TasRail has inked a deal which will see it transport iron ore from Venture Minerals Riley Creek Mine in Tasmania’s Tarkine region.
The announcement comes after a court challenge by environmentalists to halt mine’s development was dismissed last week.
Venture Minerals said it expects to begin work at the site in coming weeks.
TasRail will provide train services on the existing Melba Line, transporting ore through to the Burnie Port where the company will store it and provide ship loading services.
TasRail chief Damien White said the deal represents development opportunities for both companies.
“TasRail is the operator of critical economic freight infrastructure in Tasmania that is an enabler for existing and new major industries, and is well placed to provide high tonnage base load haulage for new mines,” White said.
“As TasRail owns and operates Tasmania’s only open access bulk ship loader facility at Burnie, the capacity to provide a vertically integrated bulk service for Venture, and support the development og jobs in the North-West region of Tasmania is a win-win.”
Tasmania’s Resources Minister Bryan Green has previously said the mine will contribute $40 million a year to the state’s economy.
The project is set to employ 60 people and run for two years.