First train hits the tracks for Gold Valley
The first trainload of iron ore from Gold Valley's Wiluna West project in the Yilgarn hit the tracks this week, heading out of Kalgoorlie to the Port of Esperance for export.
Australia's largest rail freight operator, Aurizon is providing the rail services for Gold Valley under a 10-year haulage contract.
"Aurizon is thrilled to see the first train underway for our newest customer Gold Valley," said Neil Sutcliffe, Aurizon's General Manager Bulk West.
"Our train crews ensured a smooth and safe run down to Esperance for the inaugural service. We are looking forward to delivering for Gold Valley over the length of contract, and also in supporting their significant growth ambitions for the Yilgarn.
"The first trains will deliver more than 8,000 tonnes of iron ore for Gold Valley, with Aurizon ramping up to full capacity 160-wagon trains over coming weeks with a payload of some 12,000 tonnes per service.
"Aurizon won this contract by demonstrating the capability of our people and resources, including our rollingstock fleet and terminal infrastructure. We had been particularly pleased with the speed with which we have mobilised resources including additional terminal infrastructure for this valued customer.
"The Gold Valley contract means we can sustain long-term operations in Esperance and continue to provide strong support for the regional economy."
The Gold Valley executive and leadership team were on hand at Aurizon's Kalgoorlie facility to see the first train loaded, prior to departing for Esperance.
"Our first ore on rail is a significant achievement for the Gold Valley Group and marks an exciting time in the operation of the Wiluna West Iron Ore project," said Scott Meacock, Gold Valley's Chief Executive Officer.
"We are grateful to the Aurizon team for their dedication and commitment to reaching this outcome and we look forward to expanding the Wiluna West Iron Ore project and growing our relationship with Aurizon into the future."
Pictured left to right: Sam Treleaven (Regional Operations Manager, Aurizon), Andrew Clarke (Manager Growth, Aurizon), Scott Meacock (CEO, Gold Valley), Neil Sutcliffe (General Manager, Aurizon), Scott Dryland (Director, Pilbara Resource Group (PRG)), Scott Thompson (Director, PRG).
About Gold Valley:
The Gold Valley Group is an established, vertically integrated miner based in Perth, Western Australia. It leverages their operations, logistics and trading expertise to deliver pit-to-port solutions. The diversified asset portfolio includes iron ore, copper and gold and is focused on the tier one mining jurisdictions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Gold Valley acquired the entire Wiluna West Iron Ore project in 2024. Gold Valley has been operating this project since 2022. The Wiluna West Iron Ore Project, is an exceptional, direct shipping ore (DSO) iron ore development project. The project has a 2004 JORC Code compliant Resource totalling 130.3 million tonnes at an average iron grade of 60% Fe.
About Aurizon:
Aurizon (ASX: AZJ) is Australia's largest rail freight operator and an ASX-listed company. Each year, the Company transports more than 250 million tonnes of Australian commodities, connecting miners, primary producers and industry with international and domestic markets. It provides customers with integrated freight and logistics solutions across an extensive national rail and road network, traversing Australia.
