Who we are
Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources.
Our business
- Australia
- Southern Africa
- South America
  - Brazil Alumina
  - Cerro Matoso
- Exploration & projects
  - Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal
  - Hermosa
- Marketing
- Our commodities
South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company producing bauxite, alumina, aluminium, energy and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc in Australia, Southern Africa and South America.
Community & society
We’re a business with a purpose and believe trust and transparency are essential to the way we operate. That means being in touch with the broader community – considering different perspectives and working together to create shared value.
Environment
We work hard to be responsible stewards of the environment and treat natural resources with care so that they are available for future generations. Successful environmental management is essential to our business.
People & careers
Our people are the foundation of our success and the key to our sustainability and productivity. Together, we create an inclusive workplace where we hold ourselves and each other to account to demonstrate our values.
Investors & media
- Investor centre
- Media centre
Keep up to date with our latest news and announcements.

History and location

Our Illawarra Metallurgical Coal operations are in the Illawarra and Wollondilly regions of the southern coalfields of New South Wales, about 75 kilometres south of Sydney.

Steeped in coal mining history dating back more than 150 years, the region’s first coal mines opened in the early nineteenth century.

Soon after, collieries were developed to mine coal for the growing local steel industry and labourers settled into the area, bringing their families with them. Roads, schools and hospitals followed, and communities flourished.

It is a legacy etched into the way of life.

Our history of coal mining around these parts began in 1935 at Wongawilli Colliery.

Big things beneath the surface

Over the years we have modernised coal mining at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal making it safer and more efficient.

Our underground mines at Appin and Dendrobium produce high quality metallurgical coal used for steelmaking. As a by-product, we also supply small amounts of coal for energy.

Everything is processed at our plants at West Cliff and Dendrobium, before being transported by road and rail down to Port Kembla in Wollongong. From there it is shipped off around Australia-and the world.

We also look after the Port Kembla Coal Terminal.

Coal

Safer walking and cycling now a reality

We've helped provide the community with a pedestrian and cycle pathway network, giving locals a much safer and healthier way to get around.

Playing our part

We're pleased to be a part of the community, working together on big projects and lending a hand when needed, and we're proud to support two community programs that will deliver long-term benefits.

These are:

Illawarra Coal Community Partnerships Program
Dendrobium Community Enhancement Program

We also have two groups dedicated to talk to the community about our operations.

These are:

Illawarra Coal Community Consultative Committee
Dendrobium Community Consultative Committee

Exploring the world of science

More than 900 budding young students showcased their projects at the University of Wollongong annual fair.

Appin mine site tour

To keep our investors and analysts up to date with our operations, we hosted a site tour of the Appin mine.

40 years on from the Appin mine disaster

In remembrance of the victims, we held a commemorative event at the Appin Mine Memorial Garden

Contact

Get in touch with Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

Wayne Bull, Vice President Operations

Wayne has worked in the resources industry for more than 40 years. He began his career in the United Kingdom before moving to Australia in the 1990s and working in senior leadership roles, including a period as Development Manager at Dendrobium mine under BHP’s ownership. Wayne joined South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal in 2017 and previously worked as General Manager Dendrobium Mine, where he helped to restructure the mine and coal preparation plant operations and improved health and safety. Prior to his appointment to Vice President Operations, Wayne was General Manager Appin Mine, where he helped the mine return to strong operating performance.

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

Level 3, Enterprise 1 Building,
Innovation Campus, Squires Way,
North Wollongong, 2500
New South Wales
Australia
Phone: +61 2 4286 3000

Community Call Line: 1800 102 210