board to recommend shareholders 
approve a distribution of 20 cents per share to shareholders. 

The introduction of a Costs Target Hurdle into our Long Term 
Incentive (LTI) structure in 2014 has been effective. Whitehaven 
has been in the best quartile for costs of production in the three 
most recent financial years, and when combined with the FY2017 
recovery in coal prices has led to this year’s record operating profit 
and the retirement of a substantial amount of debt. 

Remuneration outcomes for FY2017

Short Term Incentive (STI) awards to Executive KMP for their 
performance during the year were assessed between 89% and 
92% of the maximum possible award. 50% of each Executive KMP’s 
FY2017 STI award will be deferred into equity which will vest in  
two tranches following the completion of FY2018 and FY2019.

Three awards of the Long Term Incentive (LTI) were tested during 
FY2017. These are the first LTI awards to vest since the 2012 
merger. Details are set out in this report. The Board is pleased 
that the hurdles have been satisfied and the LTIs vested following 
sustained, successful efforts in executing the Company’s strategy. 

Changes to remuneration  
framework for FY2017

Changes to Executive KMP remuneration approved by the  
Board for FY2017 were considered in the context of our strategy, 
relevant benchmarks and retaining our leadership team. 

For FY2017 the total potential remuneration of our Executive KMP 
was increased, by increasing the STI target potential from 50% of 
Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) to 100% of TFR for the CEO, to 
80% for the EGM Operations and to 70% for other Executive KMP 
and by decreasing the possible stretch award available from 150% 
of an award to 125%. STI awards are delivered 50% in cash and 50% 
in deferred equity. 

To increase the retention value of the LTI scheme and to further 
align the scheme with shareholders’ interests, for FY2017 the Board 
introduced a change to LTI awards from being delivered 100% in the 
form of performance rights to being delivered in the form of 50% 
performance rights and 50% options with a market-value exercise 
price. All awards are subject to achieving performance targets. At 
the 2016 AGM shareholders voted 99.5% in favour of the CEO’s LTI 
grant. Details of the upcoming LTI grant and hurdles for FY2018 for 
the CEO will again be included in the Notice for our upcoming AGM 
when shareholders will be asked to approve the grant.

Non-executive Directors fees

The Board had not increased Non-executive Directors fees since  
the 2012 merger with Aston Resources but has now reviewed  
Non-executive Directors fees for FY2018. For the upcoming 
financial year whilst the maximum aggregate Directors’ fee pool 
will not be changed, the Board Chairman’s fee has increased by 
$25,000, and the Remuneration Committee and Health, Safety, 
Environment & Community Chairman fees and member fees have 
been aligned with Audit & Risk Management Committee fees to 
reflect the workload of those Committees.

We thank our Executive KMP and their teams for their commitment 
and contribution to Whitehaven. We hope shareholders find the 
information provided in the Remuneration Report informative,  
and we welcome your feedback.

Yours sincerely,

The Hon. Mark Vaile AO 
Chairman 

Christine McLoughlin 
 Chairman of the  
Remuneration Committee

68

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
Table of Remuneration Report Contents

1 

1.1 

Introduction

Key management personnel for FY2017

1.2   Summary of Company performance 

2  Remuneration Governance

4.  Executive KMP employment contracts

5.  Executive KMP remuneration tables

5.1 

Executive KMP – statutory remuneration table

5.2  STI deferred equity awards made in FY2017

2.1   Role of the Board and Remuneration Committee

5.3  LTI awards made in FY2017

2.2  Use of external remuneration advisors

2.3  Executive KMP remuneration principles and framework

3 

 Remuneration of the 
Executive KMP for FY2017

3.1  Mix and timing of Executive KMP remuneration

3.2  Benchmarking total remuneration

3.3  Fixed remuneration

3.4  STI awards and structure for FY2017

3.5  LTI awards and structure for FY2017

3.6  Executive KMP realised remuneration outcomes

3.7   Executive KMP STI outcomes in FY2017 

3.8   Executive KMP LTI outcomes in FY2017 

6  Non-executive Director remuneration

6.1 

Setting Non-executive Director fees 

6.2  Current Non-executive Director fee levels and fee pool

6.3  Non-executive Director fees – statutory disclosures

7 

 Related party transactions  
and additional disclosures

7.1   Loans with Executive KMP and Non-Executive Directors

7.2  Other KMP transactions

7.3  

 Movements in options and rights over equity instruments  
held by Executive KMP

7.4  Additional disclosures relating to ordinary shares 

Introduction

1. 
This Remuneration Report forms part of the Directors Report.

In accordance with Section 308 (3C) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), the external auditors, Ernst & Young,  
have audited this Remuneration Report.

This report details the remuneration and fees during FY2017 of the KMP of the Company, who are listed in the table below.  
For the remainder of this Remuneration Report, the KMP are referred to as either Executive KMP or Non-executive Directors.

1.1  

Key Management Personnel for FY2017

This Report details the remuneration during FY2017 of:

Name

Role held during FY2017

Committee positions held

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The Hon. Mark Vaile AO

Chairman and  
Non-executive Director

John Conde AO

Deputy Chairman and  
Non-executive Director

Chairman of Governance & Nomination Committee

Member of Audit & Risk Management Committee

Member of Remuneration Committee

Chairman of Audit & Risk Management Committee

Member of Remuneration Committee

Member of Governance & Nomination Committee

Dr Julie Beeby

Non-executive Director

Member of Health, Safety, Environment & Community Committee

Tony Haggarty

Non-executive Director

Chairman of Health, Safety, Environment & Community Committee

Member of Audit & Risk Management Committee

Christine McLoughlin

Non-executive Director

Chairman of Remuneration Committee

Member of Governance & Nomination Committee

Member of Health, Safety, Environment & Community Committee

Raymond Zage

Non-executive Director

69

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration Report1.1  

Key Management Personnel for FY2017 (cont.)

Executive KMP

Paul Flynn

Kevin Ball

Timothy Burt

Brian Cole 

Jamie Frankcombe

Scott Knights

Role held during FY2017

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

General Counsel and Company Secretary 

Executive General Manager – Project Delivery

Executive General Manager – Operations

Executive General Manager – Marketing 

1.2 

Summary of Company performance

The Remuneration Committee is of the view that the Executive Key Management Personnel (Executive KMP) have continued to 
successfully execute our strategy and that remuneration outcomes for FY2017 are aligned to company performance. In FY2017  
the Executive KMP have focused on key projects and initiatives including: 

 –

 –

improving safety, environmental and community engagement outcomes;

ramping up coal production, coal processing and coal sales; 

 – deploying the 400 metre wide longwall face at Narrabri;

 – delivering industry leading cost performance; 

 – capitalising on improved market conditions to substantially reduce debt; and 

 –

substantially completing the Company’s submission in support of a 10mtpa operation at Vickery.

Whitehaven has capitalised on improved coal prices in FY2017 by increasing saleable production and coal sales, by improving safety  
and by continuing to tightly manage costs to report a record Net Profit after Tax of $405.4m. 

There were many highlights in FY2017 including: 

TRIFR of 7.4 improved by 30%

Net Profit After Tax of $405.4m 

ROM Production of 23.1Mt increased by 13%

EBITDA of $714.2m increased by 219%

Saleable Production of 20.8Mt increased by 6%

Cash generated from operations of $655.3m increased by 143%.

Coal Sales of 20.7Mt increased by 3%

Costs of Production $58/t within the best quartile

As a consequence of investments made by the Company since the merger in 2012 to bring Narrabri and Maules Creek coal mines on  
line and ramp up their production, in FY2017 Whitehaven decreased net debt by $528m, leverage for the trailing twelve months has 
decreased to 0.4x EBITDA and gearing reduced to 9%. These are credit metrics that are investment grade.

Company performance for the last five years

A snapshot of key Company performance for the past five years is set out below:

Revenue ($m’s)

EBITDA ($m’s)

Profit/(loss) attributable to the group ($m’s)

Share price at year end (dollars per share)

Basic EPS (cents per share)

Diluted EPS (cents per share)

Dividends paid (cents per share)

Total Reportable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR)

Environmental Enforcement Action Frequency Rate (EEAFR)2 

Saleable Production – Mt

1  The opening share price for 2013 was $4.15.

2017

1,773.2

714.2

405.4

$2.87

41.2

40.7

–

7.4

4.2

20.8

2016

1,164.4

224.1

20.5

$1.08

2.1

2.1

–

10.6

8.1

19.7

2015

763.3

130.3

(342.7)

$1.32

(33.3)

(33.3)

–

11.3

2.9

11.3

2014

755.4

90.4

(38.4)

$1.43

(3.9)

(3.9)

–

14.1

1.9

8.2

2013

622.2

17.1

(88.7)

$2.301

(9.0)

(9.0)

3.0

20.1

2.6

6.6

2  Elevated as a KPI for STI in FY2017, an Environmental Enforcement Action is defined as a warning letter, an official caution, an order, a penalty or a 

prosecution. Where a single piece of enforcement correspondence notes a breach of more than one approval/licence condition, each breach is counted 
separately.

70

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)Remuneration Governance

2. 
This section describes the role of the Board, Remuneration Committee and external remuneration advisers when making remuneration 
decisions, and sets out an overview of the principles and policies that underpin the Company’s remuneration framework. 

2.1  

Role of the Board and Remuneration Committee

The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s remuneration structures are equitable and aligned with the long-term 
interests of the Company and its shareholders. Consistent with this responsibility, the Board has established a Remuneration 
Committee, whose role is to:

 –

 –

 –

review and approve the remuneration of the Executive KMP; 

review and approve the remuneration policies and practices for the Group generally, including incentive plans and other benefits; and 

review and make recommendations to the Board regarding the remuneration of Non-executive Directors. 

The Remuneration Committee comprises three Non-executive Directors: Christine McLoughlin (Committee Chairman), John Conde, 
and Mark Vaile. The Remuneration 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. 

Further information regarding the Remuneration Committee’s role, responsibilities and membership is set out in the Company’s 
Corporate Governance Statement.

2.2   Use of external remuneration advisors

From time to time, the Remuneration Committee seeks and considers advice from external advisors who are engaged by and report 
directly to the Remuneration Committee. Such advice will typically cover Non-executive Director fees, Executive KMP remuneration 
and advice in relation to equity plans. 

The Corporations Act requires companies to disclose specific details regarding the use of remuneration consultants. The mandatory 
disclosure requirements only apply to those advisers that provide a ‘remuneration recommendation’ as defined in the Corporations Act. 
The Committee did not receive any remuneration recommendations in FY2017. 

2.3  

Executive KMP remuneration principles and framework

The Company’s Executive KMP remuneration framework is based on the following core principles: 

 –

 –

 –

 –

to ensure the Company’s remuneration structures are equitable and aligned with the long-term interests of the Company and its 
shareholders, having regard to relevant Company policies;

to attract and retain skilled executives;

to structure short and long term incentives that are challenging and linked to the creation of sustainable shareholder returns; and

to ensure any termination benefits are justified and appropriate.

These principles are reflected in the Company’s remuneration framework, which is comprised of both fixed and at-risk remuneration 
components as indicated below. 

Details of each of these components and how they applied during FY2017 are described in the tables below and in section 3. 

Fixed remuneration (TFR)

At-risk STI

At-risk LTI

includes salary and superannuation 

 – determined based on a mix of financial 

 –

 –

reviewed annually by the  
Remuneration Committee

 – benchmarked against peer companies

 –

influenced by individual performance  
and experience

and non-financial measures

 – STI opportunity is set between 70%  

and 100% of TFR for target 
performance and between 87.5% and 
125% of TFR for stretch performance 

 – 50% of STI is delivered as cash and 

50% is deferred into rights to receive 
shares in the Company subject 
to meeting service based vesting 
conditions (with vesting periods of  
12 and 24 months)

 – ability of the Remuneration 

Committee to reduce the number 
of deferred equity instruments that 
vest if subsequent events show 
such a reduction to be appropriate 
(clawback)

 – provides the Remuneration Committee 
with the flexibility to determine the 
nature, terms and conditions of the 
grant each year

 – operated in FY2017 as an award of 50% 
performance rights and 50% options 
(i.e. a right to receive a share for no 
cost or an option to acquire a share on 
payment of an exercise price, in each 
case if specified performance hurdles 
are satisfied) 

 –

the face value of the LTI opportunity  
is currently set between 80% and 100% 
of TFR

 – vesting is subject to two independent 
performance hurdles – Relative TSR 
and Costs Target

71

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration Report2.3  

Executive KMP remuneration principles and framework (cont.)

Remuneration framework summary

TFR

STI TARGET – STRETCH 1 

At-risk % of TFR

CEO

EGM – Operations

Other Executive KMP

Benchmarked

Benchmarked 

Benchmarked 

Form of Delivery 

Salary & Superannuation

100% – 125%

80% – 100%

70% – 87.5%

Cash 50%

Deferred Share 

Rights 50%

LTI1

100% 

90%

80%

Deferred Share Rights  
and Options

Performance Period 

N/A

1 year (with up to  
2 years further deferral) 

3 & 4 years

Further explanation

Section 3.1 to 3.3

Section 3.4 

Section 3.5

1  As a % of TFR.

 Remuneration of the Executive KMP for FY2017
3. 
This section describes in greater detail the different components of Executive KMP remuneration for FY2017. 

3.1 

Mix and timing of Executive KMP remuneration

Executive KMP remuneration is delivered as a mix of fixed and at-risk remuneration. At-risk remuneration can be earned through  
both STI and LTI and is delivered to Executive KMP over multiyear timeframes to create a layered retention effect and to encourage 
sustained performance.

The graphs below illustrate the remuneration mix for Executive KMP for FY2017 (assuming Target performance for at-risk components). 

CEO

EGM – Operations

Other Executive KMP

33.33%

33.33%

33%

37%

32%

40%

33.33%

30%

28%

   Fixed TFR

   At-risk STI

   At-risk LTI

72

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)The diagram below shows timing for determining and delivering Executive KMP remuneration for FY2017:

FY2017

FY2018

FY2019

FY2020

FY2021

Total Fixed  
Remuneration
Determined based on:
– Market benchmarking
– FY2016 performance

FY2017  
Executive  
KMP  
Remuneration

Short-Term Incentive
At risk based on  
financial and  
non-financial KPI’s

Restriction period for 
Tranche 1 of STI Deferred 
Equity Instruments

Service Based Vesting 
Period – Tranche 2

Long-Term Incentive
At risk based on performance against  
relative TSR measure & cost hurdle

Vesting period for Tranche 1

Service Based Vesting 
Period – Tranche 2

3.2   Benchmarking total remuneration 

While benchmarking is a useful starting point, it is only one input used by the Board when determining total remuneration for 
Executive KMP. Remuneration is benchmarked against an appropriate market comparator group adopted by the Board. 

The market comparator group consists of Australian listed companies, which have been identified as relevant competitors of 
Whitehaven that operate in similar business environments. 

The Board considers company size, complexity and business challenges when it builds its remuneration comparator group. 

The objective of the Board’s positioning is to meet the market so as to attract and retain a leading management team while still 
ensuring appropriate restraint in respect of executive remuneration. 

Actual market positioning for each individual may deviate from the positioning policy (above or below) due to considerations such  
as internal relativities, experience, tenure in role, individual performance and retention considerations.

3.3  

Fixed remuneration 

Fixed remuneration received by Executive KMP is subject to approval by the Remuneration Committee. Fixed remuneration is 
comprised of base salary and superannuation. In line with Company policy and executives’ service agreements, remuneration  
levels are reviewed annually based on market benchmarking and individual performance.

Fixed remuneration will typically be positioned between the 50th and 75th percentile of the market comparator group adopted  
by the Board.

73

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration Report3.4  

STI awards and structure for FY2017

The terms of the STI that applied during FY2017 were: 

Who participated? All Executive KMP.

What was the 
performance 
period? 

The STI for FY2017 operated over a 12 month performance period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. 

What was  
the target  
STI award? 

Executive KMPs’ target STI was between 70% and 100% of fixed remuneration over the 12 month performance 
period with a total of up to 87.5% and 125% of fixed remuneration for stretch performance. The STI amount 
actually awarded to each Executive KMP in FY2017 is shown in section 3.7.

What were the 
performance 
conditions, why 
were they chosen 
and how were 
they assessed?

Whitehaven has chosen performance conditions that expressly link to our strategy and motivate outperforming  
annual business plans. The following KPIs were adopted as performance conditions and applied to the FY2017 STI:

 – Safety (TRIFR)

 – Net Profit After Tax (NPAT)

 – ROM production (managed basis)

 – FOB cost per saleable tonne (equity basis)

 – Environmental Enforcement Action Frequency Rate (EEAFR)

 – Projects, for example Vickery submission

 – Leadership and individual key performance indicators as agreed between the CEO and the Board, for example 

community engagement and project development targets. 

At the commencement of FY2017, the Board set Target KPIs, the achievement of which was expected to be 
critical to the success of the Company as it entered what was expected to be an improving but still difficult year 
of trading. 

During the first quarter of the financial year coal prices rallied from multi-year lows. The coal price rally was 
sustained through the remaining quarters in the financial year. When those higher coal prices were matched to a 
continued focus upon tight control of costs, increased coal production, and improved safety and environmental 
performances, the company delivered a strong operating result and a record operating profit for the year. 

The Remuneration Committee and the Board assessed and approved the STI performance conditions applying 
to the CEO’s STI award. The performance conditions for Other Executive KMP were assessed by the CEO and 
approved by the Board.

The weightings of each performance condition are set out in the following table.

Safety (TRIFR)

NPAT

ROM production 

FOB cost per saleable tonne 

Environmental (EEAFR)

Projects

CEO

CFO

20%

25%

20%

15%

10%

–

20%

25%

15%

20%

10%

–

Individual Leadership KPIs 

10%

10%

Company 
secretary/
General 
Counsel

20%

20%

20%

20%

10%

–

10%

EGM 
Projects

EGM 
Operations

EGM 
Marketing

20%

20%

10%

10%

10%

20%

10%

20%

20%

20%

20%

10%

–

10%

20%

25%

20%

15%

10%

–

10%

74

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)What 
performance  
level was 
achieved?

