The 200-kilometres narrow-gauge rail will be one of the largest privately-funded railways in the country, connecting the mine to port via existing rail infrastructure.

Bravus’ contractors started laying the track this week at a rate of between 900 metres and 1.2 kilometres of track per day, at each end of the railway line simultaneously.

The track materials, including girders, steel, sleepers and ballast were all produced in Australia and will be placed by local contractors.

The rail workers camps were constructed by Australian company Decmil. Martinus Rail and BMD is delivering railway earthworks and civil works, the girders will be delivered by Rockhampton-based Stresscrete, the sleepers have been built in Rockhampton and the track steel is Australian made.

Bravus chief executive officer David Boshoff said this highlighted the company’s commitment to benefit local jobs and businesses through the Carmichael project.

So far, Bravus has delivered more than 88 per cent of its $1.5 billion worth of contracts in Queensland and has created more than 2000 jobs in the Sunshine State.

“Bravus Mining and Resources is using Australian materials and contractors so that the jobs and economic benefits of our privately funded rail infrastructure go straight back into the Australian economy,” Boshoff said.

“Our high-quality Australian products used on the track will literally be the backbone of the railway for decades to come.”

With the rail-laying milestone hit, Boshoff and the team are excited to be another step closer to completing the Carmichael project.

“Every week we are reaching exciting new major milestones on the Carmichael mine and rail projects,” he said. “We are on track and looking forward to producing first coal in 2021.”