QR worked in close partnership with Rio Tinto subsidiary Pacific Coal in design and construction of rail infrastructure to service the Hail Creek mine. The site's branch line is 47km long with a "balloon loop" at the mine able to accommodate two trains (standard train configuration is five electric locos hauling 122 x 106t bottom dump wagons).

Rail infrastructure delivered by QR included track work, overhead traction wiring, power supply works, signalling, and telecommunications.

"This infrastructure is designed to the same standards as the (adjoining) Goonyella system to realise synergy of operation benefits for all parties," a QR spokesperson said.

"QR is dedicated to providing a flexible service wherever possible. To assist with the commencement of Hail Creek coal railings and the mine in meeting market commitments, QR Coal ran a diesel service until the commissioning of electrified infrastructure."

The first diesel coal train was loaded on August 1, 2003, and electric trains have been servicing the Hail Creek mine since October 22.

QR, which operates the rail service delivering coal from the mine to port, says it has also been flexible in meeting greater than expected railing demand from the mine. ConstructionEquipmentNews.net