A snapshot of the performance levels achieved for FY2017 is set out below:

YoY2

30%

1,691%

13%

4%

48%

Actual

7.4

$367.2m

23.1Mt

$58/t

4.2

Outcome

Stretch

Stretch

Between Gateway 
and Target

Target

Stretch

Performance condition1

Safety (TRIFR)

NPAT3

ROM production

FOB cost per saleable tonne 

Environmental (EEAFR)

1  Excludes projects KPI’s and individual leadership KPIs.

2  Year on year change.

3  Before significant items.

Details in relation to each KPI are set out below.

Safety

The emphasis on a safe working environment has continued to drive a sustained reduction in the TRIFR.  
The Whitehaven view that “tonnes cannot come at the expense of safety” is embedded in the Company.  
Our operations have performed very safely – our TRIFR of 7.4 is superior to the NSW coal industry average,  
and is a 30% improvement when compared with FY2016. The progress of the Company to improve safety 
processes and standards supports our aspirational goal of being the industry leader in safety. The overall  
result achieved was at stretch.

NPAT

While difficult operating conditions affected both the open cut and the underground mines, tight cost control 
was enforced. Gunnedah basin coal quality, and particularly the quality of the Maules Creek products, assisted 
the Group’s marketing team to penetrate new markets, win new customers, win quality adjustments to price 
which helped to deliver substantial value from the FY2017 rally in coal prices and deliver a record operating 
profit for the Group.

The reported NPAT before significant items of $367.2m exceeded the stretch target.

ROM production (managed)

In FY2017, open cut ROM coal production was adversely impact by a wetter than usual year as well as by 
geological issues at Narrabri in the December quarter. Despite the impact of these factors managed ROM 
production of 23.1Mt for the year was a 13% increase year on year. Gunnedah open cut mines exceeded their 
production targets for the year, Maules Creek met its production target however Narrabri was below its target. 
The overall result was between gateway and target.

FOB cost per saleable tonne

Our goal continues to be to maintain low, industry leading unit costs. 

Following a wetter than usual September quarter and below trend production rates at Narrabri underground 
mine in the December quarter, unit costs for the year rose – principally as a result of the drive in the second 
half of FY2017 to recover the deferred tonnes by accelerating production from higher cost operations to 
take advantage of the improved coal price environment. Consequently, unit costs for FY2017 of $58/t were 
4% higher than the previous year. Unit costs continue to be in the best quartile and in line with business plans.  
The overall result was at target.

Environmental

This year the Board elevated the operational environmental KPI into the Executive KMP STI programme. The 
Board recognises the importance of compliance with environmental approval conditions to maintaining the 
Group’s standing in the community. The Group strives to adopt and achieve industry best practice. The EEAFR 
for FY2017 represented a 48% improvement year on year falling to 4.2 incidents per million man hours worked 
from the previous year. The outcome represented a stretch result. 

Individual Leadership KPIs 

The leadership performance of the CEO is assessed annually by the Board. Awards to individual Executive KMP  
ranged from at target to stretch. A stretch result was awarded to the CEO.

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STI awards and structure for FY2017 (cont.)

How will  
the STI be 
delivered? 

50% of the STI award will be paid to the Executive KMP in cash in September 2017. The remaining 50% of the 
STI award will be deferred into rights to receive Whitehaven ordinary shares (Deferred Equity), which will vest 
and become exercisable subject to meeting service conditions. In accordance with the service conditions, half 
of the Deferred Equity will vest and become exercisable following the completion of FY2018, while the other 
half will vest and become exercisable following the completion of FY2019.

There is no exercise price payable upon vesting or exercise of Deferred Equity. Upon exercise of Deferred 
Equity, each right entitles the recipient to one ordinary share in the Company. Vested Deferred Equity that has 
not been exercised by 16 August 2027 (the expiry date) will automatically be exercised.

Deferred Equity will not vest if the Executive KMP resigns or is terminated for cause or the Board applies its 
discretion to clawback some or all of the Deferred Equity. 

STI Awards do not have any dividend or voting rights prior to vesting and exercise. However, following exercise 
of vested STI awards the recipient is entitled to receive a dividend equivalent payment in respect of the period 
between vesting and exercise (in recognition of the fact that they are entitled to receive ordinary fully paid shares 
in the Company at any time from vesting). Any dividend equivalent payment made to participants may be made 
in cash or provided as additional fully paid ordinary shares in the Company, as determined by the Board. 

Executive KMP are required to comply with the Company’s securities trading policy in respect of their Deferred 
Equity, which includes a prohibition on hedging or otherwise protecting the value of their unvested STI awards. 
In the event of a takeover or any proposed transaction that, in the Board’s opinion, is likely to result in a change 
of control, the Deferred Equity will vest and become exercisable. 

3.5 

LTI awards and structure for FY2017

The terms of the FY2017 LTI grants to Executive KMP were:

Who participated? All Executive KMP.

How will LTI be 
delivered?

FY2017 LTI Awards that vest will be delivered half in the form of performance rights, being rights to receive 
ordinary shares at no cost, and half in the form of options to acquire shares on payment of a market-value 
exercise price, in each case subject to meeting performance conditions and exercise by the Executive KMP. 

The options component was introduced in FY2017 to improve the retention effect of the LTI awards, and to 
further improve alignment with shareholder interests. 

What was the 
value of LTI 
awards granted? 

The value of LTI awards granted to the Executive KMP for FY2017 remain unchanged from the previous year  
(i.e. the percentages of TFR – refer section 2.3).

The CEO was granted LTI awards with a face value equal to 100% of his TFR and the EGM Operations was 
granted LTI awards with a face value equal to 90% of his TFR. Other Executive KMP were granted LTI awards 
with a face value equal to 80% of their TFR. 

LTI awards were granted half in performance rights and half in options. The number of performance rights 
granted was determined with reference to the volume weighted average price of the Company’s shares over the 
20 trading day period commencing 10 trading days prior to 30 June 2016. The number of options granted was 
calculated by dividing 50% of the total LTI award value for each Executive KMP by the fair value of an option as 
determined by an independent third party using the Black-Scholes methodology. No discount was applied to 
the valuation in respect of the probability of the performance conditions being met. Shareholder approval was 
obtained at the 2016 Annual General Meeting for the FY2017 grant of LTI awards to the CEO. 

What is the 
exercise price for 
LTI awards?

There is no exercise price payable on vesting or exercise of the performance rights. On exercise, each 
performance right entitles the recipient to one ordinary share in the Company.

LTI awards that are delivered as options have an exercise price of $1.21, (being the volume weighted average price 
of the Company’s shares over the 20 trading day period commencing 10 trading days prior to 30 June 2016). 

Vested rights will have a last date for exercise that is 10 years following the grant date while vested options will 
have a last date for exercise up to 5 years following the grant date (Last Exercise Dates). On these Last Exercise 
Dates, vested but unexercised rights will be automatically exercised and vested but unexercised options will lapse.

76

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)What are the 
performance 
conditions? 

Why were these 
performance 
conditions 
chosen?

What are the 
performance 
periods?

How will the 
performance 
condition be 
calculated for  
the TSR Awards?

The LTI award was split into the following components:

 – TSR Awards: 50% of the award is subject to a relative total shareholder return (TSR) performance hurdle 

(TSR Hurdle), which compares the TSR performance of the Company with the TSR performance of a peer 
group of companies operating in the Australian resources sectors; and 

 – Costs Target Awards: 50% of the award is subject to the Company achieving a defined cost per tonne target 

(Costs Target Hurdle).

The TSR Hurdle was chosen because:

1. 

It allows for an objective external assessment of the shareholder value created by the Company relative  
to a group of peers over a sustained period; and

2. 

it is a widely adopted metric that is well understood by markets.

The Costs Target Hurdle was chosen and set at a level which provides a structural incentive to LTI participants 
to ensure that the Company is positioned in the best cost quartile of Australian coal producers. This structural 
incentive is aligned with shareholder interests. Tight control of costs of production i.e. in the best cost quartile, 
is a key plank in our strategy. For this reason we have a cost metric in both our STI and LTI structures. Best 
quartile costs protect and preserve shareholder value in difficult times and support enhanced returns when the 
commodity cycle recovers. When costs are in the best quartile the Company has access to lower cost debt and 
larger liquidity pools, it is able to raise cost-effective equity, and its suppliers have confidence in the Company’s 
sustainability.

Each TSR Award is divided into two equal tranches capable of vesting and becoming exercisable after a three 
and four year performance period (respectively), with each performance period commencing on 1 July 2016. 

The Costs Target Awards is based on the FOB cost per saleable tonne achieved on a Company-wide basis for the 
year ending 30 June 2019 with Costs Target Awards being tested at that time. Half the awards will be capable of 
vesting immediately and half will be subject to deferral for a further year.

For the TSR Hurdle, the TSR of the Company for the FY2017 LTI grant is measured as a percentile ranking 
compared to the below comparator group of listed entities over the relevant performance period for the tranche. 
The TSR comparator group was established before the commencement of the respective performance period.

BHP Billiton

Mineral Resources

South32

Rio Tinto

Oil Search

Woodside Petroleum

Newcrest Mining

Saracen Mineral Holding

Santos

Fortescue Metals Group

Sandfire Resources

WorleyParsons

New Hope Corp 

OZ Minerals

Syrah Resources

Beach Energy

Evolution Mining

Iluka Resources

Western Areas

Northern Star Resources

Independence Group

The level of vesting will be determined based on the ranking against the comparator group companies  
in accordance with the following schedule: 

 – at the 75th percentile or above – 100% of the TSR Awards vest; 

 – between the 50th and 75th percentile – vesting will occur on a pro rata straight line basis;

 – at 50th percentile – 50% of the TSR Awards vest; and

 – below the 50th percentile – no TSR Awards vest.

Unless the Remuneration Committee determines otherwise, the TSR of a company for a performance period 
will be calculated adopting the following determination of the relevant opening and closing share prices: 

 –

 –

the volume weighted average share price over the 20 trading day period commencing 10 trading days 
before 30 June 2016 (opening share price); and

the volume weighted average share price over the corresponding 20 trading day period at the conclusion  
of the performance period ending 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2020, as applicable (closing share price).

77

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration Report3.5 

LTI awards and structure for FY2017 (cont.)

How will the 
performance 
condition be 
calculated for 
the Costs Target 
Awards?

The Remuneration Committee has set the LTI Costs Target Hurdle having regard to the Company’s budgeted 
cost forecasts and to the coal industry cost curve as measured by a recognised expert. The Board is satisfied 
that the LTI Costs Target Hurdle is challenging and that achievement of the performance condition will place  
the Company in the best cost quartile of the current coal industry cost curve.

Testing will occur following the completion of FY2019 based on the average costs achieved on a Company-
wide basis over the 12 month period from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. Full vesting will only occur if the Board 
is satisfied that performance meets or exceeds the Maximum as set out below. The Board may, where it is 
appropriate to do so, revise the targets below to take account of mergers, acquisitions and divestments or  
other exceptional circumstances. 

Vesting will occur based on the following schedule: 

 – Maximum or above – 100% of the Costs Target Awards vest; 

 – Between Gateway and Maximum – vesting will occur on a pro rata straight line basis up to maximum performance; 

 – Gateway – 50% of the Costs Target Awards vest; and

 – Below Gateway – no Costs Target Awards vest. 

Due to the commercially sensitive nature of this hurdle, the exact target will not be disclosed until the year 
of testing. However, retrospective disclosure of the outcomes against the target will be provided in the 
Remuneration Report for the year of testing. 

To the extent that the Costs Target Hurdle is satisfied at the end of FY2019:

 – 50% of the Costs Target Awards that vest will become exercisable; and 

 – The remaining 50% will be subject to a further one year service condition prior to vesting and becoming 

exercisable. 

Notwithstanding the vesting schedule above, the Board retains discretion to lapse any or all Costs Target Awards 
if the Board considers that vesting would be inappropriate in light of the intent and purpose of the target.

Re-testing

All performance awards that do not vest following testing will lapse immediately.  
There is no re-testing of awards that do not vest.

Do the 
performance 
rights and options 
attract dividend 
and voting rights?

LTI Awards do not have any dividend or voting rights prior to vesting and exercise.

Upon exercise of vested LTI Awards the recipient is entitled to receive a dividend equivalent payment in 
respect of the period between vesting and exercise (in recognition of the fact that they are entitled to receive 
ordinary fully paid shares in the Company at any time from vesting). Any dividend equivalent payment made 
to participants may be made in cash or provided as additional fully paid ordinary shares in the Company, as 
determined by the Board. 

Shares allocated on exercise of performance rights and options rank equally with other ordinary shares on 
issue, including in relation to dividend and voting rights. Participants are required to comply with the Company’s 
securities trading policy in respect of their performance rights, options and any shares they receive upon exercise. 
They are prohibited from hedging or otherwise protecting the value of their performance rights and options.

What happens 
in the event of a 
change in control?

In the event of a takeover bid or other transaction, event or state of affairs that in the Board’s opinion is likely to 
result in a change in control of the Company, the Board has discretion to determine that vesting of some or all 
of any unvested performance awards should be accelerated.

What happens 
if an executive 
ceases 
employment 
during the 
performance 
period? 

In general, unless the Board determines otherwise, where an executive’s employment is terminated:

 –

for cause or due to resignation all unvested performance awards will lapse; or

 – by mutual agreement with the Company: unvested performance awards will remain on foot and subject to 

the original performance hurdle. However, the Board may at its discretion determine to lapse any or all of the 
unvested performance awards and ordinarily, in the case of a resignation, would be expected to do so; or

 –

for any other reason: unvested performance awards will remain on foot and subject to the original 
performance hurdle, with Board discretion to determine that some of the performance awards (up to a pro 
rata portion based on how much of the performance period remains) will lapse. The performance awards 
that remain on foot will be tested in the normal course following the end of the relevant performance period.

78

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)3.6 

Executive KMP realised remuneration outcomes 

As set out in Section 1.2 the Remuneration Committee is  
of the view that the Executive KMP have continued to  
successfully execute our strategy. The table below is  
designed to give shareholders a better understanding  
of the actual remuneration outcomes for Executive KMP  
in FY2017. It includes:

 – Fixed remuneration earned in FY2017;

 – STI earned in respect of FY2017 performance (including  
cash payable in September 2017 and Deferred Equity  
for FY2017 which may vest and become exercisable in  
later years);

 – LTI that reached the end of its performance period in FY2017 
including the impact of share price appreciation between the  
grant date and the test date;

 – any termination benefits provided in FY2017; and

 – any non-monetary benefits provided to Executive KMP  

in FY2017 (including fringe benefits).

The amounts disclosed in the table, while not in accordance with 
accounting standards, are considered more helpful for shareholders 
to demonstrate the linkage between Company performance and 
remuneration outcomes for executives for FY2017.

Executive KMP

TFR1

LTI3 Vested 
at face 
value of 

award Other5

STI2 
paid 

Total 
remuneration

FY2017 
Deferred 
equity STI6

 Vested LTI7  
share price 
appreciation

Total

Paul Flynn

1,352,520

773,942

832,001

12,500

2,970,963

773,942

587,251

4,332,156

Kevin Ball

612,000

245,036

251,817

–

1,108,853

245,036

204,522

1,558,411

Timothy Burt

520,200

201,541

377,336

12,500

1,111,577

Brian Cole 

676,260

264,141

502,727

10,432

1,453,560

201,541

264,141

180,250

1,493,368

233,671

1,951,372

Jamie Frankcombe

910,350

410,365

518,001

12,500

1,851,216

410,365

378,971

2,640,552

Scott Knights

525,000

210,292

180,000

–

915,292

210,292

171,371

1,296,955

1   Fixed remuneration comprises base salary and superannuation.

2   STI represents the amount of cash STI that each Executive KMP will be paid in September 2017 based on FY2017 performance. Refer to section 3.4 and 

section 3.7 for further details. 

3   LTI represents LTI awards for which the test period was in FY2017 and which have vested for awards made between 2012 and 2014.The amounts shown 

are the face value of the awards at grant. Refer to section 3.8 for further details.

4   There were no cessation payments during FY2017.

5   Other includes parking, motor vehicle benefits and other similar items.

6   Deferred Equity STI refers to the amount of STI deferred into rights that are the subject to further service based performance conditions. Whilst not yet 
granted, the STI is expected to be issued at a VWAP of $2.85. It is expected that rights issued under the STI will vest and become exerciseable following 
the completion of FY2018 and FY2019. Refer to Section 3.4 for further details. 

7  LTI Share Price Appreciation is the amount of the Executive KMP LTI award delivered by an appreciation between the face value VWAP of a share at the 

time of the award being granted and the VWAP of a share at the award test date for those awards which vested. Refer to section 3.8 for further details.

The graphs below illustrate how the remuneration mix for Executive KMP for FY2017 was delivered – approximately half in cash with 
the balance awarded in equity or equity which is deferred for up to two years.

REALISED REMUNERATION MIX FOR EXECUTIVE KMP FOR FY2017

100

80

60

40

20

0

   CEO 

EGM –
Operations

Other
Executive KMP

CEO

EGM –
Operations

Other 
Executive 
KMP

49%

50%

33%

30%

52%

35%

18%

20%

13%

 TFR and 
STI cash

  Vested LTI 
Awards

 STI 
Deterred 
Equity

79

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration Report 
 
 
3.7 

Executive KMP STI outcomes in FY2017

The individual STI outcome for each Executive KMP is set out in the table below. 

