The 10-year contract, which covers the transport of coal from Cockatoo’s Baralaba and Wonbindi mines, also extends an existing contract for 500,000 tonnes per annum through RG Tanna at Gladstone.

QR National commercial and marketing executive vice president Paul Scurrah said the company was committed to growing its business with its customers and backing its capability with performance-based contracts.

“We are pleased to grow our relationship with Cockatoo Coal and look forward to working together to deliver our joint growth objectives,” he said.

The rail haulage contract is the third secured by QR National for tonnages to the WICET, which is due to begin operations in 2014.

In 2010-11, QR National transported more than 240Mt of freight, including coal, iron ore, other minerals, agricultural products and general freight.

It also operates and manages the 2600km central Queensland coal network that links mines to coal ports at Bowen, Mackay and Gladstone.