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Carmichael Rail project construction continues with strict measures to manage COVID-19 risk

21 April 2020

Construction of Adani’s Carmichael mine and rail project is continuing, with railway and mine works being undertaken in line with strict measures to manage the risk of the COVID-19 virus.  Adani has awarded a $220+ million civil construction contract for the Carmichael Rail Network to Australian rail company Martinus, to build a critical section of the railway.  Adani Mining CEO Lucas Dow said the contract with Martinus would deliver approximately 600 new jobs, which was more important than ever as the community braces to withstand the economic shifts being brought about by the COVID-19 virus.  “We’re following all advice from Queensland Health and the Federal Government and doing all we can to keep our people and the community safe,” Mr Dow said.  “We also understand how important it is to continue our operations where safe and practicable to provide certainty of employment for our staff and contractors.  “I want to make it clear that the health and safety of our staff is our first priority, however where we are able to continue to operate safely and in line with advice, we will do so.  “We have implemented measures including social distancing, health screening and increased hygiene, in the hope that more of our contractors, suppliers and the businesses who depend on us can also weather the storm, keeping their doors open, services running, and importantly provide certainty of employment.  “At a time when our country is facing some of its toughest challenges, we’re determined to deliver on our commitments of jobs and opportunities.  “Despite a sustained nine-year campaign, anti-coal activists have failed to stop our project going ahead. Their recent claims that contractors have pulled out of our project are false and we remain on track to create more than 1500 direct jobs during the construction and ramp up of our project and some further 6,750 indirect jobs.”  The $220+ million civil construction contract is the second major package of works awarded to Martinus, following the $100 million contract announced in October 2019.  “Martinus will base their workforce out of Rockhampton and Townsville, delivering a big win to regional Queenslanders and these local economies in particular,” Mr Dow said.  “We’re very pleased to extend our relationship with Martinus and look forward to the Rail project ramping up over the coming weeks and months.”  The civil components of this contract includes the delivery of 86-kilometres of rail formation works, a road over rail bridge, nine waterway bridges, more than 200 culverts and 35 rail crossings.  Martinus CEO and Managing Director Treaven Martinus said the team is delighted to continue its involvement with the Carmichael project, which will provide new employment opportunities for the people of regional Queensland.  “Our focus has been to be the best large-scale railway construction contractor in Australia and being a part of this project enables us to fulfil that vision,” Mr Martinus said.  “In October 2019, Martinus was awarded the track works package to deliver approximately 200-kilometres of narrow-gauge rail from the Carmichael Mine to the existing rail infrastructure.  “Delivering both the civil and track works will ensure a smooth transition from earthworks to track construction.  “Our 600-strong project delivery workforce will be based in Townsville and Rockhampton and partnering with local and other regional Queensland businesses and people, while also upholding the highest standards of project delivery across environmental and safety conditions.”  Assembly of Adani’s first mining trucks is now also complete, with two heavy vehicles having left Mackay to make the 300km+ trip to the Carmichael Mine site this week.  “Each truck requires a team of about 40 men and women to complete the assembly, over an approximately 10-week period,” Mr Dow said.  “These are the first of more than two dozen trucks being assembled in Mackay, requiring the skills of trade qualified HV electricians, diesel fitters and auto electricians.”  (ENDS) Download PDF...