Executive KMP

Paid as cash Deferred equity

STI earned ($A)

Paul Flynn

Kevin Ball

Timothy Burt

Brian Cole

Jamie Frankcombe

Scott Knights 

$

773,942

245,036

201,541

264,141

410,365

210,292

Percentage of 
maximum STI 
received

Percentage of 
maximum STI 
forfeited

Total

$

$

773,942

1,547,884

245,036

201,541

264,141

410,365

210,292

490,072

403,082

528,282

820,730

420,584

92%

92%

89%

89%

90%

92%

8%

8%

11%

11%

10%

8%

Details of the remuneration of KMP prepared in accordance with statutory obligations and accounting standards are contained in section 5 
of this Remuneration Report.

3.8 

Executive KMP LTI outcomes in FY2017 

This is the first year since the 2012 merger that LTI awards have vested. The Board believes that the Company is well positioned to  
continue to improve its performance and to deliver value for shareholders. In FY2017 the Company was the best performing stock  
in the ASX200 index delivering a total shareholder return of 167%. The Company’s balance sheet strength and quality of operations 
underpin the Board’s confidence to propose a return of capital to shareholders in 2017. 

The table below sets out the LTI awards that were tested in FY2017 (or for which the test period concluded on 30 June 2017) and the 
results of the relevant test. 

LTI Year

Tranche

Test type

Performance

Vested

Lapsed

2012

2013

2014

2014

3 of 3

2 of 2

1 of 2

1 of 1

Relative TSR

10th in 23

Relative TSR

10th in 21

Relative TSR

2nd in 21

Costs Hurdle

$58/t Actual  
$64/t Target

68%

48%

100%

100%

32%

52%

0%

0%

TSR of 167% 
#1 ranked in 
the ASX200 
index for 
2017

Outcomes

Costs Hurdle Target

In 2014, after considering the company’s three year operating plan together with information provided by a recognised industry expert, 
the Board set the Gateway and Target for FY2017. Saleable production in FY2014 was 8.2Mt while costs for FY2014 were $69/tonne. 
The Gateway was determined as the entry point into the best cost quartile, while the Target of $64/t was determined as being within 
the best cost quartile. The FY2017 Target was set $5/t below the previous year while expecting that FY2017 saleable production would 
be almost double that of FY2013. 

The actual cost result of $58/t for FY2017 has bettered the Target by $6/t. Management’s efforts between 2014 and 2017 to improve  
the cost structure have resulted in FY2017 costs finishing within the best cost quartile and as a result the Board approved an at Target 
award. 50% of costs hurdle target awards vest immediately while the remaining 50% are subject to a further service based vesting period 
of one year.

80

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)Executive KMP LTI awards vesting in FY2017 

LTI shares vested

2012  
Tranche 3 
TSR Hurdle 

2013 
Tranche 2 
TSR Hurdle 

2014  
Tranche 1 
TSR Hurdle 

2014  
Tranche 1  

costs Hurdle  LTI value

Vested 
LTI at face 
value of 
award1

Vested LTI 
share price 
appreciation1

$

$

N/A

N/A

20,957

28,678

N/A

N/A

141,818

23,132

40,715

55,723

213,699

142,466

1,419,252 

832,001

82,192

82,192

54,795

456,339 

251,817

54,795

557,586 

377,336

106,866

71,244

736,398 

502,727

75,000

143,836

95,891

896,972 

518,001

N/A

73,973

49,315

351,371 

180,000

$

587,251

204,522

180,250

233,671

378,971

171,371

Executive KMP

Paul Flynn

Kevin Ball

Timothy Burt

Brian Cole

Jamie Frankcombe

Scott Knights 

Award Test Date

23 Sept 2016  30 June 2017 30 June 2017

30 June 2017

VWAP – Grant Date

VWAP – Award Test Date

$4.11

$2.44

$2.242

$2.85

$1.46

$2.85

$1.46

$2.85

1   As presented in section 3.6.

2   VWAP at grant date for Mr Flynn was $2.20 based on commencement date of 25 March 2013 as CEO.

Executive KMP employment contracts

4. 
The following section sets out an overview of key terms of employment for the Executive KMP, as provided in their service agreements. 

All Executive KMP contracts give the Company discretion to make payment in lieu of notice. No notice is required where termination  
is for cause. The contracts do not provide for any termination payments other than payment in lieu of notice. 

Treatment of unvested incentives is dealt with in accordance with the terms of grant. In general, under the STI and LTI arrangements, 
unvested entitlements will be forfeited where an executive is terminated for cause or, subject to the Board’s discretion, where they 
resign. In all other circumstances where the Board considers the executive to be a ‘good leaver’, outgoing executives will generally 
retain their entitlements (subject to any applicable performance conditions in the case of LTI arrangements). 

Managing Director 

Paul Flynn was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of the Company on 27 March 2013. This table outlines the key terms of 
Mr Flynn’s contract of employment.

Fixed remuneration

Mr Flynn’s annual TFR for FY2018 of $1,352,520 is unchanged from FY2017. It includes salary, 
superannuation contributions, and any components under Whitehaven’s salary packaging guidelines 
and all Director fees. TFR is reviewed annually.

Short term incentive

Mr Flynn is eligible to participate in the annual STI plan, as described in section 3.4. At Target 
performance, his FY2018 STI opportunity is 100% of TFR (FY2017: 100%), with up to 125% of TFR for 
Stretch performance (FY2017:125%). 

Long term incentive

Mr Flynn is eligible to participate in the LTI plan as described in section 3.5, and subject to receiving 
required or appropriate shareholder approval. Mr Flynn’s LTI grant will be 100% of his TFR for FY2018 
(FY2017: 100%).

Other key terms

Other key terms of Mr Flynn’s service agreement include the following: 

 – his employment is ongoing, subject to twelve months’ notice of termination by Whitehaven or six 

months’ notice of termination by Mr Flynn

 –

the Company may terminate without notice in certain circumstances, including serious misconduct 
or negligence in the performance of duties. Mr Flynn may terminate immediately in the case of 
fundamental change to his role (i.e. there is a substantial diminution in his responsibilities), in which 
case his entitlements will be the same as if the Company terminated him without cause

 –

the consequences for unvested incentive awards on termination of Mr Flynn’s employment will be  
in accordance with the Company’s STI and LTI plans. 

Mr Flynn will have post-employment restraints for a period of three months. No additional amounts  
will be payable in respect of this restraint period.

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OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration ReportOther Executive KMP contracts 

A summary of the notice periods and key terms of the current Executive KMP contracts are set out in the table below.  
All of the contracts below are of ongoing duration.

Name and position (at year-end)

Notice

Kevin Ball 
Chief Financial Officer 
Appointed 16 December 2013

3 months by employee

6 months by the Company 

Timothy Burt 
General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary 
Appointed 29 July 2009

3 months by employee

12 months by the Company 

Brian Cole  
Executive General Manager – Project Delivery 
Appointed 1 July 2012

Jamie Frankcombe 
Executive General Manager – Operations 
Appointed 4 February 2013

Scott Knights  
Executive General Manager – Marketing  
Appointed 18 August 2014

6 months by employee or the Company 

3 months by employee

6 months by the Company 

6 months by employee or the Company

5. 

5.1 

Executive KMP remuneration tables

Executive KMP – Statutory remuneration table

The following table sets out the statutory remuneration disclosures required under the Corporations Act and has been prepared in 
accordance with the appropriate accounting standards and has been audited.

In AUD

FY

Salary  
& fees

Non – 
Monetary 
benefits

Super–
annuation 
benefits

Termination 

STI 

benefits Shares

Rights  
and  
options 

Total  
remun-
eration

Perfor-
mance 
related

Share–based 
payments

A

B

C

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 

Paul Flynn

2017

2016

1,317,520

1,291,000

12,500

12,020

35,000

1,216,379

35,000

772,046

OTHER EXECUTIVE KMP 

Kevin Ball

2017

2016

587,000

575,000

–

–

25,000

398,300

25,000

337,193

Timothy Burt

2017

490,000

12,500

30,000

334,342

Brian Cole

Jamie 
Frankcombe

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

480,000

641,260

12,020

10,432

30,000

298,346

35,000

434,056

623,600

8,824

39,400

356,023

875,350

857,500

12,500

12,020

35,000

666,684

35,000

522,104

25,000

337,503

25,000

276,821

–

–

470,000

2016

2017

4,411,130

47,932

185,000 3,387,264

2016

4,297,100

44,884

189,400 2,562,538

Scott Knights

2017

500,000

Total

82

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

896,355

3,477,754

321,283

2,431,349

325,679

1,335,979

114,962

1,052,155

301,368

1,168,210

147,782

968,148

393,150

1,513,898

195,860

1,223,707

565,718

2,155,252

229,867

1,656,491

198,333

1,060,836

84,766

856,587

2,680,603

10,711,929

1,094,520

8,188,437

%

61%

45%

54%

43%

54%

46%

55%

45%

57%

45%

51%

42%

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)A  The amounts disclosed as non-monetary benefits relate to car spaces, motor vehicle benefits and other similar items.

B  Comprises the cash component of current year STI (Refer to section 3.6 and section 3.7 for details) and the fair value at each grant date of STI Deferred 

Equity expensed over the service based vesting conditions. The fair value for STI grants is based on the volume weighted average price of Whitehaven 
shares over the 20 trading day period commencing 10 trading days prior to 30 June of each respective grant.

C  The fair value for LTI performance rights granted to the KMP is based on the fair value at each grant date. The factors and assumptions used in 

determining the fair value are set out in note 5.5 to the financial statements.

5.2 

STI deferred equity awards made in FY2017

Details of the Deferred Equity component arising from FY2016 Executive KMP STI award performance granted in FY2017 are set out below.

Executive KMP

Paul Flynn

Kevin Ball

Timothy Burt

Brian Cole

Jamie Frankcombe

Scott Knights

Number of  
rights granted

Performance  
hurdle1

Fair value per right  
at grant date2

Latest  
vesting date3 

95,709

95,708

41,801

41,801

36,986

36,985

44,136

44,135

64,724

64,724

34,317

34,317

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

Service

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

$1.21

August 2017

August 2018

August 2017

August 2018

August 2017

August 2018

August 2017

August 2018

August 2017

August 2018

August 2017

August 2018

1   The Deferred Equity component of FY2016 STI is subject to service conditions of one and two years, respectively. There is no exercise price payable on 
vesting or exercise of the Deferred Equity rights. On exercise of Deferred Equity, each right entitles the recipient to one ordinary share in the Company. 
Vested Deferred Equity rights that have not been exercised by 13 August 2026 (Last Exercise Date) will automatically be exercised.

2   The fair value for awards granted to the Executive KMP is based on the total deferred portion of STI divided by the volume weighted average price of 

Whitehaven shares over the 20 trading day period commencing 10 trading days prior to 30 June 2016 being $1.21.

3   The Vesting Dates for Deferred Equity rights are the respective dates when the financial results for each of FY2017 and FY2018 are released to the market.

5.3 

LTI awards made in FY2017

A summary of the LTI awards for FY2017 (i.e. the value and the fair value of the LTI granted to each Executive KMP) is set out in the table below.

Executive KMP

Paul Flynn

Kevin Ball

Timothy Burt

Brian Cole

Jamie Frankcombe

Scott Knights

Number of 
performance 
rights granted

Number 
of options 
granted

Value of 
performance 
rights grant 

Value of 
options 
grant 

Fair value of 
performance 
rights at  
grant date

Fair value of 
options at 
grant date 

$

$

$

$

558,893

1,822,081

676,260

676,260

1,331,563

2,906,219

202,315

171,967

223,558

338,560

173,554

659,577

560,641

728,833

1,103,761

565,814

244,800

244,800

208,080

208,080

270,504

270,504

409,658

409,657

210,000

210,000

482,015

409,711

532,627

806,619

413,493

1,052,025

894,222

1,162,489

1,760,499

902,473

The value of the LTI performance rights was calculated based on value of grant using the volume weighted average price of Whitehaven shares over the 
20 trading day period commencing 10 trading days prior to 1 July 2016, being $1.21. The value of the LTI options grant represents the face value of the grant 
at the start of the performance period.

The fair value for LTI performance rights and options granted to the Executive KMP was based on the fair value at 17 March 2017 being the grant date.  
The factors and assumptions used in determining the fair value are set out in note 5.5 to the financial statements. Each option has an exercise price of $1.21.

83

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration Report5.3 

LTI awards made in FY2017 (cont.)

Details of the LTI awards which were granted to Executive KMP on 17 March 2017 are shown below:

Executive KMP

Paul Flynn

Kevin Ball

Timothy Burt

Brian Cole

Jamie Frankcombe

Scott Knights

Number 
of rights 
granted

Number 
of options 
granted

Performance 
hurdle

Fair value 
per right at 
grant date1

Fair value 
per option at 
grant date1

Latest 
Vesting  
date 

139,724

139,723

455,521

455,520

TSR

TSR

279,446

911,040

Costs hurdle2

50,579

50,579

101,157

42,992

42,992

85,983

55,890

55,889

111,779

84,640

84,640

169,280

43,389

43,388

86,777

164,895

164,894

Costs hurdle2

TSR

TSR

329,788

Costs hurdle2

140,161

140,160

Costs hurdle2

TSR

TSR

280,320

Costs hurdle2

182,209

182,208

Costs hurdle2

TSR

TSR

364,416

Costs hurdle2

275,941

275,940

Costs hurdle2

TSR

TSR

551,880

Costs hurdle2

141,454

141,453

Costs hurdle2

TSR

TSR

282,907

Costs hurdle2

Costs hurdle2

$2.31

$2.20

$2.56

$2.46

$2.31

$2.20

$2.56

$2.46

$2.31

$2.20

$2.56

$2.46

$2.31

$2.20

$2.56

$2.46

$2.31

$2.20

$2.56

$2.46

$2.31

$2.20

$2.56

$2.46

$1.58

30 June 2019

$1.56

30 June 2020

$1.64

30 June 2019

$1.60

30 June 2020

$1.58

30 June 2019

$1.56

30 June 2020

$1.64

30 June 2019

$1.60

30 June 2020

$1.58

30 June 2019

$1.56

30 June 2020

$1.64

30 June 2019

$1.60

30 June 2020

$1.58

30 June 2019

$1.56

30 June 2020

$1.64

30 June 2019

$1.60

30 June 2020

$1.58

30 June 2019

$1.56

30 June 2020

$1.64

30 June 2019

$1.60

30 June 2020

$1.58

30 June 2019

$1.56

30 June 2020

$1.64

30 June 2019

$1.60

30 June 2020

1   The fair value for awards granted to the Executive KMP is based on the fair value at 17 March 2017 being the grant date. The factors and assumptions used  

in determining the fair value are set out in note 5.5 to the financial statements. The options have an exercise price of $1.21.

2   To the extent that the Costs Target Hurdle is satisfied at the end of FY2019, 50% of the Costs Target Awards will vest and become exercisable immediately  

and the remaining 50% will continue on foot, subject to a further one year service condition.

6. 

Non-Executive Director remuneration

This section explains the fees paid to Non-executive Directors during FY2017. 

6.1 

Setting Non-executive Director fees 

Non-executive Directors fees are designed to ensure that the Company can attract and retain suitably qualified and experienced  
Non-executive Directors. 

Non-executive Directors do not receive shares, share options or any performance-related incentives as part of their fees from the 
Company. Although there is no formal minimum shareholding, Non-executive Directors are strongly encouraged to hold shares. 

Non-executive Directors are also entitled to be reimbursed for travel and other expenses reasonably incurred when attending meetings  
of the Board or in connection with the business of the Company. 

The Remuneration Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to Non-executive Directors’ fees and 
Committee fees.

In 2012 the shareholders approved a total aggregate maximum amount of Non-executive Directors’ fees of $2,500,000 per annum.  
No change is being sought to the total aggregate Non-executive Directors’ fee pool for FY2018. 

84

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)6.2 

Current Non-executive Director fee levels and fee pool

The table below sets out the Board and Committee fees in Australian dollars for FY2018. 

The Board has reviewed Non-executive Directors fees for FY2018 against the market. The company had not increased Directors 
fees since the 2012 merger. For the upcoming financial year the Board Chairman’s fee has been increased by $25,000, and the 
Remuneration Committee and Health, Safety, Environment & Community Committee Chairman and member fees have been aligned 
with Audit & Risk Management Committee fees to reflect the workload of those Committees.

Board

Audit & Risk Management Committee

Remuneration Committee

Governance & Nominations Committee

Health, Safety, Environment & Community Committee

Chairman

Deputy Chairman

$375,0001

$262,5001

$40,000

$40,000

No fee

$40,000

–

–

–

–

Member

$140,000

$20,000

$20,000

No fee

$20,000

1   The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board do not receive Committee fees in addition to their Board fees. 

The fees set out above exclude mandatory statutory superannuation contributions made on behalf of the Non-executive Directors. 

In addition to the meetings that the Non-executive Directors attended (as shown on page 4), the Non-executive Directors participated  
in site visits to mines, coal handling and preparation plants and participated in the Company’s annual safety day.

6.3 

Non-executive Director fees – statutory disclosures 

The statutory disclosures required under the Corporations Act and in accordance with the Accounting Standards are set out in the  
table below. 

Short–term benefits

Post–employment benefits

Board & 
Committee 
fees

Non–
monetary 
benefits

Other 
benefits 
(non–cash)

Super–
annuation 
benefits

Termination 
benefits

Total fees for 
services as a 
Non–executive 
Director

In AUD

FY

NON–EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The Hon. Mark Vaile AO 
(Chairman)

John Conde AO 
(Deputy Chairman)

Dr Julie Beeby¹

Tony Haggarty

Christine McLoughlin

Raymond Zage

Rick Gazzard3

Total

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

350,000

350,000

262,500

262,500

152,500

145,869

185,000

185,000

177,500

177,500

–2

–2

–3

14,375

1,127,500

1,135,244

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

19,616

19,308

19,616

19,308

14,487

13,858

17,575

17,575

16,862

16,863

–

–

–

1,366

88,156

88,278

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1   Appointed 17 July 2015.

