On May 27 QR ran the first of an estimated 17 000 trains it will operate from Felix Resources new Moolarben coal mine to the Port of Newcastle during an 11½ year haulage contract worth AUD 870 million.

QR National Coal is spending AUD 190 million on locomotives and wagons to support the contract which covers the movement of up to 12 million tonnes of coal a year from the mine in the Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Further long term contracts with Hunter Valley Energy Coal coming into force in 2011 to 2012 will give QR National 30% share of the Hunter Valley market.

(Sourced from www.railwaygazette.com)