Storm hits coal figures

WESFARMERS has posted a 3.2 per cent drop in coal production during the June quarter, mainly due to the impact of Cyclone Debbie on the rail network in Queensland, which had a flow-on impact on mine operations.

Metallurgical coal production was down 10.1 per cent from the previous quarter to 2.04 million tonnes, while thermal coal production, mostly from New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, rose 14.4 per cent to 1.015 million tonnes.

Shares in the group yesterday rose 4¢ to $40.29.