2   Mr Zage elected not to receive any Board & Committee fees in FY2017 and FY2016.

3   Resigned 16 July 2015.

369,616

369,308

282,116

281,808

166,987

159,727

202,575

202,575

194,362

194,363

–

–

–

15,741

1,215,656

1,223,522

85

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration Report7.   Related party transactions and additional disclosures

7.1 

Loans with Executive KMP and Non-executive Directors 

There were no loans outstanding to any Executive KMP or any Non-executive Director or their related parties, at any time in the current  
or prior reporting periods.

7.2 

Other KMP transactions

Apart from the details disclosed in this report, no Executive KMP or Non-executive Director or their related parties have entered  
into a material contract with the consolidated entity since the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts 
involving those people’s interests existing at year end.

7.3 

Movement in options and rights over equity instruments held by Executive KMP

The movement during the reporting period, by number and value of equity instruments in the Company held by each Executive KMP is 
detailed below.

Executive 
KMP

Instrument

Balance 
as at 1 
July 2016 
(number)

Granted 
(number) 

Granted 
(value) 

(A)

(B) $

Paul Flynn

Performance 
Rights (LTI)

2,331,145

558,893

1,331,563

Options (LTI)

–

1,822,081 2,906,219

Vested 
during the 
year  
(number)

–

–

263,907

191,417

231,615

166,596

Exercised  
(number) 

Exercised  
(value) 

Lapsed 
(number) 

Balance as 
at 30 June 
2017 
(number)

Vested 
and 
exercisable 
at 30 June 
2017

Lapsed 
(year of 
grant)

(D)

295,4551

2013

2,594,583

1,822,081

455,324

166,596

–

–

–

–

–

–

(C) $

–

–

–

–

–

–

63,205

–

–

63,205

63,205

121,354

–

742,446

202,315

482,015

–

659,577

1,052,025

–

–

–

–

–

48,1901

2013

896,571

104,652

83,602

101,158

66,861

66,861

86,251

9,575

–

–

9,575

9,575

18,384

Timothy 
Burt

Performance 
Rights (LTI)

790,714

171,967

409,711

20,957

20,9572

40.237

94,6843

Options (LTI)

–

560,641

894,222

–

104,652

73,971

89,505

66,861

16,968

–

–

16,968

16,968

32,579

1,041,734

223,558

532,627

28,678

28,6782

55,062

129,5853

Options (LTI)

–

728,833

1,162,489

–

136,047

88,271

106,808

86,919

23,298

–

–

23,298

23,298

44,732

–

Jamie 
Frankcombe

Performance 
Rights (LTI)

1,414,626

338,560

806,619

Options (LTI)

–

1,103,761

1,760,499

–

–

–

156,2501

2013

1,596,936

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

171,272

129,448

156,632

102,594

–

34,143

–

–

34,143

34,143

65,555

Scott 
Knights

Performance 
Rights (LTI)

553,552

173,554

413,493

–

565,814

902,473

–

–

–

–

–

79,530

68,634

83,047

51,127

51,127

65,954

Options 
(LTI)

Deferred 
Rights (STI)

86

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

659,577

121,393

–

847,040

560,641

178,623

66,861

–

1,107,029

728,833

–

–

–

224,318

86,919

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2012  

& 2013

–

–

–

2012  

& 2013

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,103,761

300,720

102,594

–

727,106

565,814

97,037

–

–

–

–

Kevin Ball

Deferred 
Rights (STI)

Deferred 
Shares (STI)

Performance 
Rights (LTI)

Options (LTI)

Deferred 
Rights (STI)

Deferred 
Shares (STI)

Deferred 
Rights (STI)

Deferred 
Shares (STI)

Performance 
Rights (LTI)

Brian Cole

Deferred 
Rights (STI)

Deferred 
Shares (STI)

Deferred 
Rights (STI)

Deferred 
Shares (STI)

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Remuneration Report (cont.)(A) The number of rights granted during FY2017 includes:

a.  The FY2016 LTI awards. Further details are provided in section 5.3; and.

b.  the Deferred Equity component of the FY2016 STI award, calculated 
by reference to the volume weighted average price of the Company’s 
shares for the 20 day trading period commencing 10 trading days 
prior to 30 June 2016. The granting of rights occurred on 17 March 
2017. Further details are provided in section 5.2.

(B) The value of LTI performance rights granted in the year is the fair value 

of the performance rights at grant date. 

The value of deferred STI rights granted in the year has been calculated 
using the volume weighted average price of the Company’s shares  
for the 20 day trading period commencing 10 trading days prior to  
30 June 2016. 

Unvested LTI and STI awards have a minimum value of zero if they do 
not meet the relevant performance or service conditions. 

The maximum value of unvested LTI and STI awards is the sale price 
of the Company’s shares at the date of vesting, or where applicable, 
exercise (plus the value of any dividend equivalent payment attaching 
to the award on vesting or, where applicable exercise).

(C) Tranche 3 of the 2012 LTI performance rights vested at a rate of 68%.  
The value of LTI performance rights vested in the year is the fair value  
of the performance rights at grant date.

Tranche 1 and the contingent portion of the FY2015 STI Deferred Equity 
rights vested during the period. The vested value of rights exercised 
has been calculated using the volume weighted average price of 
the Company’s shares for the 20 day trading period commencing 
10 trading days prior to 1 July 2015. 

Tranche 2 of the FY2014 STI Deferred Shares vested during the period.  
The vested value has been calculated using the volume weighted 
average price of the Company’s shares for the 20 day trading period 
commencing 10 trading days prior to the effective grant date of 
27 August 2014. 

(D) The year in which the lapsed performance rights, options or deferred 

shares were granted. 

1   The 2013 LTI Rights TSR Tranche 1 lapsed due to the performance 

condition not being met. 

2   The 2012 LTI Rights TSR Tranche 3 vested in September 2016 at a rate  

of 68%. 

3   The 2013 LTI Rights TSR Tranche 1 award lapsed and 32% of 2012  
LTI Rights TSR Tranche 3 award lapsed due to the performance 
conditions not being met. 

7.4  Additional disclosures relating to ordinary shares
The movement during the reporting period in the number of ordinary shares in the Company held, directly, indirectly or beneficially,  
by each Executive KMP and each Non-executive Director, including their related, parties is as follows:

Held at 
1 July 2016

Received on vesting 
and exercise of STI/LTI

Received as 
remuneration

Other net 
change

Held at  
30 June 2017

No. of shares

DIRECTORS

Mark Vaile

John Conde

Dr Julie Beeby

Paul Flynn

2,567,767

888,620

55,000

383,7921

Tony Haggarty

21,796,293

Christine McLoughlin

Raymond Zage

EXECUTIVE

Kevin Ball

Timothy Burt

Brian Cole

Jamie Frankcombe

Scott Knights

55,000

–

124,1501

224,1291

59,0961

427,6501

40,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

66,861

20,957

28,678

–

51,127

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(524,635)

2,043,132

–

–

–

888,620

55,000

383,792

(9,861,808)

11,934,485

20,000

75,000

–

–

(55,000)

(17,530)

–

(52,687)

(91,127)

136,011

227,556

87,774

374,963

–

1  

Includes shares subject to restrictions granted as part of the FY2014 STI which were held by the Whitehaven Coal Limited Equity Incentive Plan Trust.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:

The Hon. Mark Vaile AO 
Chairman 

Dated at Sydney this 17th day of August 2017

87

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTRemuneration ReportAuditors Independence Declaration

Ernst & Young
200 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
GPO Box 2646 Sydney  NSW  2001

Tel: +61 2 9248 5555
Fax: +61 2 9248 5959
ey.com/au

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Whitehaven 
Coal Limited 

As lead auditor for the audit of Whitehaven Coal Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2017, I 
declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, that there have been: 

a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and   

b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Whitehaven Coal Limited and the entities it controlled during the 
financial year. 

Ernst & Young 

Ryan Fisk 
Partner 
17 August 2017  

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

88

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

For the year ended 30 June 2017

Table of Contents

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  

Consolidated statement of financial position  

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Consolidated statement of cash flows  

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Directors’ declaration  

Auditor’s Report  

 90

 91

 92

 93

 94

 131

 132

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements Index

1.  About this report

2.  Group performance

2.1 

Segment reporting

2.2  Significant items

2.3  Taxes

2.4  Earnings per share

3.  Working capital and cash flows

3.1 

Trade and other receivables

3.2 

Inventories

3.3  Trade and other payables

3.4  Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

4.  Resource assets and liabilities

4.1 

Property, plant and equipment

4.2  Exploration and evaluation

4.3 

Intangible assets

4.4  Provisions

5.  Capital structure and financing

5.1 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

5.2  Finance income and expense

5.3  Financial risk management objectives and policies

5.4  Share capital and reserves

5.5  Share-based payments

6.  Group structure

6.1.  Group’s subsidiaries

6.2 

Interest in joint operations

6.3  Parent entity information

6.4  Deed of cross guarantee

6.5  Related parties

7.  Other notes

7.1 

Employee benefits 

7.2  Auditors’ remuneration

7.3  Commitments 

7.4  Contingencies

7.5  Subsequent events

7.6  New accounting standards and interpretations 

89

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 June 2017

Revenue

Other income

Operating expenses

Coal purchases 

Selling and distribution expenses

Government royalties

Impairment of assets

Administrative expenses

Depreciation and amortisation

Other expenses

Profit before net financial expense

Financial income

Financial expenses

Net financial expense

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Net profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Net movement on cash flow hedges

Income tax effect

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 

Net profit for the period attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share:

NOTE

2.1

2.2

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

1,773,242

1,164,437

7,698 

8,356 

(555,675)

(509,815)

(33,416)

(311,947)

(133,407)

(54,963)

(24,423)

(5,616)

(314,248)

(88,155)

–

(26,321)

(133,882)

(130,385)

(7,848)

525,379

1,409 

(51,362)

(4,505)

93,748

1,056 

(67,130)

5.2

(49,953)

(66,074)

2.3(a)

5.2

2.3(b)

5.2

475,426

(70,059) 

27,674

(7,186) 

405,367

20,488

2,618

(785) 

1,833

407,200

1,186

(356) 

830

21,318

406,445

20,488

(1,078)

–

408,278

(1,078)

21,318

–

Basic earnings per share (cents per share)

Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

2.4

2.4

41.2

40.7

2.1

2.1

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

90

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 30 June 2017

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables1

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Total current assets

Trade and other receivables1

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration and evaluation

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Interest bearing loans and borrowings1

Employee benefits

Provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings1

Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Issued capital

Share based payments reserve

Hedge reserve

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

NOTE

3.1

3.2

5.3(d)

3.1

4.1

4.2

4.3

2.3(c)

3.3

5.1

7.1

4.4

5.3(e)

5.1

4.4

2017

$’000

87,138

113,278

99,144 

 2,413 

2016

$’000

101,453

62,119

68,737 

 351 

301,973

232,660

10,853 

37 

15,381 

37 

3,442,467 

3,497,613 

156,781

22,200 

32,729 

206,583 

19,818 

103,573 

3,665,067

3,843,005

3,967,040 

4,075,665 

 166,054

 135,928 

23,560 

20,071 

5,188 

582 

18,223 

16,872 

7,260 

1,138 

 215,455 

 179,421 

374,715 

84,574 

922,532 

84,996 

459,289 

1,007,528 

674,744 

1,186,949 

3,292,296 

2,888,716 

5.4(a)

3,136,941 

3,144,944 

7,827 

1,282

18,417 

(551)

146,246

(275,172)

3,292,296 

2,887,638 

– 

1,078 

3,292,296 

2,888,716 

1  The comparative period has been restated to reclassify capitalised prepaid borrowing costs from ‘Trade and other receivables’ to reduce ‘Interest 
bearing loans and borrowings’. Current and non-current ‘Trade and other receivables’ as at 30 June 2016 as previously reported was $68.3m and 
$29.0m respectively. This has been reduced by $6.2m and $13.6m respectively to align with the current year’s presentation. Correspondingly, current 
and non-current ‘Interest bearing loans and borrowings’ as at 30 June 2016 has decreased by $6.2m and $13.6m respectively. 

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

91

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 30 June 2017

Share 
Based 
Payment 
Reserve

Issued 
Capital

Hedge 
Reserve

Retained 
Earnings

NOTE

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest

Total 
equity

$’000

$’000

Total

$’000

Opening balance  
at 1 July 2015

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive  
income for the year

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners:

Share based payments

5.5(a)

Transfer on exercise  
of share based payments

Transfer on lapse  
of share based payments

Purchase of shares through 
employee share plan

Closing balance  
at 30 June 2016

Opening balance  
at 1 July 2016

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive  
income for the year

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners:

Transfer on exercise  
of share based payments

Transfer on lapse  
of share based payments

Purchase of shares through 
employee share plan

Closing balance  
at 30 June 2017

Share based payments

5.5(a)

–

– 

–

– 

– 

–

– 

20,488

830

21,318

3,715

 – 

–

(1,351)

3,146,147 

36,543 

(1,381)

(317,353)

2,863,956 

 1,078 

2,865,034 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

20,488

20,488

830

– 

830

830

20,488

21,318

 – 

 148 

3,715 

(464)

–

(21,377)

 – 

 – 

–

 – 

– 

316

21,377

3,715

 – 

–

– 

(1,351)

5.4(a)

(1,351)

 – 

3,144,944

18,417

(551)

(275,172)

2,887,638 

 1,078 

2,888,716 

3,144,944

18,417

(551)

(275,172)

2,887,638 

 1,078 

2,888,716 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 377 

4,760 

(1,170)

–

(14,180)

 – 

406,445

406,445

(1,078)

405,367

1,833

– 

1,833

– 

1,833

1,833

406,445

408,278

(1,078)

407,200

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

4,760

793

14,180

 – 

–

–

(8,380)

– 

– 

– 

– 

4,760

 – 

–

(8,380)

5.4(a)

(8,380)

–

3,136,941

7,827

1,282

146,246

3,292,296

–

3,292,296

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

92

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 30 June 2017

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

NOTE

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

 1,737,063 

 1,188,341 

(1,081,737)

 655,326 

(49,087)

1,405 

– 

(919,010)

 269,331 

(56,123)

1,056 

(42,331) 

Net cash from operating activities

3.4

 607,644 

 171,933 

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Purchase of shares

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Payment of finance facility upfront costs

Payment of finance lease liabilities

Net cash used in financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June

5.1

971

902

(89,462)

(88,867)

(5,161)

(5,107)

(93,652)

(93,072)

(8,380)

18,687 

(519,299)

(607)

(18,708)

(1,351)

9,450 

(73,610)

(787)

(13,503)

 (528,307)

 (79,801)

(14,315)

101,453 

87,138 

(940)

102,393 

101,453 

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

93

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements

For the year ended 30 June 2017

1.  About this report

Reporting entity

1.1 
Whitehaven Coal Limited (‘Whitehaven’ or ‘Company) is a for-
profit entity, and the principal activity of Whitehaven and its 
controlled entities (referred to as the ‘Group’) is the development 
and operation of coal mines in New South Wales. The consolidated 
general purpose financial report of the Group for the year ended 
30 June 2017 was authorised for issue in accordance with a 
resolution of the directors on 17 August 2017. 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 28, 259 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000. 

1.2  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 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).

The financial report has been prepared on a historical cost basis, 
except for derivative financial instruments and available for sale 
financial assets that have been measured at fair value (refer to  
note 5.3).

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations 
Instrument 2016/191 and dated 24 March 2016 and in accordance 
with that Class Order, all financial information has been presented 
in Australian dollars and rounded to the nearest thousand dollars 
unless otherwise stated.

1.3 

Significant accounting 
judgements, estimates  
and assumptions

In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, 
management has made a number of judgements and applied 
estimates of future events of which form the basis of the carrying 
values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from 
other sources. Judgements and estimates which are material  
to the financial report are found in the following notes: 

2.3 

4.1 

Taxes 

page 101

Property, plant and equipment 

page 107

4.2 

Exploration and evaluation 

4.4 

Provisions 

6.1 

 Group’s subsidiaries and  
interests in joint operations 

page 108

page 110

page 124

1.4  Summary of other significant 

accounting policies

The accounting policies set out below, and in the notes, have been 
applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated 
financial statements and have been applied consistently by all 
subsidiaries in the Group. Other significant accounting policies are 
contained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements to 
which they relate. 

i. 

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial report of the Company for the financial 
year ended 30 June 2017 comprises the Company and its 
subsidiaries and the Group’s interest in joint operations (together 
referred to as the ‘Group’).

ii. 

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 consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income. 

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

iii. 

Goods and services tax

Revenues, expenses and assets (excluding receivables) 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 consolidated 
statement of financial position.

Cash flows are included in the consolidated 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.

iv. 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

The notes to these consolidated financial statements have been 
organised into logical groupings to present more meaningful and 
dynamic information to users. To the extent possible the relevant 
accounting policies and numbers have been provided in the same 
note. The Group has also reviewed the notes for materiality and 
relevance and provided additional information where considered 
material and relevant to the operations, financial position and 
performance of the Group.

94

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 20172.  Group performance

2.1 

Segment reporting

Identification of reportable segments

The Group identifies its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the executive management 
team in assessing performance and in determining the allocation of resources. The performance of operating segments is evaluated  
at least monthly based on revenues and profit before taxes and is measured in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.

The Group has determined that it has two reportable segments: Open Cut Operations and Underground Operations. 

Unallocated operations includes coal trading, corporate, marketing and infrastructure functions which are managed on a group basis  
and are not allocated to reportable segments.

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.

