Whitehaven estimated it has lost at least one week’s production from its Rocglen, Sunnyside, Tarrawonga and Werris Creek mines while employees at its Narabri underground mine have been having difficulty reaching the mine because of the floods.

Wilkinson will take over from Casper Dieben, who has announced his intention to retire in 2012.

His appointment follows an extensive recruitment process which commenced in 2011, Whitehaven said.

“We are extremely pleased to announce Peter’s appointment,” Whitehaven Coal managing director Tony Haggarty said.

“Peter has extensive experience in both open cut mining and general management and will be a valuable addition to our team.

“On behalf of the Whitehaven board and management team I would like to thank Mr Dieben for his valuable contribution to the company during the past five years. During this time he has overseen the significant expansion of our open cut operations. We wish him well in his retirement.”

Wilkinson’s previous role was as executive general manager NSW at Idemitsu Australia Resources, with responsibility for the Boggabri Coal operations in the Gunnedah Basin and Muswellbrook Coal in the Hunter Valley.

He will officially join Whitehaven on March 12, 2012 while Dieben will remain with Whitehaven to complete a number of projects before he retires in July.