Higher losses didn't prevent coal miner New Hope Corp from hiking the payout to its chief executive, as much of the surge in the coal price of the past few months bypassed the company.

The chief executive, Shane Stephan, received $1.4 million in annual remuneration for the year to July up from $1.3 million a year earlier, his second year running the company.

The sale to Soul Pattinson has triggered investor concerns that the ethical investment approach of the Hunter Hall funds could be at risk, since Soul Pattinson controls New Hope, one of the country's largest coal miners. Credit:Anthony Taylor

In the latest financial year the company's net loss ballooned to $53.4 million from $21.8 million, largely due to acquisition costs and asset impairment charges. New Hope last year spent $865 million to buy a 40 per cent stake in the Bengalla coal mine in the Hunter Valley, a steaming coal exporter, backing its optimistic view of the outlook for offshore demand.

The company reckons there will be strong demand for its coal in Asia, to fuel ongoing strong growth of their economies.