Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Whitehaven Coal Contributes To Ukraine With Coal Donation

The Australian Government announced that they will be donating 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to Ukraine in an effort to support the war-torn country’s energy sector earlier this week.

Part of a broader multimillion-dollar support package from the federal government, the coal is to be provided by Australian coal producer Whitehaven Coal, with several mining companies contributing to the cause.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox says the ability of one of Australia’s thermal coal producers to provide vital support to the people of Ukraine highlights the significance of the sector.

“We are all horrified by what we are seeing unfold in Ukraine, where so many lives are being lost, and whole cities being destroyed in this bloody conflict,” Councillor Willcox said.

“So to see that Australia has been able to respond to a call for help from the Ukraine and supply thermal coal to keep power stations operating, providing electricity at a crucial time, is amazing.

“Those who work in the coal sector are under-appreciated in their own country for the work they do to provide us with these vital resources.

“Today those workers can take comfort from knowing that what they do can contribute in some small way to assisting the Ukrainian people, and I for one am proud of the work they do.”

Ukraine specifically requested assistance from the Australian Government and Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt has thanked Whitehaven Coal for providing this assistance so promptly.

“This will make a real difference for the people of Ukraine by providing continued energy security, ensuring continued electricity supply to homes and industry,” Minister Pitt said.

“Energy supply will be critical to Ukraine’s ability to sustain its people and to continue to defend itself against appalling Russian aggression.

“At a time of great need, the Ukrainian Government sought assistance from Australia and I’m very pleased we’ve been able to provide that support with the help of our resources sector.”

Whitehaven Coal released a statement on Sunday expressing pride in being able to contribute the donation.

“Whitehaven is proud to be a part of this humanitarian effort and to help deliver the inputs for essential energy and heating in circumstances of extreme and ongoing suffering for the people of Ukraine.

“In a very tight supply market, Whitehaven has been able to commit this important shipment while ensuring contracted customer demand is met.”

Whitehaven Coal will also contribute $250,000 to the Australian Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox have expressed their pride and gratitude towards Australia’s contributions to Ukraine

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