Under the contract, premium thermal coal will be supplied via the Port Kembla Coal Terminal. The contract kicked in January 1, 2006.

“This significant new contract with a major international coal purchaser is further recognition of Centennial’s position as a growing coal exporter,” Centennial said.

The company also revealed it had taken steps to ensure the long-term availability of its thermal coal to meet growing export demand with approval by planning minister Frank Sartor for its Clarence mine extension.

The approval covered four new lease areas and will add 21 years to the mine’s life, giving the mine 30 more years of production.

Located 10km east of Lithgow in New South Wales, thermal coal is mined at 2.5Mtpa from the Clarence bord and pillar operation. Clarence recently introduced the super place change system, lifting production with three mining units.

Centennial also made a move last year to lift its coal exports, through the development of its Anvil Hill mine set to produce 10.5Mtpa by 2008. The mine will supply 30Mt of coal to Macquarie Generation over 12 years, with the remainder flagged for export to capitalise on lucrative export prices.