The following table represents revenue and profit information for reportable segments: 

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

$’000

$’000

$’000

Open Cut 
operations

Underground 
operations

Unallocated 
operations

Revenue

Sales to external customers

Total segment revenue

1,216,746

1,216,746

515,669

515,669

40,827

40,827

Total revenue per consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Total

$’000

1,773,242

1,773,242

1,773,242

484,042

238,031

(7,849)

714,224

Result

Segment result

Depreciation and amortisation

Income tax expense

Significant items before income tax  
and financing (see note 2.2)

Net finance expense

(133,882)

(70,059)

(54,963)

(49,953)

405,367

Net profit after tax per consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Capital expenditure

Segment expenditure

19,926

54,609

17,279

91,814

95

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements2. Group performance (cont.)

2.1 

Segment reporting (cont.)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

$’000

$’000

$’000

Open Cut 
operations

Underground 
operations

Unallocated 
operations

Revenue

Sales to external customers

Total segment revenue

771,036

771,036

397,207

397,207

(3,806)

(3,806)

Total revenue per consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Total

$’000

1,164,437

1,164,437

1,164,437

Result

Segment result

Depreciation and amortisation

Income tax benefit

Net finance expense

129,759

116,203

(21,829)

224,133

(130,385)

(7,186)

(66,074)

20,488

Net profit after tax per consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Capital expenditure

Segment expenditure

19,117

54,074

8,230

81,421

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS 2017

   Open Cut Operations  

   Underground Operations  

   Unallocated Operations  

 $19,926

 $54,609

 $17,279

TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE  $91,814

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS 2016

   Open Cut Operations  

   Underground Operations  

   Unallocated Operations  

 $19,117

 $54,074

 $8,230

TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE  $81,421

2017/2016 Comparison

Capital  
Expenditure

2016

2017

96

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 20172.1 

Segment reporting (cont.)

Other segment information

Revenue from external customers is attributed to geographic location based on final shipping destination.

2017/2016 Comparison

Revenue by 
geographic location

2016

2017

2017/2016 Comparison

Revenue by product

2016

2017

Revenue by geographic location

  Japan

  Taiwan

India

  Korea

  China

  Chile

  Malaysia

  Other

  Vietnam

  Noumea

Indonesia

  Australia

  Mexico

  Domestic

2017

$’000

921,048

185,686

171,474

148,010

108,952

44,729

39,972

30,589

31,427

29,843

24,382

25,071

6,316

5,743

2016

$’000

631,524

141,122

84,522

148,496

50,928

20,710

20,962

18,377

–

9,358

11,925

–

21,636

4,877

Total revenue

1,773,242

1,164,437

Revenue by product

  Thermal

  Metallurgical

  Domestic

Total revenue

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

1,321,188

950,398

446,311

209,162

5,743

4,877

1,773,242

1,164,437

97

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements 
 
2. Group performance (cont.)

2.1 

Segment reporting (cont.)

Major customers

The Group has three major customers which account for 30.5% (2016: 34.4%) of external revenue. 

Recognition and measurement:

Revenue from the sale of coal is recognised and measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable to the extent that:

i. 

ii. 

it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured; 

the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer; and

iii.  transfer of risk and rewards are considered to have passed to the buyer under the terms of the individual contracts.

2.2  Significant items 
The items below are significant to the understanding of the overall results of the consolidated group. The Company believes the disclosure  
of these items provides readers of the financial statements with further meaningful insights to understand the financial performance of  
the Group.

Included within the balances presented on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income:

Impairment of assets:

Impairment of exploration and related assets1

Significant items before tax

Applicable income tax benefit

Recognition of unbooked tax losses2

Significant items after tax

NOTE

2017

$’000

(54,963)

(54,963)

16,490 

76,672

38,199

2016

$’000

–

–

–

–

1   During the year ended 30 June 2017, an impairment charge of $55m was recognised in respect of early stage exploration assets. The impairment charge 
reflects the Group’s current focus on Vickery and brownfield expansion opportunities. As a consequence, the development of early stage exploration 
projects, although prospective, is not imminent.

2   During the year ended 30 June 2017, the Group recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of previously unrecognised income tax losses. The recognition 
of these tax losses was in accordance with the principles of AASB 112 Income taxes which requires the recognition of a deferred tax asset in respect of tax 
losses where sufficient taxable temporary differences exist or utilisation of the income tax losses is probable in the foreseeable future.

98

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
2.3  Taxes

a. 

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Current tax (expense)/benefit

Current period

Deferred tax benefit/(expense)

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustment for prior periods

Recognition of tax losses

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

(148,029)

25,691

1,298

–

76,672

(34,862)

1,985

–

Income tax expense reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

(70,059)

(7,186)

Reconciliation between tax expense and profit before tax

Profit before tax

475,426

27,674

Income tax expense using the Company’s domestic tax rate of 30% (2016: 30%)

(142,628)

(8,302)

Non-deductible expenses:

Share based payments

Other non-deductible expenses/adjustments

Recognition of tax losses

Over provided in prior periods

Total income tax expense

b. 

Income tax recognised directly in other comprehensive income

Deferred income tax related to items charged directly to equity

Derivatives

Income tax expense recorded in equity

(1,428)

(2,675)

76,672

–

(70,059)

(1,115)

246

–

1,985

(7,186)

(785)

(785)

(356)

(356)

99

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements2. Group performance (cont.)

2.3  Taxes (cont.)

c. 

Recognised tax assets and liabilities

Opening balance

Charged to income – corporate tax

Charged to equity

(Utilisation)/recognition of deferred tax asset  
on current year losses

Recognition of tax losses

Over provided in prior periods

Payments

Closing balance

2017
Current income 
tax payable

2017
Deferred 
income tax

2016
Current income 
tax payable

2016
Deferred 
income tax

$’000

–

(148,029)

–

$’000

103,573

1,298

(785)

$’000

(42,331)

25,691

–

$’000

111,115

(34,862)

(356)

148,029

(148,029)

(25,691)

25,691

–

–

–

–

76,672

–

–

32,729

–

–

42,331

–

–

1,985

–

103,573

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

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration and evaluation

Receivables

Investments

Deferred stripping

Derivatives

Deferred foreign exchange gain 

Provisions

Tax losses

Other items

Tax assets/(liabilities)

Assets

Liabilities

2017

$’000

–

9,424

–

358

–

–

456

32,153

305,320

8,377

356,088

2016

$’000

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

–

(319,062)

(302,459)

13,539

–

358

–

–

–

30,943

356,815

8,959

410,614

–

–

(1,998)

(1,696)

–

–

(2,299)

(2,356)

–

–

–

–

–

(236)

(294)

–

–

–

(323,359)

(307,041)

Set off of tax (liabilities)/assets

(323,359)

(307,041)

323,359

307,041

Net tax assets

32,729

103,573

–

–

100

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017d. 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

During the year the Group recognised a deferred tax asset of $76.7m in respect of previously unrecognised income tax losses.  
Following the recognition of this amount there were no unrecognised income tax losses at 30 June 2017 (2016: $76.7m). 

Recognition and measurement:

Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises  
current and deferred tax. Income tax relating to items 
recognised directly in other comprehensive income is 
recognised in other comprehensive income and not in the  
net profit or loss for the year.

Current tax

Current tax assets and liabilities 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. 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax expense is the movement in the temporary 
differences between the carrying amount of an asset or 
liability in the consolidated statement of financial position  
and its tax base. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary 
differences. Deferred tax assets, including unused tax losses, 
are recognised in relation to deductible temporary differences 
and carried forward income tax losses only to the extent 
that it is probable that sufficient future taxable profits will be 
available to utilise them. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
not recognised for taxable temporary differences that arise 
from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a 
business combination) of assets and liabilities in a transaction 
that affects neither accounting profit nor the taxable profit. 

The carrying amount of deferred 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 tax asset to be utilised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates 
that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability 
is settled or the asset is realised, based on tax rates and 
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance date.

Offsetting deferred tax balances

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 taxation authority on the 
same taxable entity.

Tax consolidation

Whitehaven Coal Limited and its wholly owned Australian 
resident subsidiaries have formed a tax consolidated group 
with effect from 29 May 2007 and are therefore taxed as a 
single entity from that date. Whitehaven Coal Limited is the 
head entity of the tax consolidated group. The entities within 
the tax consolidated group have entered into a tax sharing 
arrangement which provides for 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. 

The entities within the tax consolidated group have also 
entered into a tax funding agreement. The Group has applied 
the Group allocation approach in determining the appropriate 
amount of current taxes and deferred taxes to allocate to 
members of the tax consolidated group. Under the terms of 
the tax funding arrangement Whitehaven Coal Limited and 
each of the entities in the tax consolidated group have agreed 
to pay (or receive) a tax equivalent payment to (or from) the 
head entity, based on the current tax liability or current tax 
asset of the entity. 

Whitehaven Coal Limited and the subsidiaries in the tax 
consolidated group continue to account for their own current 
and deferred tax amounts. The amounts are measured as  
if each entity in the tax consolidated group continues to  
be a standalone tax payer in its own right. The current tax 
balances are then transferred to Whitehaven Coal Limited  
via intercompany balances.

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

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. 

Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits 
depend on management’s estimates of future cash flows. 
These depend on estimates of future production and sales 
volumes, operating costs, rehabilitation 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 consolidated statement of financial position and the 
amount of other tax losses and temporary differences not 
yet recognised which may require adjustment, resulting in a 
corresponding credit or charge to the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income.

101

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements 
2. Group performance (cont.)

2.4  Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

The calculation of basic earnings per share 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 ($‘000)

406,445

20,488

2017

2016

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

Issued ordinary shares at 1 July (000’s)

Effect of shares acquired during the year (000’s) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares at 30 June (000’s)

992,026

 992,026

(5,959)

(1,554)

986,067

990,472

Basic earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders (cents)

41.2

2.1

Diluted earnings per share 

The calculation of diluted earnings per share 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) ($’000)

406,445

20,488

2017

2016

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic) (000’s)

Effect of share options/performance rights on issue (000’s)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) (000’s)

986,067

12,902

990,472

8,612 

998,969

 999,084 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders (cents)

40.7

2.1

102

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
3.  Working capital and cash flows

3.1 

Trade and other receivables

Current

Trade receivables

Other receivables and prepayments

Receivables due from joint operations

Non-current

Other receivables and prepayments

2017

$’000

84,570

18,674

10,034

113,278

2016

$’000

47,586

9,758

4,775

62,119

10,853

15,381

Recognition and measurement:

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

3.2 

Inventories

Coal stocks1

Consumables and stores

1  Coal stocks include run of mine and product coal.

Recognition and measurement:

73,671

25,473

99,144

44,536

24,201

68,737

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. Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tonnes added and removed from 
the stockpile, the tonnes of contained coal are based on assay data, and the estimated recovery percentage is based on the 
expected processing method. Stockpile tonnages are verified by periodic surveys.

3.3  Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables

Other payables and accruals

64,902

101,152

57,241 

78,687 

166,054

135,928 

Recognition and measurement:

Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost when goods and 
services are received, whether or not billed to the Group, prior to the end of the reporting period. Due to their short-term nature 
they are not discounted. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

103

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements 
 
3.  Working capital and cash flows (cont.)

3.4  Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the period

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Amortisation of deferred development costs

Development costs deferred

Write-off of finance facility upfront costs

Amortisation of finance facility upfront costs

Non cash interest expense accruals

Foreign exchange losses unrealised

Write-off of assets

Unwinding of discounts on provisions

Share-based compensation payments

Gain on sale of non-current assets

Subtotal

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in inventories and deferred stripping

Change in trade and other payables

Change in provisions and employee benefits

Change in tax payable

Change in deferred taxes

Cash flows from operating activities

NOTE

4.1

4.1

2.2

4.4

5.5(a)

2017

$’000

405,367

133,882 

55,389 

(86,206)

1,194

5,999

(6,718)

4,571

54,963

1,882

4,760

(227)

574,856

(46,617)

(28,224)

35,066 

2,504

– 

70,059

607,644

2016

$’000

20,488

130,385 

55,134 

(65,798)

–

6,835 

1,925

770

–

2,327 

3,715 

–

155,781

21,590

29,539

(1,543) 

1,711

(42,331) 

7,186

171,933 

Recognition and measurement:

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits. For the purpose of the consolidated statement 
of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents is equal to the balance disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position.

104

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
4.  Resource assets and liabilities

4.1  Property, plant and equipment

Freehold 
land 

Plant and 
equipment

Leased 
plant and 
equipment

Mining 
property and 
development

Subtotal

Deferred 
development

Deferred 
stripping

Subtotal

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Total

$’000

162,457

777,551

129,683

2,861,031

3,930,722

318,571

777,218

1,095,789

5,026,511

YEAR ENDED 
30 JUNE 2017

Cost

Balance at 
1 July 2016

Additions

14,746

54,716

46

17,183

86,691

86,206

330,670

416,876

503,567

Transfers

(5,282)

24,599

–

–

–

(19,317)

–

–

(2,501)

(1,515)

(1,515)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2,501)

(1,515)

(43,343)

(3,633)

(39,710) 

 – 

(43,343)

–

(2,501)

–

 – 

–

Transfer to 
intangible 
assets 

Revisions in 
rehabilitation 
assets

Disposals

Balance at 
30 June 2017

171,921

850,732

90,019

2,857,382

3,970,054

404,777

1,107,888

1,512,665

5,482,719

Accumulated depreciation

BALANCE AT 
1 JULY 2016

Depreciation 
charge for  
the year

Disposals

Balance at 
30 June 2017

Carrying 
amount at 
30 June 2017

 – 

(244,678)

(45,923)

(246,175)

(536,776)

(222,757)

(769,365)

(992,122)

(1,528,898)

 – 

 – 

(47,143)

(9,377)

(81,553)

(138,073)

(55,389)

(330,861)

(386,250)

(524,323)

2,506

10,463

 – 

12,969

–

–

–

12,969

 – 

(289,315)

(44,837)

(327,728)

(661,880)

(278,146)

(1,100,226)

(1,378,372)

(2,040,252)

171,921

561,417

45,182

2,529,654

3,308,174

126,631

7,662

134,293

3,442,467

105

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements4.  Resource assets and liabilities (cont.)

4.1  Property, plant and equipment (cont.)

Freehold 
land 

Plant and 
equipment

Leased 
plant and 
equipment

Mining 
property and 
development

Subtotal

Deferred 
development

Deferred 
stripping

Subtotal

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Total

$’000

156,857

566,149

129,683

3,011,883

3,864,572

252,773

508,480

761,253

4,625,825

YEAR ENDED 
30 JUNE 2016

Cost

Balance at  
1 July 2015

Additions

4,362

42,632

 1,238

189,913

 – 

(21,143)

–

–

– 

40,299

87,293

65,798

268,738

334,536

421,829

(191,151)

–

 – 

(21,143)

–

–

–

–

–

–

 – 

(21,143)

Transfer to 
plant and 
equipment 

Disposals

Balance at  
30 June 2016

162,457

777,551

129,683

2,861,031

3,930,722

318,571

777,218

1,095,789

5,026,511

Accumulated depreciation

BALANCE AT  
1 JULY 2015

Depreciation 
charge for  
the year

Disposals

Balance at  
30 June 2016

Carrying 
amount at  
30 June 2016

 – 

(219,988)

(35,222)

(172,553)

(427,763)

(167,623)

(491,195)

(658,818)

(1,086,581)

 – 

 – 

(45,481)

(10,701)

(73,622)

(129,804)

(55,134)

(278,170)

(333,304)

(463,108)

20,791

– 

 – 

20,791

–

–

–

20,791

 – 

(244,678)

(45,923)

(246,175)

(536,776)

(222,757)

(769,365)

(992,122)

(1,528,898)

162,457

532,873

83,760

2,614,856

3,393,946

95,814

7,853

103,667

3,497,613

Recognition and measurement:

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment 
losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable 
to the acquisition of the items and costs incurred in bringing 
assets into use. Costs of dismantling and site rehabilitation are 
also capitalised, if the recognition criteria is met. Subsequent 
expenditure is capitalised when it is probable that the future 
economic benefits associated with the expenditure will flow  
to the Group.

Depreciation

Depreciation and amortisation is charged to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis at  
the rates indicated below. Depreciation commences on assets 
when it is deemed they are capable of operating in the manner 
intended by management:

 –

freehold land 

 – plant and equipment 

 –

leased plant and equipment 

 – mining property and development,  

deferred development and  
deferred stripping 

not depreciated

2% – 50%

3% – 14% 

units of production

The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method 
applied to an asset are reassessed at least annually. Any changes 
are accounted for prospectively.

106

When an asset is surplus to requirements or no longer has an 
economic value, the carrying amount of the asset is written 
down to its recoverable amount. 

Mining property and development

Mine 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. 
After transfer, all subsequent mine development expenditures 
is similarly capitalised, to the extent that commercial viability 
conditions continued to be satisfied. 

Leased plant and equipment

Assets held under lease, which transfer to the Group 
substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of 
the leased item, are capitalised as property, plant and equipment 
at the inception of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the 
leased asset or the estimated present value of the minimum lease 
payments. Lease assets are depreciated over the shorter  
of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.

The corresponding finance lease obligation is included within 
interest bearing liabilities (refer to Note 5.1). Finance charges 
are recognised as an expense in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income over the lease term to reflect a constant 
rate of interest over the remaining balance of the obligation. 

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the 
consolidated 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. Ongoing contracted 
commitments under financing and operating leases are 
disclosed within Note 7.3. 

Deferred development

Deferred development mainly comprises capitalised costs 
(deferred development expenditure) related to underground 
mining incurred to expand the capacity of an underground 
mine and to maintain production. 

Deferred stripping

Expenditure incurred to remove overburden or waste material 
during the production phase of an open cut 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. The stripping 
activity asset is subsequently depreciated on a units of 
production basis over the life of the identified component of 
the ore body that became more accessible as a result of the 
stripping activity.

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

Impairment

The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial 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.

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’). The recoverable amount of an asset 
or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its 
fair value less costs of disposal (‘FVLCD’). In assessing FVLCD, 
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. 

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying 
amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds  
its recoverable amount. 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.

