The contract marks the second deal for the rail operator to transport coal to WICET, after winning a contract with Aquila Resources to haul 1.6Mtpa from its planned Washpool project to the coal terminal.
The contract will extend the ongoing partnership between QR National and Wesfarmers.
Currently, QR National has a contract with Wesfarmers Curragh mine to transport 8.5Mtpa of coal to the RG Tanna coal terminal and Barney Point coal terminal.
The new contract means QR National will haul up to 10Mtpa of coal from the Curragh mine to ports near Gladstone.
QR National managing director Lance Hockridge said he was pleased to continue the long-term relationship with Wesfarmers.
“QR National is absolutely committed to delivering a high level of customer service to Wesfarmers, with a strong focus on performance, reliability and safety,” Hockridge said.
Wesfarmers is expanding the Curragh mine to 8-8.5Mtpa of export coal. Completion and commissioning of the expansion is expected in the first quarter of 2012.
