Port Waratah crunches the numbers on 2024; annual reports out now
Port Waratah is pleased to release its suite of 2024 annual reports. These reports provide a comprehensive insight into its sustainability and financial performance, with a focus on its people, operations, environmental management and social impacts.
Port Waratah reports annual coal throughput of 100.8 million tonnes in 2024, a five million tonne increase compared to 2023, indicating that demand for Hunter Valley coal remains strong. Japan continued to be the largest destination for exports loaded by Port Waratah, with 49 per cent of the total volume. China’s share of exports increased to 30 per cent, marking a new high of 29.8 million tonnes of coal to this destination from the Kooragang and Carrington terminals.
Contract negotiations with producer customers concluded during 2024 resulting in a new, more flexible contracting arrangement suited to the industry. These changes supported new producer contract nominations of 47 million tonnes over the next five years, on top of what had been previously expected. Contracted demand over this period remains above the 100 million tonnes a year mark.
Port Waratah’s CEO, Hennie du Plooy, said he was confident that Port Waratah and the Hunter Valley coal industry were well-positioned to meet market demand.
“The increased level of contract nominations over the next five years provides Port Waratah with certainty that enables us to plan for stable, reliable terminal services in the medium term,” said Mr du Plooy.
In 2024, Port Waratah recorded six reportable injuries and four reportable environmental incidents. Mr du Plooy said that the leadership team and workforce accept the challenge to improve further.
“Our goal is to perform our operations without harm to people or the environment. We remain committed to ensure that the effort and commitment of our people translate into tangible results as reflected in a reduction in incidents.”
“Air quality, noise, water and waste management performed well throughout the majority of the year with a number of targets achieved. The annual landfill diversion rate was 92.5 per cent, which marked the eighth year that we maintained a diversion rate over 90 per cent. We also remained focused on our climate action initiatives.”
“We continued our support of early careers for the next generation with 15 hosted apprentices, seven university scholarship students, four graduate employees and three trainees.
“We are proud to have launched our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan in July. In a demonstration of employee alignment and interest, 70 per cent of our team had attended In Country experiences with a local cultural advisor by year end.
“Our local spend on suppliers, contactors and services in the Hunter Region increased to $147.4 million, more than 79 per cent of our total spend.”
“We also proudly invested $850,000 back into the local community through the Community Investment and Partnership Programme, supporting more than 140 initiatives and services.”
Investment in Port Waratah’s operating assets is focused on delivering reliable and cost-effective services long into the future. The 2024 programme amounted to $57.2 million, and comprised significant work and equipment upgrades in electrical, mechanical and structural disciplines.
“I invite all members of our community and stakeholders to explore the 2024 report suite and discover the efforts we are making for our people, community and environment, and how we are committed to responsibly meeting our obligations,” said Mr du Plooy.
The suite covers all business aspects of Port Waratah and includes the Sustainability Report, Annual Financial Report and Modern Slavery Statement. The 2024 Sustainability Report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative and aligned with the principles of the Mineral Council of Australia’s Enduring Value Framework. Explore all of our sustainability performance results through a new digital experience on our website, visit pwcs.com.au/sustainability.
The Financial Report provides an overview of Port Waratah’s financial performance and disclosures, while the Modern Slavery Statement outlines the intent and actions aimed at eliminating slavery, servitude and debt bondage from the organisation and supply chain.
