Having previously had a role in providing coal for the state-owned utility, Turner is viewed by Northern as well placed to assist the company’s transition from explorer to coal producer.

“We are looking forward to utilising Mark’s skills and experience to further develop our project pipeline and deliver value for our shareholders,” Northern managing director Keith Barker said.

Turner’s experience includes his work as Macarthur Coal’s general manager of operations and site controller of the Coppabella mine.

He has also held operational project management positions at Leighton Contractors.

Northern’s Colton high coking coal project in the Maryborough Basin of southeast Queensland is targeting 500,000 tonnes per annum with production expected to kick off this financial year.

Northern’s Elimatta thermal coal project in the Surat Basin holds 106Mt of marketable reserves and the bankable feasibility for the 5Mtpa open cut project is underway.

Shares in Northern are down 4c to $1.25 this morning.