QR Coal

QR signs new long term haulage contracts with Xstrata Coal

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:56:00 GMT

National transport and logistics company QR today announced new long term coal haulage contracts with Xstrata Coal worth more than $2 billion.

Click�here to see the Ministerial Media Statement.

Northern Missing Link Project Moves Step Closer

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:22:02 GMT

The State Government has secured the future of the Northern Missing Link project after reaching agreement with two coal companies to get the $1.1 billion project off the ground.

Premier Anna Bligh said QR Network had agreed commercial principles with foundation coal company customers Lake Vermont and Bowen Central Coal for the Goonyella to Abbot Point (GAP) project.

"This project is the Suez Canal of the central Queensland coal industry - it will revolutionise coal transport in our State," said the Premier.

"What this deal means is that we now have certainty that both this project and up to 4,000 jobs will be delivered not only in construction but by opening up new export opportunities in the region.

"We are getting ahead of the demand for this infrastructure and the fact that two commercial companies have signed up means that what has been negotiated by QR is a reasonable and sustainable deal.

"I encourage other coal companies to get on board quickly. This project will support the $845 million expansion at the Abbot Point Coal terminal, which is underway and committed to by coal companies."

The project includes the 69-kilometre Northern Missing Link, which connects the Goonyella coal rail system to the Newlands rail system, as well as upgrades to the Newlands system.

"That means the line will have a capacity of 50 mtpa, which is the same capacity as the expanded Abbot Point Terminal," said the Premier.

"This project is essential for Queensland's economy and we will not wait - we will build now so we are ready for the growing global demand for our commodities."

Ms Bligh said pending the outcome of the final planning, the first work on site was expected on site near Moranbah to commence work by April 2010.

"By December QR will complete the final planning for the project, including detailed design and costing work and finalisation of commercial contracts," said the Premier.

"The completion date is targeted for January 2012 and approximately 500 new jobs are expected to be created in the construction industry alone."

QR Chief Executive Officer Lance Hockridge said it was a significant milestone for QR, foundation coal company partners and the Abbot Point Coal Terminal.

"Earlier this year due to the global economic crisis our customer demand for the project was lower than forecast but since then the market has bounced back and the long-term forecasts for export coal tonnages are strong," Mr Hockridge said.

"QR is working with our customers to help plan and build the transport infrastructure necessary to support this growth through projects such as GAP. This key project will support thousands of jobs in the mining and construction industry and be a key driver for economic growth in regional Queensland."

QR Network Executive General Manager Michael Carter said the rail infrastructure project was being developed using a commercial model agreed with foundation coal customers in a way that will deliver infrastructure that will support the growth of their industry.

He said pending the outcome of the final planning, work will commence immediately on building the Northern Missing Link allowing for additional customers while upgrades to the Newlands system will be undertaken progressively in line with customer requirements.

"The GAP project will increase rail capacity and allow mines from the Newlands and Goonyella rail systems to export up to 50 million tonnes of coal per annum via the Abbot Point Coal Terminal," Mr Carter said.

"The project will be built to meet the needs of the foundation coal customers. The upfront planning work has also been done in a way to enable further expansion of the project beyond the foundation customer needs should other customers wish to expand into this new corridor.

"We are strongly committed to developing and delivering rail infrastructure that supports our customers requirements, contributes to the Queensland economy and grows the QR Network business."

QR signs new long term coal haulage contract in Hunter Valley

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

National transport and logistics company QR today announced a new long term coal haulage contract with BHP Billiton subsidiary Hunter Valley Energy Coal Pty Ltd (HVEC).

Under the contract, QR's coal business, QRNational Coal, will transport from HVEC's Mount Arthur thermal coal mine (near Muswellbrook) to the Port of Newcastle, in line with the expansion of the mine, which is about 120 kilometres by rail from the port.

To support the expanded contract QRNational Coal will initially invest up to $60 million on new locomotives and wagons.

QRNational Coal will deliver the coal to the Port Waratah Coal Services terminal and to the new Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group terminal, in which BHP Billiton is a shareholder.

QR Chief Executive Officer Lance Hockridge said QR was pleased to continue its relationship with BHP Billiton.

"With this contract and two contracts recently announced with Peabody Energy and Felix Resources we will almost double our share of the Hunter Valley market to about 30%," Mr Hockridge said.

"Our continuing success in winning new business in a market we entered only in 2005 demonstrates we are bolstering our reputation as a safe, reliable and efficient service provider against a competitor with an established position in the Hunter Valley.

"With coal volumes to the Port of Newcastle forecast to double in size over the next 10 years we are committed to further extending our position by increasing our share of the market and capturing market growth.

"These attractive fundamentals explain why the Hunter Valley is one of the key areas we have targeted for growth as we continue our national expansion and pursue our vision of being a truly great Australian company and a world leader in rail and transport.

