Flynn said he remained enormously positive about the long-term outlook for coal, and particularly the high quality coal being demanded by countries that understand the crucial role it has to play in helping achieve a lower emissions future.

“The outlook for coal, particularly the type of high quality, low ash, low sulphur coal we are producing at Maules Creek, is very positive,” he said. “Total NSW coal export volumes have increased by 3.6% over the last financial year, with Japan and Korea – Whitehaven’s key markets – continuing to be the biggest markets for NSW coal.

“Maules Creek Mine will play a key role in powering the energy needs of North Asia and contribute to compliance with tighter global emissions standards.”

Federal Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane officially opened the mine, which is near Boggabri in the NSW Gunnedah Basin.

“Today marks an important milestone in Whitehaven Coal’s growth and transition as a company and is a testament to the performance of our people who have worked tirelessly to deliver this project ahead of time, and under budget,” Flynn said.

Maules Creek, which began railing coal in December 2014 and has been operating commercially since 1 July 2015, will create nearly 500 new local jobs, inject an additional $68 million in wages into the local economy each year, and deliver $13 million in local infrastructure investment as part of Whitehaven’s Voluntary Planning Agreements with local councils.

“Over the past three years alone Whitehaven has spent nearly half a billion dollars locally and it’s the local community that will continue to reap the benefit of projects such as Maules Creek for decades to come,” Flynn said.

“Today is a day where we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the past few years, but the real story of Maules Creek and the economic opportunity it is bringing to this area is only just starting.”

All of Whitehaven Coal’s operational sites are in the North West of NSW and Whitehaven is the largest single employer in the Gunnedah Basin. Over 75% of Whitehaven’s 800-strong workforce is based permanently in the local community.

“We know there are people out there who want these jobs. When we advertised the first 100 jobs at Maules Creek we received 1,800 applications. Regional areas need businesses that can create and sustain jobs and also provide training opportunities,” Flynn said.

The Maules Creek Mine is also setting new standards in terms of its commitment to supporting the local Indigenous community and is already exceeding its voluntary target of 10% Indigenous representation at Maules Creek within the first five years.

“There are currently 37 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees at Maules Creek and that number expected to rise,” Flynn said. “By providing real, long-term, training and employment opportunities to local Indigenous people, we are making a genuine contribution to addressing social dislocation and disadvantage.”