Aurizon results improved by Hunter coal volumes

Coal shipments from the Hunter Valley have been named a major contributor to record breaking tonnage results released today by freight haulage company Aurizon.

 

Underlying earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) of $851 million are up 13 per cent year on year, mainly due to stronger coal and iron ore haulage volumes.

 

Aurizon says that although its coal revenue is flat year on year – despite the strong volume growth – it managed to achieve a 6% reduction in operating costs of its coal transportation fleet.

 

Aurizon have said it is unlikely to commission the much anticipated new maintenance facility for its Hunter Valley rail fleet until mid 2015. 

 

The company added that unfortunate delays in approvals have pushed the project back significantly.

 

The $100 million Hexham Train Support Facility (TSF) will support Aurizon’s growing Hunter Valley coal freight business and capacity pressures in the coal supply chain, due to increasing productivity at Hunter Valley coal mines.

 

Aurizon is an Associate Member of the NSW Minerals Council.

 

For more information on the company’s results go to Aurizon’s website.