Sydney, 24 October 2008
For the fourth consecutive year, Xstrata Coal has won the Minerals and Energy category of the 2008 Premier’s New South Wales Export Awards.
The prestigious State award was presented to Xstrata Coal in recognition of its continuing contribution to the NSW export industry through its generation of revenue for the State and employment of locally based employees.
In 2007 Xstrata Coal’s New South Wales operations produced 36.7 million tonnes or about 40% of Xstrata Coal’s global production.
“To win the Premier’s export awards for the fourth consecutive year is a credit to the ongoing efforts of our employees and New South Wales management team. We are very proud to continue to be recognised as a leading employer and exporter for the State,” said Mick Buffier, Chief Operating Officer, Xstrata Coal New South Wales.
“Xstrata Coal contributes about $1.5 billion to the New South Wales economy each year through the payment of Government royalties, wages, rail and port charges and investment in mines goods and services.”
Approximately 80% of Xstrata Coal’s NSW production is sold in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, with some tonnage also destined for Mexico and other smaller markets in the Asia-Pacific Region. While most customers are based in North Asia or Europe, the company supplies coal to every continent except Antarctica.
“Since its inception in early 2002, Xstrata Coal has managed a consistent and effective export marketing strategy to achieve premium prices for Australian coal brands in return for superior performance in terms of reliability, delivery and product quality,” said Mr Buffier.
Approximately 2,500 people are employed throughout Xstrata Coal’s NSW underground and open cut mines, the majority of which are located in the Hunter Valley and the remainder throughout the western and southern highland coalfields.
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For further media information:
James Rickards
Communications Manager
Phone: 07 3115 5382
Mobile: 0419 731 371
Email: jrickards@xstratacoal.com