Centennial and Alkane Exploration, which was named NSW explorer of the year, were chosen from a diverse range of explorers and operators in the NSW industry.

Centennial’s win comes on the back of an announcement this week of the re-opening of the former Wyee mine, now named Mannering Colliery, expected to produce 500,000tpa coal.

Centennial has made strategic and operational shifts in the past year to lift its export profile. The outward focus paid off for Centennial in its 2004/04 financial year results, the company recording a record profit of A$52.4 million and an increase in export production and sales of 38% on the previous year.

Centennial’s domestic presence has also remained strong with total domestic contracted coal last month totaling more than 150 million tonnes, with a weighted average contract life of 12 years.

Recent announcements expected to increase export potential included the expansion of Anvil hill opencut, scheduled to commence production in 2008; and the purchase of adjacent resources to expand the Mandalong longwall, scheduled to ramp-up early next year.

New South Wales mineral resources minister Kerry Hickey said he had inspected both companies' operations and learned more about their plans for future growth.

"Both Alkane and Centennial have impressed me with their commitment to our State and our industry."