Aurizon secures NSW coal haulage agreement with BHP Billiton

Aurizon has secured a long-term contract extension with BHP Billiton for its Mt Arthur coal mine in the Hunter Valley, Australia, to June 2028.

The Mt Arthur coal opencast thermal coal mine is located near the town of Muswellbrook in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley coal region, approximately 130 km northwest of Newcastle.

The contract allows for a potential increase in Aurizon’s coal haulage volumes from the current 18 million tpa up to a maximum of 26 million tpa. The varied contract delivers a modern and flexible agreement for both BHP Billiton and Aurizon.

Aurizon EVP Commercial & Marketing Mauro Neves said: “Aurizon is delighted to extend its long-term relationship with BHP Billiton in New South Wales. BHP Billiton was Aurizon’s foundation customer in the Hunter Valley when we commenced operations in the region in 2005.”

“The recent opening of our AUS$180 million Hexham Train Support Facility in Newcastle is a signal of our commitment and confidence in the local coal industry. The facility has strengthened our business to support the growth and future success of our customers,” Neves continued.

Aurizon has experienced significant growth since commencing operations in the Hunter Valley in 2005, hauling 42.9 million t of coal during FY 2015 with a workforce of approximately 330 employees.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/14032016/aurizon-secures-nsw-coal-haulage-agreement-with-bhp-billiton-383/