This project, which was known for many years as the Northern Missing Link represents a major milestone for expansion of the Queensland coal industry. As a result of this endorsement by the government, Macarthur Coal has been advised that QR Network has executed a 15 year take or pay contract with Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd. This contract is for track access of up to 3 million metric per year (mtpy) from the Middlemount mine to Abbot Point from January 1, 2012. The 3 million mtpy rail access arrangement matches the 3 million mtpy Abbot Point Port contract previously secured by Macarthur Coal. This will provide the Middlemount mine and Macarthur Coal with access to an expanded port and diversification from the existing Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal. Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd. has appointed an alliance to design and construct a dedicated rail loop to service the Middlemount mine. Subject to approvals, it is expected the loop will be commissioned in the second half of 2011.

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