Regional and localised flooding impacts have hampered production at Whitehaven Coal’s open cut mine operations in the Gunnedah Basin of New South Wales.
ROM production was lower than planned across all three open cut mines primarily as a result of disruption caused by rain and flooding impacts in September, with access roads and haulage roads impacted.
The company said wet weather has persisted into November with soil moisture profiles, dams and river systems at capacity in the region.
Whitehaven has not experienced on-site flooding and has maintained a level of production continuity by transporting people to sites via helicopter to overcome flood-related access issues.
While mine sequencing plans provide opportunities to lift volumes throughout the year, recent rain and flooding events continue to drag on ROM production, predominantly at Maules Creek and Tarrawonga open cut mines.
As a result, Whitehaven has moderated its expectation for FY23 ROM coal production from its open cut mines given current and possible projected impacts of weather and ongoing labour constraints.
Maules Creek and Gunnedah open cut figures have been revised down, although Narrabri has been ungraded following stronger than anticipated performance.