PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Australian infrastructure owner Asciano has signed a ten-year, A$775-million contract with Anglo American to move 16,5-million tons a year of coal through Queensland, starting in 2012.

Asciano said in a statement on Tuesday that it would haul 10,9-million tons a year from Anglo American’s German Creek facility, which is currently being serviced by Queensland Rail. The agreement also provided that the existing 5,75-million tons a year from the Moranbah North mine would also be hauled.

Asciano anticipated that it would have hauled 14-million tons of coal in Queensland once it completed its first full year of operations at the end of June.

“Our unique commercial structure is driving positive performance outcomes for all our customers and this is being recognised by both existing customers and potential customers in Queensland,” said Asciano MD and CEO Mark Rowsthorn.

Asciano would procure four new train sets to service the additional volumes for Anglo American.