Brockman Mining has signed a three year relationship agreement with Aurizon that will see the rail operator develop and operate rail and port infrastructure for the company’s two Pilbara iron ore projects.
Brockman said the binding agreement meant Aurizon would be the exclusive supplier to develop and operate the infrastructure required for its Marillana and Ophthalmia mines under long term agreements to be negotiated for the life of the mine.
Aurizon will operate all rail, rolling stock and related infrastructure required by the mine projects and develop port facilities.
"The relationship agreement provides that the railway may be a new heavy haul railway to be developed by Aurizon (East Pilbara Independent Railway), a new railway developed by a third party, an existing railway operated by a third party, or a combination of these railways (or parts of these railways)," Brockman said in a statement.
Brockman said the agreement would complement and support ongoing efforts to secure access to FMG's rail and port infrastructure, the North West Infrastructure joint venture with Atlas and FerrAus to facilitate construction of a port and an agreement with Tianjin Port Group concerning port facilities at Port Hedland.
Brockman Australia’s chief executive Russell Tipper said the agreement with Aurizon reinforced the company's focus on securing an economic and operationally feasible infrastructure haulage solution for its mines.
"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.
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