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

Recoverable amount of assets

The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units and 
individual assets have been determined based on the higher 
of value-in-use calculations and FVLCD. These calculations 
require the use of estimates and assumptions. 

Expected future cash flows used to determine the FVLCD of 
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, stripping ratio, 
production rates and future capital expenditure. It is reasonably 
possible that these assumptions may change which may 
then impact the estimated life of mine which could result in a 
material adjustment to the carrying value of tangible assets.

The determination of FVLCD for a CGU is considered to be  
a Level 3 fair value measurement, as they are derived from 
valuation techniques that include inputs that are not based on 
observable market data. The Group considers the inputs and 
the valuation approach to be consistent with the approach 
taken by market participants.

The recoverable amount has been determined by the  
FVLCD method, determined based on the net present 
value of the future estimated cash flows. These cash flows 

are discounted using a real pre-tax discount rate of 11%. 
The coal prices and foreign exchange rates applied for the 
first three years of the cash flow estimates are based on 
detailed financial budgets approved by senior management 
which includes consideration of external sources. Long term 
estimates are based on a consideration of third party forecasts 
and management estimates in respect of long term incentive 
coal prices in the seaborne export coal market. 

Costs to dispose are estimated based on the current market rate 
applied by advisors in respect of the disposal of mining assets.

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 Group is required to determine 
and report Reserves and Resources under the Australian Code 
for Reporting Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves December 
2012 (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.

107

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements 
4.  Resource assets and liabilities (cont.)

4.2  Exploration and evaluation

Exploration and evaluation assets

Balance at 1 July 2016

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Impairment

Balance at 30 June 2017

Balance at 1 July 2015

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Balance at 30 June 2016

$’000

206,583 

5,161

(54,963)

156,781

201,346

5,237 

206,583 

Exploration and evaluation assets include tenements granted by the Queensland State Government which are subject to periodic 
relinquishment requirements of up to 20% per year.

During the year ended 30 June 2017, an impairment charge of $55m was recognised in respect of early stage exploration assets, which is  
not allocated to a segment. Exploration and evaluation assets are carried at cost. This value represents the Group’s view of these assets.  
The impairment charge reflects the Group’s current focus on Vickery and brownfield expansion opportunities. As a consequence, the 
development of early stage exploration projects, although prospective, is not imminent.

Recognition and measurement:

Exploration and evaluation assets, including the costs of 
acquiring licences, are capitalised on an area of interest basis 
and only after the Company has obtained the legal rights to 
explore the area.

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

i. 

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

ii.  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. 

ii. 

sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility and 
commercial viability, and 

facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount 
exceeds the recoverable amount. For the purposes of 
impairment testing, exploration and evaluation assets are 
not allocated to cash-generating units. 

Where a potential impairment is indicated, an assessment is 
performed for each area of interest or at the CGU level, in line 
with the assessment disclosed at note 4.1. To the extent that 
capitalised expenditure is not expected to be recovered it 
is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income. 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 to mining property and development assets within 
property, plant and equipment.

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The application of the Group’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 indicating that the recovery of expenditure is unlikely, the amount capitalised is written off in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income in the period when the new information becomes available. The recoverability of the carrying amount of 
exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on the successful development and commercial exploitation or sale of the respective 
areas of interest.

108

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
4.3 

Intangible assets

MOVEMENT IN INTANGIBLES

Balance at 1 July 2016

Transfer from property, plant & equipment

Reimbursement of costs

Less: Amortisation charge

Balance at 30 June 2017

Balance at 1 July 2015

Additions during the year

Less: Amortisation charge

Balance at 30 June 2016

Water access 
rights

$’000

8,581 

2,501

– 

 – 

11,082

8,577 

4 

 – 

8,581 

Contract 
related 
intangible

$’000

–

–

 – 

–

–

 140 

 – 

(140)

–

Rail access  
rights1

$’000

11,237

–

(119)

–

11,118

11,237 

–

 – 

11,237

Total

$’000

19,818

2,501

(119)

–

22,200

19,954 

4

(140)

19,818

1  As part of the agreement to cancel previously existing infrastructure sharing arrangements Whitehaven agreed to pay 10.1% of the construction cost of 

the shared portion of the Boggabri – Maules Creek rail spur. In return, Whitehaven receives access to rail tonnes on the joint rail spur.

Recognition and measurement:

Water access rights

Rail access rights 

The Group 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. The carrying amounts of water access rights are 
reviewed at each balance date to determine whether there is 
any indication of impairment. When reviewing for indicators 
of impairment, the Group considers mining plans, project 
approvals and market values, among other factors, in line with 
those disclosed at note 4.1. 

Rail access rights have a finite useful life and are carried at 
cost less, where applicable, any accumulated amortisation 
and accumulated impairment losses. Rail access rights are 
amortised over the life of the mine or access agreement. 

4.4  Provisions

Balance at 1 July 2016

Provisions reassessed during the period

Provisions used during the period

Unwind of discount

Balance at 30 June 2017

Current

Non-current

Balance at 30 June

Mine 
rehabilitation 
and closure

Other  
provisions

$’000

89,393 

(1,513)

–

1,882

89,762 

$’000

2,863 

 – 

(2,863)

 – 

–

2017

$’000

5,188

84,574 

89,762

Total

$’000

92,256 

(1,513)

(2,863)

1,882

89,762

2016

$’000

7,260 

84,996 

92,256

Other provisions include amounts recognised on acquisition of subsidiaries as part of the purchase price allocation and amounts for 
costs expected to be incurred for maintaining Sunnyside mine in care and maintenance.

109

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements 
4.  Resource assets and liabilities (cont.)

4.4  Provisions (cont.)

Recognition and measurement:

Provisions are recognised when:

 –

 –

the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation  
as a result of a past event;

it is probable that resources will be expended to settle  
the obligation; and 

 –

the amount of the provision can be measured reliably. 

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. The nature of 
rehabilitation activities includes dismantling and removing 
operating facilities, re-contouring and top soiling the mine,  
and restoration, reclamation and revegetation of affected areas. 
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 obligation to rehabilitate arises at the commencement of 
the mining project and/or when the environment is disturbed at 
the mining location. At this point, the provision is recognised as 
a liability with a corresponding asset included in mining property 
and development assets. Additional disturbances or changes in 
the rehabilitation costs are reflected in the present value of the 
rehabilitation provision, with a corresponding change in the cost 
of the associated asset. In the event the restoration provision is 
reduced, the cost of the related asset is reduced by an amount 
not exceeding its carrying value. 

The unwinding of the effect of discounting the provision is 
recorded as a finance cost in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income. The carrying amount capitalised as a 
part of mining, property and development is depreciated over the 
useful life of the related asset.

For closed mines, changes to estimated costs are recognised 
immediately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income.

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

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

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.

110

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
5.  Capital structure and financing

5.1 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Current liabilities

Finance lease liabilities

Secured loans

Capitalised borrowing costs

Non-current liabilities

Senior bank facility

Finance lease liabilities

Secured loans

Capitalised borrowing costs

Financing facilities

Facilities utilised at reporting date

Facilities not utilised at reporting date

Financing activities during the financial year

2017

$’000

17,682

11,908

(6,030)

23,560

2016

$’000

14,420 

10,031 

(6,228)

18,223

325,000

835,000

17,353

40,261

(7,899)

374,715

398,275

1,187,204

412,204

775,000

69,073

32,042 

(13,583)

922,532

940,755

1,351,766

960,566

391,200 

During the current year $510 million of debt drawn under the senior bank facility was repaid (2016: $65 million). An amount of 
$18.7 million was drawn down under the ECA facility during the year (2016: $9.5m) and $9.3 million of the ECA facility was repaid 
during the year (2016: $8.6 million). The security provided in relation to the facilities is a fixed and floating charge over substantially  
all of the assets of the Group.

Refinancing of the Whitehaven train resulted in the extinguishment of a $35.3m finance lease liability.

During the current period the Group cancelled $100 million of the senior bank facility. The total facility available as at 30 June 2017  
was $1.1 billion (2016: $1.2 billion). 

During the year the Company entered into an additional $55 million of secured bilateral bank guarantee facilities.

The fair values of interest bearing liabilities materially approximate their respective carrying values as at 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2016. 

Recognition and measurement:

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.

111

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements 
5.  Capital structure and financing (cont.)

5.2  Finance income and expense

Recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

Interest income

Financial income

Interest expense on finance lease liabilities

Interest on drawn debt facility

Other interest charges

Interest and financing costs

Net interest expense

Unwinding of discounts on provisions

Amortisation of finance facility upfront costs

Other financial expenses

Net financial expense

Recognised directly in equity

Net change in cash flow hedges

Income tax effect

Financial income recognised directly in other comprehensive, net of tax

2017

$’000

1,409 

1,409 

(3,202)

(26,254)

(14,025)

(43,481)

(42,072)

(1,882)

(5,999)

(7,881)

2016

$’000

1,056 

1,056 

(6,768)

(41,857)

(9,343)

(57,968)

(56,912)

(2,327)

(6,835)

(9,162)

(49,953)

(66,074)

2,618

(785) 

1,833

1,186

(356) 

830

Recognition and measurement:

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and foreign currency gains. Interest income is recognised as it accrues, 
using the effective interest method. 

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, foreign currency losses in 
relation to finance leases, 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 the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income 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.

5.3  Financial risk management objectives and policies

a. 

Overview

b. 

Capital management

The Group’s overall risk management program seeks to  
mitigate risks and reduce the volatility of the Group’s financial 
performance. Financial risk management is carried out centrally  
by the Group’s Audit and Risk Management Committee under 
policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Committee 
reports regularly to the Board on its activities and also reviews 
policies and systems regularly to reflect changes in market 
conditions and Group’s activities. 

The Group’s principal financial risks are associated with:

 – market risk 

 – credit risk

 –

liquidity risk.

112

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 Group defines capital as 
total shareholders’ equity and debt. The Board manages its capital 
structure and makes adjustments in light of changes in economic 
conditions and the requirements of the financial covenants. To 
maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the 
dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders 
or issue new shares. The Group monitors capital using a gearing 
ratio, which is net debt divided by total capital plus net debt.

There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital 
management during the year.

The Group’s gearing ratio is calculated as net debt divided by  
total equity plus net debt. 

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
Capital management

25

20

15

10

5

0

23%

9%

1,000,000

800,000

600,000

400,000

200,000

2017

2016

Gearing Ratio 
Comparison (%) 

0

2017

2016

Net Debt Comparison 
($’000) 

Interest-bearing loans  
and borrowings

Less: cash and cash 
equivalents

Net debt

Equity

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

398,275

940,755

(87,138)

(101,453)

311,137 

839,302 

3,292,296

2,887,638

Equity and net debt

3,603,433

3,726,940

Gearing ratio

9%

23%

c. 

Risk exposures and responses

Market Risk – Foreign currency risk

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

The Group may use forward exchange contracts (FECs) to hedge its currency risk in relation to contracted sales where both volume and  
US dollar price are fixed.

In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, the Group 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.

During the current year ended 30 June 2017, a net foreign exchange loss of $3.6m was recognised (2016: net foreign exchange gain of $1.3m). 

The Group designates its forward exchange contracts in cash flow hedges and measures them at fair value.

The fair value of forward exchange contracts used as hedges at 30 June 2017 was $2.4m (2016: $0.3m), comprising assets and liabilities  
that were recognised as derivatives.

At 30 June 2017, the Group had the following financial instruments that were not designated in cash flow hedges that were exposed to 
foreign currency risk:

Cash

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Net statement of financial position exposure

The following exchange rates applied during the year:

2017

$’000

USD

13,073

38,100

(9,506)

41,667

2016

$’000

USD

21,834

7,612

(6,795)

22,651 

FIXED RATE INSTRUMENTS

USD

Average rate

Reporting date spot rate

2017

0.7545

2016

0.7283

2017

0.7662

2016

0.7387

113

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements5.  Capital structure and financing (cont.)

5.3  Financial risk management objectives and policies (cont.)

Market Risk – Foreign currency risk 

Sensitivity analysis

A change in 10 per cent 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 2016.

30 JUNE 2017

USD strengthening by 10 per cent 

USD weakening by 10 per cent 

30 JUNE 2016

USD strengthening by 10 per cent 

USD weakening by 10 per cent 

Market Risk – Interest rate risk

Equity

Profit or (loss)

$’000

$’000

(7,559) 

9,238

(3,416) 

4,175 

(4,944)

6,042 

(2,788)

3,407 

The Group‘s borrowings comprise both variable and fixed rate instruments. The variable rate borrowings expose the Group to a risk of 
changes in cash flows due to the changes in interest rates.

Management analyses interest rate exposure on an ongoing basis and uses interest rate swaps to mitigate interest rate risk.

At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the Group‘s interest-bearing financial instruments was:

FIXED RATE INSTRUMENTS

Financial liabilities

VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Net exposure 

Carrying amount

2017

$’000

(35,035)

(35,035)

2016

$’000

(83,493)

(83,493)

87,138

101,453 

(377,169)

(877,073)

(290,031)

(775,620)

(325,066)

(859,113)

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 2016. 

30 JUNE 2017

100bp increase

100bp decrease

30 JUNE 2016

100bp increase

100bp decrease

114

Equity

Profit or (loss)

$’000

$’000

302 

(311)

566

(587) 

(2,900)

2,900

(7,756)

7,756

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Market Risk – Commodity price risk

The Group’s major commodity price exposure is to the price of coal. The Group has chosen not to hedge against the movement in  
coal prices. 

Credit risk

Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Group, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, available for  
sale financial assets, derivative financial instruments and the granting of financial guarantees. The Group‘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 Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Investments

NOTE

3.1

5.3(d)

Carrying amount

2017

$’000

87,138

84,570

2,413

37 

2016

$’000

101,453 

47,586 

351 

37 

174,158

149,427

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

Asia

Europe

Australia

Trade receivables

74,041

8,925 

1,604 

84,570

29,030 

10,845 

7,711 

47,586 

The Group‘s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. The demographics  
of the Group’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 30.5% of the Group’s revenue is attributable to sales transactions with three customers  
(2016: 34.4% with three customers).

The Group trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties and generally does not require collateral in respect of  
trade receivables. 

Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis and as a result the exposure to bad debts is not significant.

The Group recognised an impairment loss for trade receivables of $nil during the year ended 30 June 2017 (2016: $nil).

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

GROSS

Not past due

Past due 0–30 days

Past due 31–120 days

Past due 121 days to one year

More than one year

2017

$’000

83,900

526

144 

–

–

2016

$’000

46,456 

832 

298 

–

–

84,570

47,586

115

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements5.  Capital structure and financing (cont.)

5.3  Financial risk management objectives and policies (cont.)

Guarantees 

The policy of the Group is to provide financial guarantees for statutory bonding requirements associated with the mining operations and  
other purposes such as security of leased premises. Guarantees are provided under the senior secured bank facility and $105 million of 
secured bilateral bank guarantee facilities. Details of outstanding guarantees are provided in note 7.4.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’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 Group’s reputation.

Typically, the Group 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.

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

30 June 2017

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

6 mths  
or less

6–12 
mths

1–2 years

2–5 years

More 
than  
5 years

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Financial liabilities

Finance lease liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities

35,035

377,169

37,261

383,265

7,762

7,063

11,862

6,920

17,637

13,433

–

– 

345,810

10,039

Trade and other payables

166,054

166,054

166,054

Forward exchange contracts:

Outflow

Inflow

80,267

83,225

83,225

(82,680)

(85,698)

(85,698)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

575,845

584,107

178,406

18,782

31,070

345,810

10,039

30 June 2016

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

6 mths  
or less

6–12 
mths

1–2 years

2–5 years

More 
than  
5 years

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Financial liabilities

Finance lease liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities

Trade and other payables

Forward exchange contracts:

83,493 

877,073 

135,928 

93,280

 10,203 

 10,203 

55,239

17,635

– 

882,144

5,436

5,719

11,080

857,251

2,658

135,928

135,928

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Outflow

Inflow

38,116

37,579

37,579

(38,396)

(37,857)

(37,857)

1,096,214 

1,111,074

151,289

15,922

66,319

874,886

2,658

116

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017d. 

Net fair values

The Group complies with 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 Group held the following financial instruments carried at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position:

Assets measured at fair value

Equity shares

Forward exchange contracts – receivable

Liabilities measured at fair value

Forward exchange contracts – payable

Interest rate swaps – payable

Assets measured at fair value

Equity shares

Forward exchange contracts – receivable

Liabilities measured at fair value

Forward exchange contracts – payable

Interest rate swaps – payable

30 June 2017

Level 1

$’000

$’000

Level 2

$’000

Level 3

$’000

37 

2,413

2,450

–

(582)

(582)

30 June 2016

Level 1

$’000

$’000

37 

351 

388

(71)

(1,067)

(1,138)

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

2,413

2,413

–

(582)

(582)

Level 2

$’000

Level 3

$’000

– 

351

351

(71)

(1,067)

(1,138)

37 

– 

37

–

–

–

37 

–

37

–

–

–

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 consolidated statement of financial position 
are the fair values and are classified under level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.

The fair value of the Group’s investment in unlisted shares is classified under level 3 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The Group’s 
holding in unlisted shares is minor and any reasonably possible change in assumptions would not have a material impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

The carrying values of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements materially approximates their respective 
net fair values, determined in accordance with the accounting policies disclosed in note 3.1, 3.3 and 5.1 to the financial statements.

117

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements5.  Capital structure and financing (cont.)

5.3  Financial risk management objectives and policies (cont.)

e. 

Financial assets and liabilities by categories

2017

2016

Loans and 
receivables1

Available 
for sale

Other2

Loans and 
receivables1

Available 
for sale

Other2

NOTE

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

3.1

Investments

Other financial assets2

5.3(d)

Total financial assets

87,138

124,131

 –

 –

211,269

 –

 –

 – 

 –

 – 

 –

 –

 37 

2,413

2,450

101,453

 77,500 

 –

 –

178,953 

 –

 –

 – 

 –

 – 

 –

 –

 37 

 351

388

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 $2.4 million (2016: $0.4 million) relating to derivatives in designated hedges. 

