Excerpt concerning Legend and Rail Transport....

http://www.logisticsmagazine.com.au/Article/In-for-the-long-haul/493069.aspx

Ken Lewsey says one of the major bulk freight opportunities for QR was on the North West Corridor of Queensland between Townsville and Mount Isa, where QR has been operating since 1929.

“ARG is formally taking over this line, bringing its operational, technical and commercial expertise to an area which hosts some of the world’s largest deposits of base metals and other minerals,” he says.

“Before the global downturn, mineral production in this region was forecast to double and even allowing for the current environment it remains highly prospective.

“Growth looks especially strong in the non-traditional commodities of phosphate and Further information: Garry West QR Corporate Affairs Ph: 07 3235 7725 0418 359 672

“With a proven operating model adapted to the needs of commercial bulk freight business ARG will ensure QR is the competitive force it needs to be on this corridor and is able to leverage off this growth.”

A growth opportunity being pursued by QR is with Legend International which plans to export phosphate rock via the Mount Isa to Townsville rail network.

“Legend is developing a five million tonnes per year phosphate rock mine based on the Georgina and McArthur Basins in Queensland which some of the largest undeveloped phosphate deposits in the world,” Mr Lewsey said. “Legend is working closely with both QR and ARG towards finalising a solution.

“QR has recently produced the Mount Isa – Townsville Rail Infrastructure Master Plan which describes how increased capacity will be achieved on this section of the network.”