BHP Inks Major Logistics Deal With Aurizon to Handle Australian Copper Shipments

By Rhiannon Hoyle

Rail-freight operator Aurizon Holdings said it has been awarded contracts by BHP Group to handle rail, road and port logistics for the mining giant's Australian copper operations.

The contracts are worth roughly 1.5 billion Australian dollars (US$973 million) in total anticipated revenue for Aurizon over a 10-year period, the rail company said.

"These contracts represent a major milestone in the delivery of Aurizon's bulk strategy," said Aurizon Chief Executive Andrew Harding. "It validates the company's decision to invest ahead of earnings through targeted acquisitions and infrastructure development, particularly in South Australia and the Northern Territory."

Aurizon will be responsible for services across BHP's Copper South Australia supply chain, including rail haulage, road transport and port management, among other tasks. The contracts are scheduled to begin in October and could run for up to 15 years, Aurizon said.

Write to Rhiannon Hoyle at rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com