Wesfarmers Curragh
Winner, Minerals and Energy

Wesfarmers Curragh produces quality metallurgical coal for the export market from its open cut mine at Curragh, in the southern Bowen Basin coalfields of Central Queensland.

International steel mills use this coal to produce coke, pig iron and steel for the construction, appliance, shipping and automobile industries.

The 2008-09 financial year sales volumes from Curragh mine have shown remarkable resilience during the global financial crisis. Total export sales increased substantially despite the largest reduction in international demand in 40 years.

This success can be directly related to the company’s strategy of developing strong and direct relationships with carefully selected buyers with minimal counter party risk, rather than using the traditional means of promoting coal through agents. The direct business approach has facilitated better understanding of the customers business and better market outcomes.

Commenting on its marketing strategy, the Australian Export Award judges said that the company stood out for its strong commitment to its customers and demonstrated an appreciation of the importance of understanding customer needs.

To ensure it maintains a competitive advantage, the company has recently committed to a significant capital spending program to ensure the equipment is leading edge and to provide the most efficient means of mineral extraction and processing.

A new pit has been developed, new dragline technology and the longest single flight coal conveyor in the world installed. All of these improvements position Wesfarmers favourably for future expansion.
 
Total export sales increased substantially despite the largest reduction in international demand in 40 years.