Whitehaven Coal has delivered a steady first quarter, maintaining strong operational discipline and cost control across its Queensland and New South Wales operations despite softer global coal prices.
The company reported managed run-of-mine (ROM) production of 9 million tonnes (Mt) for the September quarter, down 15 per cent from the June quarter, while equity sales of produced coal came in at 5.9Mt, just one per cent lower.
Whitehaven Coal chief executive officer and managing director Paul Flynn said the company delivered a solid first quarter result.
“New South Wales ROM production totalled 4.4Mt for the quarter, after being modestly affected in the quarter by flooding at the open cut mines, but partially offset by improved output from Narrabri following the longwall move in the previous quarter,” Flynn said.
“Queensland’s ROM production of 4.7Mt reflects solid performance from both Daunia and Blackwater. Both sites are focused on delivering further operational improvements.”
Whitehaven’s cost-out program and productivity drive remain on track to achieve $60–80 million in annualised savings by June 30, 2026, with unit costs currently within the 2025-26 financial year (FY26) guidance range of $130–145 per tonne.
Queensland operations achieved an average sale price of $200 per tonne, while New South Wales realised $175 per tonne, with strong thermal coal premiums of 105 per cent of the gC NEWC Index. The company said demand for its coal continues to be strong, even as the pricing environment remains subdued.
Whitehaven also reported net debt of around $0.8 billion at the end of September, reflecting normal seasonal cash outflows and continued capital investment across its growth portfolio, including the Narrabri Stage 3 and Winchester South projects.
Despite the temporary production dips, the miner reaffirmed its FY26 production guidance of 37–41Mt managed ROM and 23–26Mt in equity coal sales.
“Whitehaven maintains a strong financial position,” Flynn said. “Across the business, cost discipline remains a priority and we’re tracking well within guidance.”
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