16 November, 2012

WHC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UNIT AND BRISBANE PRESENCE

Whitehaven Coal Limited (ASX:WHC) today announced that after significant consideration, a decision has been taken to scale back the company's Business Development Unit and Brisbane presence.
This decision has been taken in the context of our ongoing cost-reduction initiatives and adjustments across the business to ensure the broader business remains competitive.
Approximately ten roles will be made redundant as part of the change, including that of Executive
General Manager, Business Development Peter Kane.
"I would like to extend a generous thank you to Peter and his team for their efforts since joining
Whitehaven," Whitehaven Managing Director Mr Tony Haggarty said.
"Whitehaven is not immune to the continued decline in global coal prices and like all coal companies we are having to make difficult decisions in order to ensure we have an appropriate cost-base," he
said.
A very small number of technical services staff will remain in a relocated and smaller Brisbane office to ensure exploration projects are maintained and obligations to joint venture partners are met.
"While our current focus is very much on our existing mines as well as our Maules Creek and Vickery
Projects, we remain confident of the long-term value of our development assets. As global coal prices improve we will continually revisit the status of our development plans," Mr Haggarty said.
For further information please contact: Tony Haggarty
Managing Director
(02) 8507 9700
Kate Kerrison
Phone: 0413 946 704
Email: kate@katekerrison.com.au

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