Brockman, Aurizon ink rail deal

Brockman Mining Ltd has entered into a partnership with Aurizon Holdings to develop and operate the infrastruture required by the group for its Marillana and Ophthalmia projects. 

In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange, Brockman said it had entered a three-year relationship partnership with Aurizon, with the key objective being the development and implementation of a long-term rail haulage and port solution for transporting and exporting Brockman's iron ore.

Under the agreement, Aurizon will operate all rail, rolling stock and related infrastructure required by Brockman.

Brockman said the railway may take the form of a new heavy haul railway to be developed by Aurizon, a new railway developed by a third party,an existing railway operated by a third party, or a combination of these railways.

Brockman Australia’s chief executive officer Russell Tipper said he was pleased to secure the deal, which reinfoirces the group's continued focus on securing an economic and operationally feasible infrastructure haulage solution.

"I see Brockman and Aurizon as a logical partnership motivated to advance an infrastructure solution in the East Pilbara that will benefit all juniors," he said.

Brockman said the deal with Aurizon will complement and support previous studies undertaken previously by Aurizon, Brockman Australia and Atlas Iron Ltd regarding the development of the proposed East Pilbara Independent Railway.

It will also honour Brockman's Rail Access Proposal, the the NWI joint venture between Brockman Australia, Atlas and FerrAus, as well as a memorandum of understanding between Brockman and Tianjin Port Group.