2017

2016

Loans at 
amortised cost1

Available 
for sale

Other2

Loans at 
amortised cost1

Available 
for sale

Other2

NOTE

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

3.3

5.1

Other financial liabilities2

5.3(d)

Total financial liabilities

166,054

398,275

 –

564,329

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

582

582

135,928

940,755 

 –

1,076,683

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

1,138 

1,138 

1   Loans at amortised cost are non-derivatives with fixed or determinable payments and are not quoted on an active market. Loans and payables  

are valued at amortised cost.

2   Other financial liabilities include $0.6 million (2016: $1.1 million) relating to derivatives in designated hedges.

Recognition and measurement:

Derivative financial instruments

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge 
its risks associated with foreign currency and interest 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.

Cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges are hedges of exposure to variability in 
cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk associated 
with forecast sales and purchases 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 other 
comprehensive income 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 other comprehensive income are transferred 
out of other comprehensive income and included in the 
measurement of the hedged transaction (coal sales and asset 
purchases) when the forecast transaction occurs.

118

Each designated cash flow hedge is tested for hedge 
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, hedge accounting is 
discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously 
recognised in other comprehensive income remains in other 
comprehensive income 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 statement of comprehensive income.

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
5.4  Share capital and reserves

a. 

Share capital

2017

2016

NO. OF SHARES

$’000

NO. OF SHARES

$’000

Fully paid ordinary share capital

1,026,045,885

3,136,941

1,026,045,885

3,144,944

Ordinary share capital at the beginning of the period

1,026,045,885 

3,144,944 

1,026,045,885 

3,146,147 

Transfer of shares by share plan

Shares purchased by share plan

–

–

377

(8,380)

–

–

148

(1,351)

Ordinary share capital at the end of the period

1,026,045,885

3,136,941

1,026,045,885

3,144,944

At 30 June 2017, a trust on behalf of the Company held 5,669,939 (30 June 2016: 3,707,778) ordinary fully paid shares in the Company. These were 
purchased during the year for the purpose of allowing the Group to satisfy performance rights to certain senior management of the Group. Refer to Note 
5.5 for further details on the performance rights plan.

Terms and conditions of issued capital

b.  

Nature and purpose of reserves

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 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. Under 
the terms of the acquisition of Boardwalk Resources Limited, 
34,020,000 ordinary shares are subject to a restriction deed 
which removes their entitlement to vote, receive dividends 
as declared or participate in the proceeds from the sale of all 
surplus assets. These restrictions will be released on reaching 
certain milestones.

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

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.

Share-based payment 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 and long term incentive 
plans. Refer to note 5.5 for further details of these plans.

c.  

Dividends

No dividends were paid during the year ended 30 June 2017  
(2016: nil).

The directors have not declared a dividend in respect of  
FY2017. However, the subsequent events note sets out details  
of a proposed distribution to shareholders which will be subject 
to approval by shareholders at the Company’s AGM on 25 
October 2017. 

Dividend franking account

As at 30 June 2017 there were no franking credits available 
to shareholders of Whitehaven Coal Limited for subsequent 
financial years (2016: nil). 

119

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements5.  Capital structure and financing (cont.)

5.5  Share-based payments

a. 

Recognised share-based payment expenses

EMPLOYEE EXPENSES

Share options and performance rights – senior employees

2017

$’000

4,760

2016

$’000

3,715

Recognition and measurement:

The grant date fair value of options and performance rights 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. Once the instruments have vested, no further expenses are recognised nor reserves reversed in respect to costs already 
charged. However, where the share rights or options have lapsed after vesting the Group transfers the equivalent amount of the 
cumulative cost for the lapsed awards from the share based payments reserve to another component of equity.

b. 

Types of share-based payment plans

Performance Right and option grant to CEO and senior employees 

The Company issued performance rights and options to the CEO and senior employees under the Company’s medium  
and long term incentive programs in FY2016 and FY2017. The terms and conditions of the grant are as follows. 

PERFORMANCE RIGHTS

NUMBER  
OF INSTRUMENTS

VESTING AND  
EXPIRATION DATE

NUMBER  
OF INSTRUMENTS

VESTING AND  
EXPIRATION DATE

FY2017

FY2016

MTI

LTI tranche 1

LTI tranche 2

LTI tranche 3

Total

OPTIONS

LTI tranche 1

LTI tranche 2

LTI tranche 3

Total

1,460,547

30 June 2019

1,166,796

30 June 2017

836,056

30 June 2019

1,371,895

30 June 2018

836,045

30 June 2020

1,371,887

30 June 2019

1,672,090

30 June 2019/201

1,829,189

30 June 2018/19

4,804,738

5,739,767

FY2017

FY2016

NUMBER OF 
INSTRUMENTS

VESTING AND 
EXPIRATION DATE

NUMBER OF 
INSTRUMENTS

VESTING AND 
EXPIRATION DATE

1,360,181

30 June 2019

1,360,175

30 June 2020

2,720,351

30 June 2019/201

5,440,707

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1  To the extent that the Costs Target Hurdle is satisfied at the end of FY2019, 50% of the Awards will vest and become exercisable immediately and the 

remaining 50% will continue on foot, subject to a further one year service condition. 

The performance rights and options are subject to a performance measure linked to relative total shareholder return (TSR) and a costs 
hurdle. The TSR performance measure compares the TSR performance of the Company with the TSR performance of a peer group of 
companies operating in the Australian resources sector. The costs hurdle performance measure relates to the Company’s achieving a 
defined cost per tonne target. Detailed disclosures of LTI outcomes against the target are provided in the Remuneration Report.

120

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017The table below details the outcomes of MTI awards that were tested in FY2017 (or for which the test period concluded on 30 June 2017) 
and the results of the relevant test.

MTI Year

2014

2015

Test Type

Relative TSR

Relative TSR

Performance

10th in 21

3rd in 23

Outcomes

Vested

48%

100%

Lapsed

52%

0%

c. 

Movement in options and performance rights

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

Outstanding at beginning of period

Exercised during the period

Granted during the period

Forfeited during the period

Lapsed during the period

Outstanding at 30 June

Exercisable at 30 June

Weighted 
average 
exercise price

Number of 
options/
rights

Weighted 
average 
exercise price

Number of 
options/
rights

2017

2017

2016

2016

$1.76

$0.00

$0.58

$0.00

$3.92

$0.30

$0.00

22,146,025

(977,608)

11,288,0161

(440,550)

(9,948,789)

22,067,094

466,804

$2.70

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$1.76

$4.73

24,517,802

–

6,925,7462

(280,435)

(9,017,088)

22,146,025

8,241,278

1 

2 

Includes 1,042,571 performance rights granted during the year under the FY2016 STI scheme.

Includes 1,185,979 performance rights granted during the year under the FY2015 STI scheme.

The outstanding balance as at 30 June 2017 is represented by:

i. 

ii. 

5,440,707 options over ordinary shares having an exercise price of $1.21, exercisable between 30 June 2019 and 31 August 2026. 

1,011,981 performance rights over ordinary shares having an exercise price of nil, exercisable between 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2018.

iii.  3,496,265 performance rights over ordinary shares having an exercise price of nil, exercisable between 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2018.

iv.  937,034 performance rights over ordinary shares having an exercise price of nil, exercisable on 13 August 2017.

v.  5,488,378 performance rights over ordinary shares having an exercise price of nil, exercisable between 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019.

vi.  5,692,729 performance rights over ordinary shares having an exercise price of nil, exercisable between 17 August 2017 and 

30 June 2020.

No share options were exercised during the year ended 30 June 2017 (2016: nil).

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options and performance rights outstanding at 30 June 2017 is 3.7 years  
(2016: 0.87 years).

121

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements5.  Capital structure and financing (cont.)

5.5  Share-based payments (cont.)

d. 

Option pricing models

The fair value of performance rights granted under the LTI program with a TSR performance hurdle is measured using a Monte Carlo 
Simulation model incorporating the probability of the performance hurdles being met. The fair value of performance rights with the  
non-market performance hurdle (costs target) is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula.

The fair value of options with a TSR performance hurdle and non-market performance hurdle is measured using a combination of the  
Monte Carlo Simulation model and Binomial Option Pricing methods. 

The following table lists the inputs to the models used for the years ended 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2016:

Rights

Options

FY2017

Performance 
hurdle

MTI

TSR

MTI

Cost

LTI

TSR

LTI

TSR

LTI

LTI

Cost

Cost

LTI

TSR

LTI

TSR

LTI

LTI

Cost

Cost

Grant date

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

17 Mar 17

Vesting date

30 Jun 19

30 Jun 19

30 Jun 19

30 Jun 20 30 Jun 19

30 Jun 20

30 Jun 19

30 Jun 20 30 Jun 19

30 Jun 20

Fair value at 
grant date 

$2.31

$2.56

$2.31 

$2.20 

$2.56

$2.46

$1.58

$1.56

$1.64

$1.60

Share price 

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

$2.760

Exercise 
price 

Expected 
volatility

Performance 
Right life 

Expected 
dividends 

Risk-free 
interest rate

$0.00 

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00 

$0.00 

$0.00 

$1.21 

$1.21 

$1.21 

$1.21 

60% 

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

10 years 

10 years

10 years 

10 years 

10 years

10 years

5 years

5 years

5 years

5 years

3.84% 

3.84%

3.84% 

3.84% 

3.84% 

3.84% 

3.84% 

3.84% 

3.84% 

3.84% 

1.9% 

1.9%

2.0% 

2.2% 

2.0% 

2.2% 

2.0% 

2.2% 

2.0% 

2.2% 

FY2016

Performance hurdle

MTI

TSR

LTI

TSR

Rights

LTI

TSR

LTI

Cost

LTI

Cost

Grant date

8 Apr 16

8 Apr 16

8 Apr 16

8 Apr 16

8 Apr 16

Vesting date

30 Jun 17

30 Jun 18

30 Jun 19

30 Jun 18

30 Jun 19

Fair value at grant date 

$0.09

$0.16 

$0.20 

$0.57 

$0.55 

Share price 

$0.595

$0.595

$0.595

$0.595

$0.595

Exercise price 

$0.00 

$0.00

$0.00 

$0.00

$0.00 

Expected volatility

50% 

50%

50%

50%

50%

Performance Right life 

2 years 

3 years 

4 years 

3 years 

4 years 

Expected dividends 

Risk-free interest rate

0% 

1.9% 

1.2% 

1.8% 

2.3% 

1.8% 

1.2% 

1.8%

2.3% 

1.8%

All shared-based payments are equity settled.

122

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 20176.  Group structure 

6.1  Group’s subsidiaries
The below is a list of the Group’s subsidiaries, all of which are incorporated in Australia, unless otherwise noted:

Ownership 
interest

2017

2016

PARENT ENTITY
Whitehaven Coal Limited

SUBSIDIARIES

Whitehaven Coal Mining Limited1

100%

100%

Maules Creek Coal Pty Ltd1

Namoi Mining Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Boardwalk Resources Limited1

Ownership 
interest

2017

2016

100%

100%

100%

100%

Namoi Agriculture & Mining Pty Ltd

100%

100%

Boardwalk Coal Management Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Betalpha Pty Ltd1

Betalpha Unit Trust

100%

100%

Boardwalk Coal Marketing Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

100%

100%

Boardwalk Sienna Pty Ltd1

Tarrawonga Coal Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Boardwalk Monto Pty Ltd1

Whitehaven Coal Holdings Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Boardwalk Dingo Pty Ltd1

Whitehaven Coal Infrastructure Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Boardwalk Ferndale Pty Ltd1

Narrabri Coal Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Coalworks Limited1

Narrabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Yarrawa Coal Pty Ltd1

Narrabri Coal Sales Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Loyal Coal Pty Ltd

Creek Resources Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Ferndale Coal Pty Ltd

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

92.5%

92.5%

92.5%

92.5%

Werris Creek Coal Sales Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Coalworks (Oaklands North) Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Werris Creek Coal Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

CWK Nominees Pty Ltd1

WC Contract Hauling Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Oaklands Land Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

100%

100%

Whitehaven Blackjack Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Coalworks (Vickery South) Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Whitehaven Project Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Coalworks Vickery South Operations Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Whitehaven Employee Share Plan Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Vickery South Marketing Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Aston Resources Limited1

100%

100%

Vickery South Operations Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Aston Coal 2 Pty Ltd1

Aston Coal 3 Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

Vickery Pty Ltd1

100%

100%

100%

100%

1   These subsidiaries entered into a Class Instrument 2016/785 dated 28 September 2016 and related deed of cross guarantee with Whitehaven Coal 

Limited. Refer to Note 6.4 for further information.

Recognition and measurement:

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with an entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The 
financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control 
commences until that control ceases. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements.

123

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements6.  Group structure (cont.)

Interest in joint operations

6.2 
The Group has interests in the following joint operations which are proportionately consolidated in the consolidated financial statements:

Tarrawonga Coal Project Joint Venture1

Narrabri Coal Joint Venture1

Maules Creek Joint Venture1

Dingo Joint Venture1

Ferndale Joint Venture1

Boggabri-Maules Creek Rail Spur Joint Venture1

Tarrawonga Coal Sales Pty Ltd2

Maules Creek Marketing Pty Ltd2

Boggabri-Maules Creek Rail Pty Ltd2

COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION

Australia

Australia

Australia

Ownership interest  
and voting rights

2017

70%

70%

75%

70%

2016

70%

70%

75%

70%

92.5%

92.5%

39%

70%

75%

39%

39%

70%

75%

39%

1  These entities have been classified as joint operations under AASB11 Joint Arrangements, as these joint arrangements are not structured through separate vehicles.

2  The joint operations above operate as the sales and marketing vehicles or manager of the related unincorporated joint operations and require joint consent 

from all joint venture partners on all significant management and financial decisions. The Group recognises its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses  
of the above entities as joint operations under AASB11 Joint Arrangements.

Recognition and measurement:

Joint arrangements are arrangements in which two or more parties have joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed 
sharing of control over an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about relevant strategic and/or key operating decisions 
require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Group recognises its interest in jointly controlled operations by 
recognising its share in the assets and liabilities of the joint operation. The Group 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 operation.

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The Group assesses whether it has the power to direct the relevant activities of the investee by considering the rights it holds with 
respect to the work programme and budget approval, investment decision approval, voting rights in joint operating committees and 
changes to joint arrangement participant holdings. Where the Group has joint control, judgement is also required to assess whether  
the arrangement is a joint operation or a joint venture.

6.3  Parent entity information

INFORMATION RELATING TO WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED:

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Issued capital

Retained earnings

Share based payments reserve

Total shareholders’ equity 

Profit of the parent entity

Total comprehensive income of the parent entity

124

Company

2017

$’000

73

2016

$’000

63

2,857,508

2,815,799

61,589

61,589

61,960

61,960

3,275,296

3,275,296

(487,204)

(539,874)

7,827

18,417

2,795,919

2,753,839

92,661

92,661

1,726

1,726

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 20176.4  Deed of Cross Guarantee
Pursuant to ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/785 dated 28 September 2016, the wholly-owned subsidiaries listed in Note 6.1 (refer 
footnote 1) are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports, and 
directors’ reports.

It is a condition of the Class Order that the Company and each of the subsidiaries enter into a Deed of Cross Guarantee (the ‘Deed’). 
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 
Corporations Act 2001, 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 Company and each of the relevant subsidiaries entered into the deed on 27 June 2008 with subsequent assumption deeds 
entered into on 27 June 2012 and 25 June 2013. 

The following consolidated statement of comprehensive income and statement of financial position comprises the Company and its 
controlled entities which are party to the Deed of Cross Guarantee (the ‘Closed Group’) after eliminating all transactions between 
parties to the Deed.

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit after tax 

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Net movement on cash flow hedges

Income tax effect

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

Closed group

2017

$’000

471,271

(68,811)

402,460

2,618

 (785) 

1,833

2016

$’000

30,164

 (7,186) 

22,978

1,186

 (356) 

830

Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 

404,293

23,808

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Total current assets

Trade and other receivables

Investments

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration and evaluation

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

87,014

114,883

99,144

2,413

101,329

64,471

68,737

 351

303,454

234,888

10,853

 37 

15,381

 37 

3,442,170

3,497,316

156,781

22,200

33,976

202,428

19,818

103,573

3,666,017

3,838,553

3,969,471

4,073,441

125

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements6.  Group structure (cont.)

6.4  Deed of Cross Guarantee (cont.)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (cont.)

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Employee benefits

Provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Issued capital

Share based payments reserve

Hedge reserve

Retained earnings

Non-controlling interest

Equity

6.5  Related parties

Compensation to Executive KMP and Non-executive Directors of the Group

Short term employee benefits

Contributions to superannuation plans

Share-based compensation payments

Total compensation

Closed group

2017

$’000

164,454

23,560

20,071

5,188

582

2016

$’000

134,327

17,333

16,872

7,260

1,138

213,855

176,930

374,715 

84,572

459,287

673,142

922,532 

84,996

1,007,528

1,184,458

3,296,329

2,888,983

3,134,437

3,142,439

7,827

1,282

18,417

(551)

152,783

(272,400)

–

1,078

3,296,329

2,888,983

2017

$’000

8,974

273

2,681

11,928

2016

$’000

8,040

278

1,095

9,413

126

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 20177.  Other notes

7.1 

Employee benefits

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Wages and salaries

Contributions to superannuation plans

Other associated personnel expenses

Increase in liability for annual leave

Increase/(decrease) in liability for long service leave

Share based compensation payments1

1   Disclosed in “Other expenses” in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Salaries and wages accrued

Liability for long service leave

Liability for annual leave

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

143,325 

126,280 

9,272

4,530 

 2,382 

 (115) 

4,760

164,154

6,393

 269 

13,409 

20,071 

8,325 

3,109 

 1,319 

 110 

3,715 

142,858 

5,461 

 384 

11,027 

16,872 

Recognition and measurement:

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. 

