The senior operating role, reporting directly to managing director Tony Haggarty, will be responsible for ensuring that the company’s Narrabri longwall mine meets its ambitious production targets and that the Maules Creek and Tarrawonga projects reach maximum productivity.

Frankcombe replaces Allan Davies who will be retiring after filling the role since late 2008.

Davies will work alongside Frankcombe during a transition period and will remain involved with Whitehaven on a part-time consulting basis.

Frankcombe has been Fortescue Metals Group operations director for the past 12 months.

Prior to FMG he had extensive senior experience in coal mine operations and development including as PT Adaro Indonesia chief operating officer, Xstrata Coal Americas executive general manager and Xstrata Coal Hunter Valley open cut operations general manager.

Frankcombe holds a bachelor of engineering (mining) from Wollongong University and a master of business administration (technology) from APESMA Deakin University.

He holds first class certificate of competency qualifications for both the NSW and Queensland coal industry.

“As EGM – operations, Jamie will be responsible for all of Whitehaven’s mining operations and will be a member of the seven-person EGM team reporting to me,” Haggarty said.

“We are delighted to welcome Jamie to our senior team and to have his extensive mine operating knowledge and experience applied to our rapidly growing business.

“Jamie is an outstanding candidate to lead our operating team through the next phase of growth.

“On behalf of both the board and our management team I would like to thank Allan for his extremely significant contribution to our business over the past four years.

“He has been an integral member of the team during a time in which the company has undergone significant change.”