WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED (ASX:WHC) PROJECT APPROVAL FOR NARRABRI...

WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED (ASX:WHC) PROJECT APPROVAL FOR NARRABRI NORTH COAL PROJECT

Whitehaven Coal is pleased to advise that it has today received Project Approval
for Stage 1 of the Narrabri North Coal Project from the NSW Minister for Planning,
The Hon Frank Sartor MP.

The Narrabri North Project covers approximately half of Whitehaven's Narrabri coal
tenement, which is located some 20 kilometres south of the town of Narrabri in the
North West of NSW.

Exploration of Whitehaven's Narrabri coal tenement has so far generated total coal
resources of some 438 million tonnes (Mt), of which the Narrabri North area
contains approximately 230 Mt.

Construction of the Narrabri North Project will commence in early 2008, with
exploration of the Narrabri South area to continue.

Managing Director, Keith Ross said that approval of the Narrabri North
development is a major milestone for Whitehaven Coal, as the Narrabri area is the
cornerstone of Whitehaven Coal's expansion plans.

More detailed information on the Narrabri Project, including coal resources and
reserves is contained in the attached extract from Whitehaven Coal's recent
investor presentation.