18 October 2022

Whitehaven recognised at NSW Mining Awards

Strong performance at Whitehaven Coal’s Werris Creek Mine has seen it recognised as amongst the top operations in NSW at the 2022 NSW Mining Industry and Suppliers Awards.

The Awards celebrate the hard work and achievements of those who contribute to the industry right across the state, with Werris Creek named a finalist alongside operations from BHP, Peabody, Newcrest and the United Wambo Joint Venture.

Although it wasn’t named the overall winner, the Werris Creek mine was recognised for its significant achievements across safety, production and people outcomes, having driven improvements in performance through a disciplined and consistent focus on education, accountability and recognition.

Werris Creek Operations Manager, Murray O’Keefe, attended the annual awards dinner at NSW Parliament on Thursday night.

“This is a fantastic achievement and I’m incredibly proud of the whole team at Werris Creek for what we’ve accomplished, especially over the last few years,” said O’Keefe.

“The high-performance culture at Whitehaven is part of what makes it such a rewarding place to work.

“In the last few years the whole team at Werris Creek has really taken it to another level, with a program to improve safety, compliance, sustainability and operational performance even as the mine nears the end of its life.

“The positive results have been clear and it’s great to see the whole team being recognised for their efforts.”

Whitehaven Coal Managing Director and CEO Paul Flynn also expressed his pride at Werris Creek’s nomination and the improvement in its operational performance.

“Werris Creek’s recognition at the NSW Mining Industry and Suppliers Awards is a testament to the strong work ethic of our people, particularly when you consider the strong field of finalists they were competing against,” Mr Flynn added.

“Werris Creek has been an important part of our business for nearly 20 years and over that time the team has earned a reputation as being respectful neighbours and engaged community members.

“To receive the endorsement of your industry peers is especially rewarding and the entire Werris Creek team should rightly feel very proud.”

This award is the second time a Whitehaven mine has been nominated for NSW Operation of the Year, following Maules Creek’s win in 2016.

In other highlights from this year’s Awards, Whitehaven Director Fiona Robertson was also honoured, receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Mining Award. As the Founding Chair of the Women in Mining Network in NSW, Fiona was recognised for her commitment to empowering women within the mining industry and for encouraging more women to pursue a career in mining.

“Fiona has been a valued member of Whitehaven since joining our Board of Directors in 2018,” said Mr Flynn.

“Her dedication to promoting women in mining has had a far-reaching impact at Whitehaven and across the industry. This Award is well-deserved recognition for the significant contribution she has made throughout her career.”

Two of Whitehaven’s key suppliers were also recognised as finalists for the NSW Supplier of the Year Award. Many Fabrication & Engineering – an Indigenous-owned fabrication and engineering business – and Programmed – a labour supplier designed to rapidly address staff shortages – both operate in North West NSW.

“It’s encouraging to see our terrific partners the enjoying so much success and for North West NSW to be recognised as the diverse and thriving region that it is,” added Mr Flynn.

Pictured: Murray O’Keefe, Operations Manager – Werris Creek, Kevin Anderson MP, Glenn Many, General Manager – Many Fabrication & Engineering, Ben Horwood, Many Fabrication & Engineering, Darren Swain, Whitehaven Coal General Manager – Community Engagement 

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