The Northern Territory continues to cement itself as the investment capital of Australia.
Australia’s largest rail freight business Aurizon and mining company Northern Iron have signed an agreement to transport magnetite to Darwin Port.
This agreement will result in 1.2 million tonnes per annum of magnetite going over the rail line from Tennant Creek to Darwin Port, increasing exports, supporting mines, and boosting our economy.
To accommodate this, a railway siding and stockpile hardstand is slated for construction 18km north of Tennant Creek, marking the first such development in the NT in two decades.
This initiative is pivotal in amplifying rail efficiency and broadening the capacity for diverse freight transport, aiming to better environmental results and diminish carbon emissions from transportation.
Magnetite freight is expected to commence the 1,000km journey to Darwin Port in March 2024.
This venture aligns with the Northern Territory Government’s $440 million Regional Logistics Hubs project. Recognised on the Infrastructure Australia priority list, the Regional Logistics Hubs initiative underscores the necessity for strategically positioned terminals, rail sidings, and warehousing structures along the Darwin – Tarcoola rail corridor.
Aurizon’s and Northern Iron’s agreement alongside the Territory Governments Regional Logistics Hubs will support the development and operation of projects in resources, agriculture, renewable energy and construction, which is essential to achieve the NT Government’s goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030.
Quote attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning & Logistics, Eva Lawler:
“Aurizon have been in the Territory since early 2022 and are the leading rail freight business in Australia.
“Like the Territory Governments Regional Logistics Hubs project, this deal will increase exports, boost the economy and reduce our carbon footprint.
“This is another step forward in the journey to our goal of a $40 billion economy.”
Quote attributable to Aurizon General Manager Bulk Central, Matt Jones:
“Aurizon is delighted to be selected as the rail partner for Northern Iron, supporting their first shipments of magnetite to Asian markets.
“This is the first major contract won by Aurizon in the Northern Territory since acquiring the rail and infrastructure business in 2022. It builds on a number of contract renewals by Aurizon over the past year to support the growth of our existing customers along the Adelaide to Darwin corridor.
“We look forward to supporting Northern Iron’s growth in coming years, as part of the broader expansion of the region’s resource base and in contributing to the NT Government’s goal of building a $40 billion economy by 2030.
“Aurizon’s major investment in central Australia recognises the strategic value and potential of the business in serving rapidly-growing markets for resources, agribusiness, renewable energy and general freight.
“Aurizon sees the 2240-kilometre Tarcoola to Darwin railway as a nationally-significant corridor with direct connection to the Port of Darwin, the closest port to Australia’s largest trading partners in Asia.
“We are also investing in new equipment and facilities on our lease at the Port of Darwin, including two mobile harbour cranes. Aurizon is establishing a stevedoring operation at the port to provide customers with an integrated supply chain solution direct to ship.”
Quote attributable to Northern Iron Managing Director, Rob Morrow:
“The awarding of this contract is a major milestone for the project and both companies.
“We acknowledge Aurizon as a key enabling partner for the Warrego Rehabilitation Project as part of Northern Iron’s strategy to retain investment in the Territory and support companies that are contributing to the growth of the region.
“This strategic partnership will provide the critical logistic capabilities needed to get our magnetite product to market where steel producers create a higher quality steal product using less ore and producing less emissions and waste by-products.”
Northern Territory Government
