¶ NEGOTIATIONS to ensure the continued existence of Griffin Coal are actively continuing ahead of the expiration of the State Government’s bailout package next year.
Despite the ongoing and deep-rooted challenges facing the embattled miner, Griffin receivers and managers remain confident a commercial solution can be reached ahead of June 30, 2026.
Receiver and manager Sean Holmes told the Bulletin Griffin remains in discussions with key clients Bluewaters Power and South32.
“The government has been very clear in its broader narrative that to find an appropriate solution beyond June 30, 2026 the parties need to come to a commercial arrangement,” Mr Holmes said.
“But, in order to get an extension of the state agreement, which is the most important thing to continue the life of the operation, those parties need to pay a commercial rate.”
The government has committed more than $308 million in support for Griffin, but has remained steadfast regarding next year’s funding cut-off date.
Premier Roger Cook last month lashed out at the inability of Griffin and Bluewaters to reach an arrangement, labelling it a “disgrace”. 
Mr Cook told parliament the government wants the “parties to sort themselves out so that they can get on and mine coal at a commercial rate and people can produce power at a commercial rate”.
Mr Holmes said work is continuing to provide clarity about Griffin’s future as soon as possible. 
“We’re actively working with each of the customers, the unions, other critical stakeholders, including the banking syndicate, and, most importantly, the government to actively find a commercial solution to ensure Griffin continues beyond June 30, 2026,” he said.
Griffin general manager operations João Paulo Da Silva Fernandes said supply contracts recently entered into with Tronox and Iluka Resources are a positive step forward.
“They have both demonstrated that they have a requirement for coal beyond June 2026, extending up until 2035 and beyond,” Mr Fernandes said.
“We are invested in making sure Griffin has a future beyond June 2026 and that is the absolute focus.”