Aurizon and Ensham sign new coal haulage agreement
Aurizon and Ensham have signed a new long-term contract for the haulage of coal in Central Queensland, extending their current relationship until 2024.
Aurizon Executive Vice President Paul Scurrah said the new performance-based agreement is for 5.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of coal to be railed between Ensham’s mine in Central Queensland to the Port of Gladstone.
“While we had an existing agreement until 2015, Ensham and Aurizon decided to re-commit to our business relationship now, as the new agreement will generate increased value for both parties,” Mr Scurrah said.
“Under this new arrangement Aurizon can better meet Ensham’s demand for services to align with its mine production in both the short and long term.”
Ensham Director, Mr Koji Arai said the new agreement is an important step in securing the long term future of the mine.
“This agreement aligns Ensham’s haulage arrangements with the changing needs of the business,” Mr Arai said.
“We are pleased to take this opportunity to extend our long term business relationship with Aurizon”.
The new agreement is effective from April 2013.
Aurizon is Australia's largest rail freight company with services operating across five states. In 2011/12, Aurizon transported more than 250 million tonnes of freight, including coal, iron ore, other minerals, agricultural products and general freight. The company also operates and manages the 2,670 kilometre Central Queensland Coal Network that links mines to coal ports at Bowen, Mackay and Gladstone. Previously known as QR National, Aurizon has more than 147 years of rail freight industry experience.