Centennial was forced to place its troubled Angus Place colliery into care and maintenance after geotechnical problems hindered progress. 

Separately, the company had to pay $1.05 million in fines to the NSW Environmental Protection Agency last week because its Clarence colliery polluted the nearby Wollangambe River in the Blue Mountains.  

Cairney, who was appointed to the role in February, has a strong operational background, which will assist him manage the challenges facing the company.

With more than 40 years’ mining experience, he started his career in the Lower Hunter Region, gaining experience in both operational and technical roles. 

Managing operating mines and also leading major mine project development, Cairney continued his operational focus with Centennial Coal after it acquired the NSW Government's Powercoal assets in 2002. 

He previously held the positions of general manager health, safety, environment and communities, general manager Western Operations, and executive general manager operations, within Centennial Coal.

Centennial Coal is the largest independent coal producer in NSW, with seven operating coal mines and more than 1500 employees. 

The company’s mission statement is to grow sustainable mining business through delivering value for their customers and stakeholders. 

With a number of projects operating in the Newcastle area such as: Awaba, Myuna, Newstan, Mannering and Mandalong, Centennial Coal has a long history in the Hunter Valley Region.

Austmine is holding the Smart Mining Networking Event in Newcastle on August 9.