Vandervoort takes up the new post in mid-January

One of Vandervoort’s first tasks will be to ensure that coal is being railed efficiently from Whitehaven’s Narrabri mine to the Port of Newcastle after a November derailment blocked the line.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation has indicated that the line will be opened tomorrow, but there will be a significant backlog of coal at the mine site.

Vandervoort will be responsible for providing infrastructure to support Whitehaven’s existing and developing mining operations as well as take on responsibility for new projects, previously covered under Whitehaven’s business development function, said managing director Tony Haggarty.

“With annual coal production and sales expected to grow from around 5 million tonnes in the 2011 financial year to more than 20Mt in the 2016 financial year, the EGM infrastructure role is vital in ensuring that port, rail, train, power, water and other infrastructure is available as needed and that costs are minimised,” Haggarty said.

“We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Whitehaven team. He is a highly regarded and experienced coal industry executive who brings a wealth of experience to our executive team, not only in the infrastructure area, but in high-level commercial matters generally.

Vandervoort’s experience includes 20 years in coal industry management roles in New South Wales and Queensland, five years at Port Waratah Coal Services and most recently the establishment and management of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain as its chief executive.

“This equips Jonathan particularly well to assist Whitehaven in achieving its growth plans,” Haggarty said.