The Middlemount Rail Spur, which directly links the Middlemount Coal Project to the Goonyella rail network, has officially commenced operations allowing exports through Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT).

 

Constructed by John Holland as part of the Middlemount Early Rail Alliance, the project scope includes the  construction of a 16.5 kilometre electrified rail spur that will enable up to 5.0 mtpa of coal to be transported to the port for international export.

 

Richard Stewart, General Manager of John Holland’s Rail Australia business, said the new infrastructure will provide a significant boost to Queensland’s economy, representing an important milestone for both John Holland and the mining and rail industries.

 

"The Middlemount Coal Project is the first greenfield project since 2007 to commence production in the Bowen Basin, and the first time a private company has delivered a privately-owned rail line that connects to the publicly-owned rail network in Queensland," Mr Stewart said.

 

He continued, "The successful completion of this project sets a new benchmark and provides an alternative to the traditional procurement and delivery models for new rail spur projects in Queensland," he said.

 

Gavin Stubbs, General Manager of John Holland’s Northern Region business acknowledged and congratulated the project team along with the other alliance partners, including Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd (Owner) and GHD (Designer).

 

"All works were self-delivered by the project team, with the collaborative efforts of all involved enabling the rail spur to open ahead of schedule, despite extreme wet weather hampering the first six months of construction."