In a significant move for Queensland’s coal supply chain, Martinus and Vitrinite have announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a fully integrated rail and haulage solution to support coal operations across the state’s key mining regions.
This newly formalised alliance is poised to address one of the coal sector’s most pressing challenges—efficient transport—from pit to port, combining above-rail services and purpose-built infrastructure to create a streamlined, cost-effective system.
Martinus and Vitrinite leadership teams finalise MoU on-site in Queensland. Image: Mongkolchon/stock.adobe.com
A Breakthrough in Coal Transportation
Through their rail collaboration, Martinus and Vitrinite plan to deliver a full-service logistics network designed to move large volumes of coal from Vitrinite’s operations in Queensland’s Bowen Basin—an area globally recognised for its premium metallurgical coal. The joint approach involves both Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) and Finance-Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (FBOOT) frameworks—offering flexibility depending on the scale and nature of the projects.
Martinus will be responsible for constructing the critical rail infrastructure, while Vitrinite will continue to lead mining operations. The companies have also flagged a shared focus on long-term sustainability and future-proofing their logistics model with minimal environmental disruption.
> “We’re not just building tracks—we’re laying down a new standard for coal transport in Australia,” said Treaven Martinus, CEO of Martinus. “This partnership will allow for better control over delivery schedules, improved efficiency, and reduced reliance on aging infrastructure.”
Haulage corridors under review for future rail alignment in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
Photo: ARTC:
Securing Future Supply Chains with Smart Rail Strategy
The MoU is seen as a crucial step in securing above-rail access tailored to Vitrinite’s haulage needs—offering the potential to reduce operational bottlenecks and boost export reliability. The rail plan will not only support coal from existing sites, but will also be expandable to cover future mines as Vitrinite continues to grow its footprint in the region.
> “We’re taking a holistic approach,” said Lee Morrissey, Managing Director at Vitrinite. “It’s about logistics that evolve with our mining operations and position us for the long haul.”
Morrissey added that the project offers a high degree of autonomy—especially at a time when the broader industry is experiencing constraints due to third-party infrastructure limitations and escalating transport costs.
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A Model Built on Flexibility: BOOT and FBOOT Explained
What sets this partnership apart is the financial and operational model. The blend of BOOT and FBOOT agreements gives both parties room to scale and adapt the rail solution to various project stages, from greenfield development to expansion phases.
Under the BOOT model, Martinus would construct and operate the rail system for a defined period before transferring ownership. The FBOOT model extends this by incorporating external financing, allowing large-scale infrastructure delivery with capital efficiency.
According to Jonathon Shwabsky, CFO at Martinus, “These models allow us to share risk, manage lifecycle costs, and deliver long-term value for both partners and regional stakeholders.”
Surveyors assess potential rail corridor alignments for the Martinus-Vitrinite project.
Source: [Industry Queensland]
Industry Impact and Regional Growth
This development is poised to reshape coal logistics across Queensland, influencing both infrastructure planning and broader supply chain strategies. Improved transport infrastructure is not only critical for Vitrinite’s success, but could also provide third-party miners in the region with shared logistics pathways, boosting regional productivity.
The project is projected to create construction and operations jobs, enhance export reliability, and encourage future private-public collaboration in resource infrastructure planning.
Energy analysts note that this move reflects a broader trend in the mining industry—where mining companies and infrastructure providers work hand-in-hand to secure more resilient supply chains amidst market volatility and climate-linked disruptions.
Looking Ahead: From MoU to Milestones
While the MoU marks the beginning of this partnership, both Martinus and Vitrinite have signalled aggressive timelines for moving toward feasibility assessments, environmental approvals, and preliminary design work. Construction timelines will be released in upcoming months, depending on regulatory progress and alignment with Vitrinite’s production roadmap.
> “This is just the start,” said Martinus. “With the right partnerships and planning, we can shape the future of coal logistics not just for our companies—but for the entire region.”
