The Hunter Valley coal rail lines to Newcastle, the world’s biggest coal export port, were partially reopened on March 24th after the cessation of heavy rain in New South Wales, Australia, Australian Rail Track Corp (ARTC) said on Wednesday March 24th. The rains had been falling for about a week.
Coal rail deliveries to the Port of Newcastle had been suspended last Thursday March 18th after the heavy rains caused the worst floods for at least 50 years.
“Coal services have resumed in a limited capacity following minor restoration works, which were carried out during a six hour work window on Wednesday morning after flood waters receded at Sandgate,” the ARTC said.
Limited operations between Newcastle and Maitland have reopened. ARTC said it would continue to assess conditions as it progresses toward a full return to service. The network between Narrabri North and Moree currently remained closed,
The Hunter Valley rail network serves mines run by leading mining companies that include BHP, Glencore, New Hope Corp, Whitehaven Coal and Yancoal Australia.
The Port of Newcastle was forced to slow ship movements earlier in the week, but said on Wednesday that it was continuing to operate.