Whitehaven Coal has announced a substantial upgrade to the resources and reserves at its Blackwater mine in Queensland, reinforcing the project’s status as a cornerstone of its long-term production strategy.
Following an extensive geological review, total recoverable reserves have surged by 91 per cent, rising from 191 million tonnes (Mt) to 365Mt. Total coal resources also increased by six per cent, now totalling 1919Mt.
The upgrade is underpinned by high-confidence modelling incorporating 4267 structural and 211 quality drillholes. Key drivers include refined economic assumptions and the inclusion of new prospective areas, specifically SA7 and SA10 (Blackwater North Extension) and SA2. These areas were incorporated after progress in environmental approvals and risk assessments identified no material barriers to future mining.
Whitehaven Coal chief executive officer and managing director Paul Flynn said the latest results reflect steady progress in integrating the Queensland operations acquired from BMA. Flynn said the growth “unlocks future mining areas and reinforces its position as a long-life asset” with strong growth potential.
“This uplift to resources and reserves at Blackwater unlocks future mining areas and reinforces its position as a long-life asset and the strong potential for growth and optionality at the Blackwater mine,” Flynn said.
Marketable reserves have also climbed to 298Mt, consisting primarily of metallurgical coal. With an average coal recovery of around 89 per cent and established infrastructure already in place, the mine is well positioned to sustain output, Whitehaven said.
