first and foremost because production is lagging and since it is quoted on a per ton basis unit cost will be higher, it should be known to any investor in a mining company that a high proportion of overall cost os fixed. Once production is back on track (post omicron absenteeism, labour shortage, geological challnges at narrabri) cost per ton will come down again).
Secondly it goes without saying that whc, like anyone else is facing the consequences of the massive inflation and supply chain constraints affecting the world today. Think wages, supplies, contractors, fuel, equipment) Surely this will lead to higher overall cost BUT since this pertains to all producers it will not affect whc competitiveness. It will simply cause the market to bottom at a higher level in the next downcycle, which will happen but hopefully is still a couple of years away.
Lastly it should be noted that production and logistics constraints have affected most coal producers around the globe and for a large part have lead to the record high price environment we are all enjoying. The impact of 5-10usd in unit cost is literally dwarfed by the increase in turnover caused by the record prices. In other words you can't look at any of these things in isolation
So instead your depressing headline I rather go by "outstanding results, slightly offset by anticipated inflationary pressure, outstanding prospects ahead"
(20min delay)