This level of interest in the advertised ‘production operators’ and ‘maintenance technicians’ positions was also received in just more than a week since Whitehaven launched its initial recruitment campaign for the future mine in the Gunnedah Basin of New South Wales.

“A significant number of the applications so far have been from the local area which is pleasing,” Whitehaven general manager for Maules Creek Peter Wilkinson said.

“We have also spoken to a significant number of experienced operators and tradespeople who are originally from the area and would like to return. We are still taking applications and further roles will be recruited over the coming months.”

Whitehaven said subsequent recruitment campaigns will follow as the operation ramps up to its initial target rate of 6 million tonnes per annum of coal production over the first 12 months.

The $A767 million open cut coal mine, which has approval to ramp up to 13Mtpa run of mine, is expected to employ 450 people at full capacity with construction on schedule to rail out first coal in March.

Applications can be made through a dedicated website established by recruiter Prospect Group.