Rail operator Aurizon Holdings Limited
(ASX:AJZ) says year-on-year coal output has dipped for the June quarter and drops in iron ore delivery for financial year 2015 are also expected.
Output of coal for the June quarter came in at 52.1 tonnes, one per cent lower than the previous corresponding period. Iron ore output also sagged by one per cent.
Lower freight volumes are expected next financial year due to the end of two contracts. June quarter contractual railings were down 11 per cent on last year with bulk volumes shedding 15 per cent.
The disappointing results have been attributed to the Indonesian embargo on nickel exports, lower grain volumes in Queensland and unexpected mine maintenance that impacted production.
Aurizon reported losses of $41 million for the half year to the end of December 2013
