Tinkler, who holds 19.4% of the NSW producer, is pressuring chairman Mark Vaile to provide him with an operational and financial update, which would include details on the faulty longwall control systems and the roof collapse at Narrabri, before the company’s quarterly is released on Friday.

Vaile, formerly chairman of Aston Resources and a National party minister in the Howard government, is among the five directors Tinkler wants removed.

In doubt is whether Narrabri produced its expected 350,000 tonnes of coal in the September quarter and whether the company’s quarterly earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation reaches consensus forecasts of $20 million.

Tinkler, who has seen the value of his stake in Whitehaven plunge after his $5.25 billion privatisation bid for the company was aborted, is facing mounting debts.

Yesterday he reached a $17 million settlement with property development group Mirvac over property transactions relating to his unsuccessful plans to develop a new terminal at the port at Newcastle.

In August Whitehaven managing director Tony Haggarty said a focused review of operating costs was underway to identify opportunities for reduction.

“Several vendor [Caterpillar] related issues remain unresolved with the equipment including full commissioning of the face automation, provision of a reliable supply of spare parts, installation of the high pressure set function of the shields and complete installation of the full longwall belt retraction system,” the company said.

“Whitehaven is working with Caterpillar to resolve these issues.

“Mining conditions underground remain excellent and development productivity is good.

“Main road development has advanced to longwall panel #3 and installation of the maingate conveyor for longwall panel #2 is completed and maingate #2 development is well advanced.”