Coal production for the quarter was 3.2 million tonnes (comprising 2.3Mt of metallurgical coal and 830,000t of steaming coal), 9% higher than the previous quarter due to improved plant performance during the quarter.

Metallurgical coal production increased by 17.1% and steaming coal production decreased by 9% compared to the previous quarter.

For the 12 months to March 31, 2014, metallurgical coal production increased 8.2% to 8.3Mt, with the prior comparable period impacted by a scheduled mine shutdown in December 2012 and early January 2013.

Wet weather associated with Cyclone Oswald in early 2013 and the part year contribution of Curragh’s expanded capacity following the June 2012 practical completion of Curragh’s coal handling and preparation plant also affected the full year production result.

In January the Wesfarmers resources division acquired mineral development licence 162, which is located between and adjacent to the Curragh and Curragh North mining leases.

The acquisition could augment the total base of coal reserves potentially available for mining and processing at Curragh’s CHPPs.

The additional coal reserves were expected to extend Curragh’s mine life and provide future options to further optimise mine operations, the company said.