Premier pledges coal supply to wary Japan

Original article by Jared Owens
The Australian – Page: 6 : 31-May-18

The Queensland Government has assured Japanese steel mills that a dispute between Aurizon Holdings and coal producers will not affect the state’s coal shipments. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has held talks with Japan’s Foreign Minister, Taro Kono, after warnings from some coal buyers that the dispute could prompt them to seek alternative suppliers. Palaszczuk and Queensland Resources Council CEO Ian Macfarlane have both urged Aurizon to engage with the Queensland Competition Authority to resolve the impasse.

CORPORATES
QUEENSLAND. DEPT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET, AURIZON HOLDINGS LIMITED – ASX AZJ, JAPAN. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, QUEENSLAND. COMPETITION AUTHORITY, QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL LIMITED, NIPPON STEEL AND SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION

Japan coal threat could cost jobs and billions

Original article by Jared Owens, Matt Chambers
The Australian – Page: 1 & 2 : 30-May-18

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation recently warned the Queensland Government that it may be forced to find alternative sources for coal due to a dispute between Aurizon Holdings and coal producers. It centres on the Queensland Competition Authority’s draft ruling on Aurizon’s coal rail network. Aurizon estimates that the ruling could reduce its coal haulage volumes by up to 20 million tonnes a year. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will give assurances to Japanese steel buyers that the state’s coal shipments will not be affected.

CORPORATES
AURIZON HOLDINGS LIMITED – ASX AZJ, QUEENSLAND. DEPT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET, NIPPON STEEL AND SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION, BHP BILLITON LIMITED – ASX BHP, RIO TINTO LIMITED – ASX RIO, GLENCORE PLC, QUEENSLAND. COMPETITION AUTHORITY, QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL LIMITED, LIBERAL-NATIONAL PARTY OF QUEENSLAND