Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA congratulates New Hope Group CEO and Managing Director Shane Stephan on an outstanding career, following an announcement this morning on his pending retirement.

Mr Stephan has worked in Queensland’s coal industry for four decades and was appointed CEO of New Hope Group in February 2014. His tenure will end on 31 August 2020 marking six-and-a half years in the role.

He has led the company through a series of acquisitions, a doubling of its sales tonnage and remarkable improvements in safety performance.

“Shane Stephan is well-known and highly regarded across Australia’s resources and energy industry,” Steve Knott AM, AREEA Chief Executive, said.

“He is a passionate advocate for Australia’s resources and energy sector and has played a significant industry leadership role, especially for Queensland.

“On behalf of AREEA I congratulate Shane Stephan for a fantastic career and thank him for his contribution to our industry.”

Mr Knott also reiterated AREEA’s call for the Queensland Government to approve the long-awaited Stage Three Expansion of New Hope Group’s New Acland Coal Mine.

“New Hope Group has been seeking approval for this expansion project for 13 years. After passing numerous environmental assessments, they are ready to go with 500 local jobs and $7 billion of economic value in the balance,” Mr Knott said.

“The lack of urgency from the Queensland Government is extraordinary. There is no justification for further delay on New Acland Stage Three, especially at a time when the state’s economy desperately needs a boost.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Thompson, 0409 781 580