Wages paid to employees provide significant economic benefits to the region around the mines, it said.

“Recruitment at the Maules Creek mine continues with 215 employed at Maules Creek at the end of March,” it said.

“Whitehaven is actively pursuing greater diversity in its workforce with women making up 10% and aboriginal employees 15% of the total at Maules Creek.”

The company also supports local community groups with an active program of donations and sponsorships and increased engagement with local Aboriginal community, which includes working with Reconciliation Australia on the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan.