Disputes over the $2.3 billion Eagle Downs hard coking coal project in Queensland threatens a billion dollar Queensland Rail (QR) expansion, with Aquila Resources and Bowen Central Coal (BCC) disputing the infrastructure arrangements.
Disputes over the infrastructure terms resulting in the use of the Dalrymple terminal in Mackay instead of the expanded Abbot Point coal terminal could push exports for the project back from 2012 to 2015. The Eagle Downs hard coking project had been selected as a foundation customer by Queensland Rail for the Goonyella Abbot Point expansion to connect the Bowen Basin rail infrastructure, through to the Abbot Point coal terminal.
QR spokesman Mike Carter issued a statement counter to the speculation that the rail link was under threat.
“We have a number of customers for the GAP project, including the Northern Missing Link, and at this stage the project remains committed to proceeding, with construction expected to start in early April,” Mr Carter said.
“We have a range of customers, our project is on schedule, it’s aligned to a 50-million-tonne per annum project and we’ll have that ready to go in early 2012.”
