Coal deliveries to Queensland's largest coal export port of Gladstone haven't fully recovered as the Blackwater coal rail system was still in suspension after a locomotive collided the rear of Aurizon coal-transporting train on June 18.
The Blackwater system links several mines in Bowen Basin of central Queensland to two export terminals of Gladstone –RG Tanna Coal Terminal and the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal.
Gladstone shipped 70.52 million tonnes of coal in 2020, or around 193,000 tonnes per day. Hard coking coal typically accounts for around a third of Gladstone's total exports, with lower-grade coking coal and thermal coal each accounting for a third.
The debris is under recovery from the accident and the line will remain closed until it is cleared and safe for trains to pass, according to the Queensland Coal Network operator Aurizon.
It is unclear how long the line will be closed as it is contingent on police investigations, although it is likely to be less than a week.
The Moura system, also connecting with Gladstone, continued to operate and deliver lower grade coking coal and PCI from Dawson and Baralaba mines.
Some miners can chose to send coal northward to ports of Dalrymple Bay, Hay Point and Abbot Point via Goonyella rail system, but this will need some time to arrange in terms of rail and port systems' capacity.
(Writing by Rebecca Liu Editing by Alex Guo)
For any questions, please contact us by inquiry@fwenergy.com or +86-351-7219322.