These new mines are due for completion in the next two years and will add 15 million tonnes per year of coal to Whitehaven’s existing portfolio following its $5.1 billion merger with Aston Resources.

Markey joins Whitehaven from Global Coal Limited in Singapore, where he has worked for the past 10 years, recently as chief operating officer and previously as director of marketing.

Whitehaven managing director Tony Haggarty said: “We are very pleased to attract a person of Pat's calibre to the senior management team of Whitehaven.

“Pat`s pivotal role in the development and marketing of the Global Coal Newcastle index and associated products has given him enduring and well regarded relationships throughout the seaborne coal markets in which we participate, particularly in Asia."

Before this, Markey worked in marketing, development and strategic business planning roles in the oil and related industries over fifteen years.

He will commence his new role in July, joining and heading Whitehaven’s sales and marketing team based in Newcastle.

"With Pat joining the Whitehaven team, together with Ross Crump, executive general manager – market development, we are very well placed to market our premium coals to growing markets and to secure greater market share as our new mines in the Gunnedah Basin are developed," Haggarty said.