"The fact that we have already earmarked capital investment of more than $290 million in new rolling stock to support the Peabody and Felix contracts underlines the strength of our commitment to this market."

QR Launches National Recruitment Drive

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:57:00 GMT

National freight and logistics company QR is on the lookout for new coal train drivers - launching an Australia-wide recruitment campaign for people looking to join the market leader in their Queensland operations.

The company, Australia's premier coal haulier, has advertised in newspapers across the country this weekend for experienced train drivers who are looking for a new challenge.

QRNational Coal Executive General Manager Marcus McAuliffe said he expected there would be a high level of interest in the positions from people looking for a new, exciting career and lifestyle.

"Unprecedented demand and growth in the Queensland coal industry has placed us in the rare position of having to advertise for new coal train drivers," Mr McAuliffe said.

"QRNational Coal is undergoing an ambitious business reform to ensure we can take advantage of the huge growth opportunities before us.

"Last year QRNational Coal hauled 186 million tonnes of coal and ran more than 28,000 services for its customers, who rank among Australia's biggest companies.

"We're looking for the best of the best, so if you think you have what it takes then get in touch with us.

Mr McAuliffe said now was the perfect time to embrace a new lifestyle, and make the move to QR to enjoy the obvious benefits of the East coast.

Prospective drivers would need to have more than just an interest in trains. They'll need an open car driver licence; excellent communications skills; and intermediate numeracy, literacy and problem-solving skills. However, safety is the most important recruitment criteria.

"A commitment to safety is the most important thing we're looking for," Mr McAuliffe said.

"As the custodians of our trains, which are kilometres long and weigh many thousands of tonnes, it's essential that our drivers have the right attitude to safety, for themselves and others."

Discipline, communication skills and the willingness to work as part of a team are also important.

Train driver and Train Management Improvement Officer John Clayton encouraged prospective train drivers to grab the opportunity.

"This is a chance that doesn't come along too often, I love my job, it's a great lifestyle, it's secure and it's a great group of people to work with.

"I'm sure there are people who have often wondered, 'how do I get a job like that', well this is their chance.

"There have been great opportunities available to me within QR and I have worked through the train crew ranks, and I love working with the reef on my doorstep."

For more information visit www.qr.com.au/careers

For audio of train driver John Clayton, please click on the links below:

QR grows market share in the Hunter Valley

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:05:57 GMT

National transport and logistics company QR today announced a coal haulage contract with Felix Resources which extends its presence in the Hunter Valley.

Under the contract QR's coal business QRNational Coal will deliver up to 12 million tonnes of coal a year from Felix Resources' new Moolarben mine for 11� years from April 2010.

QRNational Coal will support the contract by investing approximately $190 million in locomotives and wagons.

This is addition to $110 million committed in support of the contract signed earlier this month in the Hunter Valley with a subsidiary of the world's largest private sector coal producer Peabody Energy.

QR Chief Executive Officer Lance Hockridge said the Hunter Valley was a growing market for QR.

"QRNational Coal commenced operations in the Hunter Valley in 2005," Mr Hockridge said.

"Since then we have significantly grown our market share by using the experience and expertise we have built up over many years in Queensland to offer stronger and more competitive arrangements than our competitor in the Hunter Valley.

"Our national footprint is continuing to grow in New South Wales and other markets and we will continue to explore new opportunities to enhance value for the Queensland Government as our owner."

QR's Executive General Manager Coal Marcus McAuliffe said QRNational Coal also hauled coal for Felix Resources in Queensland.

"We are pleased to extend our relationship with this growing company and win business against a competitor with more than 20 years' experience in the Hunter Valley," Mr McAuliffe said.

"It increases our leverage to a market offering strong growth prospects with demand for rail capacity to the Port of Newcastle forecast to more than double in the next decade.

"We have been building credibility and increasing our share of this important market as customers recognise that we understand their needs and are working hard to meet them.

"We are determined to remain a safe, reliable and efficient service provider for Felix Resources and all other customers."

Felix Resources Managing Director Brian Flannery said he was pleased to continue and expand the company's relationship with QRNational Coal.

"The Moolarben Mine is an important expansion for Felix, which is an 80% owner of the mine, and its joint venture partners Sojitz Corporation of Japan and a Korean consortium comprising the large electricity generator KEPCO and the Korean Government exploration company Kores," Mr Flannery said.

"Felix committed to this project last year and despite the economic slowdown has continued with construction.

"Over 200 contractors are working on this project with equipment being supplied from various businesses in New South Wales and interstate.

"QRNational Coal hauls all of our coal in Queensland to the port of Gladstone and will commence hauling Moolarben coal early in 2010 to the Port of Newcastle.

"Felix is also involved as a 15.4% shareholder in the new NCIG Coal Terminal at Newcastle.

"Felix and the Moolarben joint venture look forward to a long successful relationship with QRNational Coal."