Long-term service benefits

Liabilities for long-service leave and other long term benefits are recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated 
future cash outflows resulting from employees’ services provided up to the reporting date. Long term benefits not expected to be 
settled within twelve months are discounted using the rates attached to the high-quality corporate bonds at the reporting date, 
which most closely match the maturity dates of the related liability.

Defined contribution superannuation funds

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

127

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements7.  Other notes (cont.)

7.2  Auditors’ Remuneration

Audit services:

Auditors of the Company – Ernst & Young

Audit and review of statutory financial statements current year

Audit of joint operations

Non audit services:

Auditors of the Company – Ernst & Young

Taxation services

Other non-audit services

Review of National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act requirements

7.3  Commitments

a. 

 Capital expenditure commitments

Plant and equipment and intangibles

Contracted for but not provided for and payable:

Within one year1

1   There were no commitments for capital expenditure beyond one year.

b. 

Operating lease commitments

2017

$

2016

$

522,000 

 500,000 

298,000 

 275,000 

820,000 

775,000 

20,000

66,100

56,451 

142,551

42,712

99,500

11,068 

153,280

2017

$’000

2016

$’000

13,151

34,593

The Group leases mining equipment, office equipment and office space under operating leases. The leases typically run for one to five  
years on commercial terms. None of the leases includes contingent rentals. The operating lease expenses recognised in the statement  
of comprehensive income in the current year amounted to $48,575,000 (2016: $29,346,000).

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 30 June 2017 are as follows:

Less than one year

Between one and five years

55,306

130,712

186,018

36,554 

87,200 

123,754 

128

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017c. 

Finance lease commitments

Finance leases relate to property, plant and equipment with lease terms of between one to five years. At 30 June 2017, the group’s 
finance lease liabilities are secured by the leased assets of $45,182,000 (2016: $83,760,000), as in the event of a default, the leased assets 
revert to the lessor.

Within one year

Between one and five years

Minimum lease payments

Future finance charges

Total lease liabilities

Included in the financial statements in note 5.1 as:

Current borrowings

Non-current borrowings

7.4   Contingencies

Bank guarantees

The Group provided bank guarantees to:

i.  Government departments as a condition of continuation of mining and exploration licenses

ii.  Rail capacity providers 

iii.  Port capacity providers

iv.  Electricity network access supplier

vi.  Other

Litigation

2017

$’000

19,625

17,636

37,261

(2,226)

35,035

17,682

17,353

35,035

2017

$’000

118,907

30,503

97,163

25,511

3,195

2016

$’000

20,405

72,875

93,280

(9,787)

83,493

14,420

69,073

83,493

2016

$’000

79,104 

21,357

69,708 

26,499 

 1,880 

275,279

198,548 

There is a number of legal and potential claims against the Group which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. As the Group 
believes that it has no liability for such matters, a provision has not been made for any potential adverse outcome. The Group will defend 
these claims and believes that any adverse outcome would not be material based on information currently available to the Group. 

7.5  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 Group, 
the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group, in future financial years, other than the following:

Subsequent to the end of the financial period, the Group refinanced its A$1.2 billion Senior Secured Bank Facility in August 2017 
provided by a syndicate of Australian and international banks. The new facility is comprised of a $1.0 billion drawable revolver and  
a $ 0.2 billion guarantee facility. The new facility’s A$1.0 billion drawable line of credit is for general corporate purposes and has a 
maturity of July 2021. 

Subsequent to the end of the financial period, the Group repaid a further $100 million of debt drawn under the senior bank facility. 

Subsequent to the end of the financial period, the Directors have proposed a 20 cent per share distribution to shareholders, which  
is expected to comprise a 14 cent capital return and a 6 cent unfranked dividend. Whitehaven is seeking a class ruling from the  
ATO in relation to the proposed distribution. The proposed capital return component is subject to receiving shareholder approval  
at Whitehaven’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2017 and, if approved by shareholders, will be paid in November 2017  
along with the related unfranked dividend. Further details will be provided in the Notice of Meeting for the AGM.

129

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTNotes to the consolidated financial statements7.  Other notes (cont.)

7.6  New accounting standards and interpretations

i.  

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those of the previous 
financial year, except for the adoption of new standards and interpretations effective as of 1 July 2016.

Several amendments apply for the first time in the current year. However, they do not impact the annual consolidated financial statements  
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 ended 30 June 2017 are outlined below:

AASB 9 Financial Instruments

A finalised version of AASB 9 which contains accounting requirements for financial instruments, replacing AASB 139 Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement. The standard contains requirements in the areas of classification and measurement, impairment, hedge 
accounting and derecognition. The Group has not yet determined the potential impact of the amendments on the Group’s financial report.  
This standard applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The core principle of AASB 15 is that an entity recognises revenue in accordance with the transfer of promised goods or services 
to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or 
services. An entity recognises revenue in accordance with AASB 15 by applying the following steps: Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with 
the customer; Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract; Step 3: Determine the transaction price; Step 4: Allocate the 
transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; Step 5: Recognise the revenue when the entity satisfies a performance 
obligation. New disclosures about revenue are also introduced. The Group is currently in the process of completing its analysis of the 
potential impact of the amendments on the Group’s financial report. However, as the majority of the Group’s revenue is derived from 
contracts in which the transfer of risks and rewards occurs at the same time as the satisfaction of the performance obligation, no 
material changes are expected in respect of the timing and amount of revenue currently recognised by the Group. This standard applies 
to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

AASB 16 Leases

AASB 16 provides a new lessee accounting model which requires a lessee to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of 
more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee measures right-of-use assets similarly to other non-financial 
assets and lease liabilities similarly to other financial liabilities. At the commencement date of a lease, a lessee will recognise a liability to 
make lease payments (i.e., the lease liability) and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term (i.e., the 
right-of-use asset). Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. The measurement includes 
non-cancellable lease payments (including inflation-linked payments), and also includes payments to be made in optional periods if the 
lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease, or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. AASB 16 contains 
disclosure requirements for lessees. The Group is continuing its assessment to quantify the impact of the new standard on the Group’s 
financial report, but expect adoption of the standard to have a material impact to the Group’s financial statements. This standard applies 
to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

130

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017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.  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2017  

and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and

ii.  complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting 

Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001; 

the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards  
as disclosed in note 1; and

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 2017.

b. 

c. 

d. 

e.  as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members  
of the Closed Group identified in note 6.4 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

The Hon. Mark Vaile AO 
Chairman

Sydney 
17th August 2017

Paul Flynn 
Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer

131

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTAuditors Report

200 George Street
Sydney  NSW  2000 Australia
GPO Box 2646 Sydney  NSW  2001

Tel: +61 2 9248 5555
Fax: +61 2 9248 5959
ey.com/au

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Whitehaven Coal 
Limited  

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion  

We have audited the financial report of Whitehaven Coal Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively the Group),  which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 
June 2017, the consolidated  statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of 
changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the 
financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors’ declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including:

i

ii

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 
June 2017 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that 
date; and 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 
2001. 

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion.  

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

132

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditors report

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report of the current year.  These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying financial report. 

Impairment assessment of Property, Plant & Equipment  

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

As at 30 June 2017, the Group’s consolidated 
statement of financial position included $3,442m of 
property, plant and equipment relating to operating 
mines. 

Our procedures conducted over the Group’s 
impairment indicator analysis included the 
following: 

As disclosed in Note 4.1 of the financial report, the 
Directors’ assess property, plant and equipment for 
indicators of impairment at each balance date. This 
involves assessment of any potential indications of 
impairment in property, plant and equipment 
including (but not limited to) significant changes to 
market, geological, economic or legal environment 
changes in the markets in which Whitehaven 
operates, changes in the discount rate, changes in 
coal price, movements in foreign exchange and 
movement in the Group’s market capitalisation. 
Consideration is also given to any expected future 
changes to operating conditions.  

This assessment determines whether a full 
impairment assessment is required.  

We focused on this area due to the magnitude of 
the balance in the consolidated statement of 
financial position, and the significant judgments and 
assumptions involved in the assessment of 
indicators of impairment. 

•

•

•

•

•

assessed whether the methodology used by 
the Directors met the requirements of 
AASB136 Impairment of Assets; 

considered the appropriateness of the Group’s 
identification of its cash generating unit; 

assessed the Group’s analysis for indicators of 
impairment, in conjunction with our valuation 
specialists. This included consideration of 
whether any movements in the key 
assumptions applied indicated potential 
impairment, by comparing them to historical 
results in addition to economic and industry 
forecasts;  

assessed the Group’s methodologies and their 
documented basis for key assumptions used in 
impairment assessments, as described in note 
4.1; 

considered whether the disclosures included 
in the financial report relating to impairment, 
including those specific to judgments and 
estimates, met the requirements of Australian 
Accounting standards. 

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Auditors Report (cont.)

Recoverability of deferred tax assets 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

As at 30 June 2017, the net deferred tax asset 
in the Group’s consolidated statement of 
financial position includes $356.1m of deferred 
tax asset. $305.3m of this deferred tax asset 
relates to carried forward tax losses and tax 
credits. 

The recoverability of deferred tax assets, 
including those arising from carried forward tax 
losses and temporary differences can be 
subjective based upon the Group’s assessment of 
its ability to generate sufficient future taxable 
profits.  

As disclosed in Note 2.3 of the financial
statements, the Directors’ assessment of
recoverability of these assets is dependent upon
assumptions about the generation of future
taxable profits from estimates of future cash
flows. These depend on estimates of future
production and sales volumes, coal prices,
foreign exchange rates, operating costs,
rehabilitation costs, capital expenditure,
dividends and other capital management
transactions. This involves critical accounting
estimates and assumptions, specifically relating
to future cash flows and judgment relating to the
application of income tax legislation.

We evaluated the Group’s assessment of the 
recoverability of deferred tax assets. Our audit 
procedures included the following: 

•

•

•

•

•

evaluated the assumptions and methodologies 
used by the Group in determining the 
recoverability of deferred tax assets including 
forecast cash flows; 

tested the mathematical accuracy of the cash 
flow models; 

compared the cash flow forecasts with the Board 
approved forecast cash flows; 

considered the future profitability of operations 
based on assumptions made in forecasted cash 
flows, consistent with models used to support the 
carrying value of operating property, plant and 
equipment; and 

assessed judgments and assumptions made 
regarding income tax legislation with assistance 
from our taxation specialists where appropriate. 

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Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditors report

Mine rehabilitation and closure provisions 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

As at 30 June 2017, the consolidated statement 
of financial position included $89.8m of mine 
rehabilitation and closure provisions. 

As a consequence of its operations, the Group 
incurs obligations to restore and rehabilitate the 
environment. Rehabilitation activities are 
governed by a combination of legislative 
requirements and Group policies. 

Estimating the costs associated with these future 
activities requires considerable judgement in 
relation to factors such as when the 
rehabilitation will take place, the time period 
required for the rehabilitation to be effective, 
the extent and costs of rehabilitation activities, 
technological changes, regulatory changes, cost 
increases, and changes in economic assumptions 
including an appropriate rate to discount these 
future costs back to their net present value. 

This was considered to be a key audit matter due 
to the significant judgments and assumptions 
involved in the calculation of these mine 
rehabilitation and closure provisions. 

Our procedures included the following: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

assessed the Group’s process for recognition, 
review and approval of the rehabilitation 
provisions; 

agreed the disturbed areas included in 
rehabilitation models to surveys completed over 
areas requiring future rehabilitation; 

considered the reasonableness of cost rates 
applied with respect to government specified 
cost rates;  

considered the competence and objectivity of 
management’s experts, both internal or external, 
who produced the surveys and cost estimates; 

tested the mathematical accuracy of the 
rehabilitation models to support the provision 
balance; 

considered the discount rate applied by 
management;  

evaluated the appropriateness of accounting 
treatment applied to changes in the rehabilitation 
provision, including whether the impact is 
expensed or capitalised; and 

evaluated whether the judgments and estimates 
disclosures relating to mine closure and 
rehabilitation provisions met the requirements of 
Australian Accounting standards. 

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135

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Auditors Report (cont.)

Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon  

The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report other than the financial report and our 
auditor’s report thereon. We obtained the Directors’ Report that is to be included in the Annual 
Report, prior to the date of this auditor’s report, and we expect to obtain the remaining sections of the 
Annual Report after the date of this auditor’s report.  

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not and will not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this 
auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 

The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion.  Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that 
an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. 

As part of an audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional 
judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit.  We also: 

•

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due 
to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and 
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for 

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136

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
Auditors report

one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of 
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. 

•

•

•

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 
accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Directors. 

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of 
accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty 
exists related to events and conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.  If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, 
we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the 
financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. However, 
future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern. 

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including 
the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions 
and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.  

• Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the 
entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial 
report. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group 
audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with the Directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of 
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
identify during our audit.  

We also provide the Directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related 
safeguards. 

From the matters communicated to the Directors, we determine those matters that were of most 
significance in the audit of the financial report of the current year and are therefore the key audit 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public 
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

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137

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Auditors Report (cont.)

Report on the Remuneration Report

Opinion on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 68 to 87 of the Directors' report for the
year ended 30 June 2017.

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Whitehaven Coal Limited for the year ended 30 June
2017, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities

The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

Ernst & Young 

Ryan Fisk 
Partner 
Sydney  
17 August 2017 

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138

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASX additional information

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

Farallon Capital Management LLC

Fritz Kundrun*

Hans Mende*

AMCI Group*

Prudential PLC

Percentage of 
capital held

Number of ordinary 
shares held 

Date of substantial 
shareholder notice 

16.61%

12.09%

11.13%

10.09%

8.40%

170,414,721

124,042,252

114,190,086

86,170,596

81,899,109

19 June 2013

17 Oct 2014

17 Oct 2014

17 Oct 2014

10 April 2017

*The holdings of Mr Kundrun and Mr Mende both include the 86,170,596 shares owned by AMCI Group.

Voting rights

Ordinary shares

Refer to note 5.4 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

Number of equity security 
holders

1,716

2,064

739

849

99

5,467

There are 6 holders of options over ordinary shares. Refer to  
section 7.3 of the Remuneration Report.

The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable  
parcel of ordinary shares is 447.

139

OVERVIEWSTRATEGYOPERATIONSSUSTAINABILITYRESOURCES & RESERVESLEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENTSECTION 7 / FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTASX additional information (cont.)

Securities exchange

The Company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Other information

Whitehaven Coal Limited, incorporated and domiciled in Australia, is a publicly listed company limited by shares.

Twenty largest shareholders (legal ownership)

Name

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LTD

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LTD

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED – GSCO ECA

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

AET SFS PTY LTD 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

RANAMOK PTY LTD 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

VESADE PTY LTD

WHITEHAVEN EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN PTY LIMITED 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED – A/C 2

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED GSCO ECA

MR MICHAEL JACK QUILLEN 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

INVIA CUSTODIAN PTY LIMITED 

This information is current as at 14 August 2017.

Number of 
ordinary 
shares held

Percentage 
of capital 
held 

262,832,112

255,252,358

175,518,681

129,665,129

28,490,780

26,678,979

10,795,976

9,641,371

7,367,226

6,801,205

5,886,549

5,795,052

5,669,939

5,647,836

4,450,000

4,409,572

4,135,000

2,667,009

2,316,000

2,025,000

25.62

24.88

17.11

12.64

2.78

2.60

1.05

0.94

0.72

0.66

0.57

0.56

0.55

0.55

0.43

0.43

0.40

0.26

0.23

0.20

956,045,774

93.18

140

Whitehaven Coal Annual Report 2017Glossary of terms and abbreviations

ARTC 

Australian Rail Track Corporation

MRRT 

Minerals Resource Rent Tax

ASEAN 

Association of Southeast Asian Nations

CHPP 

Coal Handling Preparation Plant

EBITDA 

 Earnings Before Interest, Taxation,  
Depreciation and Amortisation

FEC 

Forward Exchange Contract

FOB 

Free-on-Board

FVLCD 

Fair Value Less Costs of Disposal

HELE 

High Energy Low Emissions

JORC 

Joint Ore Resources Committee

KMP 

Key Management Personnel

LTI 

LW 

Long Term Incentive

Longwall

Mt 

MTI 

Million tonnes

Medium Term Incentive

Mtpa 

Million tonnes per annum

NCIG 

Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group

PWCS 

Port Waratah Coal Services

ROM 

Run of Mine

STI 

t 

TAL 

TFR 

Short Term Incentive

Tonne

Tonne Axle Loads

Total Fixed Remuneration

TRIFR 

Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate

TSR 

Total Shareholder Return

Corporate directory

Directors

The Hon. Mark Vaile AO
Chairman

John Conde
Deputy Chairman

Dr Julie Beeby
Non-executive Director

Paul Flynn
Managing Director and CEO

Tony Haggarty
Non-executive Director

Christine McLoughlin
Non-executive Director

Raymond Zage
Non-executive Director

Company Secretary

Timothy Burt

Registered and Principal  
Administrative Office

Level 28, 259 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

P   +61 2 8507 9700
F   +61 2 8507 9701

Australian  
Business Number

ABN 68 124 425 396

Stock Exchange Listing

Australian Securities Exchange Ltd
ASX Code: WHC

Share Registry

Computershare Investor  
Services Pty Ltd

GPO Box 523 
Brisbane QLD 4001

P   1300 850 505
F   +61 7 3237 2100

Country of  
Incorporation

Australia

Web address

www.whitehavencoal.com.au

Auditor

Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young Centre 
200 George Street,  
Sydney NSW 2000

P   +61 2 9248 5555
F   +61 2 9248 5199

Whitehaven Coal
Level 28, 259 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
p +61 2 8507 9700
f +61 2 8507 9701

ASX Code: WHC

whitehavencoal.com.au