Simulation of Queensland coal rail operations

Queensland is Australia´s biggest coal export state, accounting for almost 50% of global traded coking coal and 10% of global traded thermal coal. Significant increases in throughput are required in response to global demand. Coal rail systems provide common infrastructure for a large number of independently operated mines and multiple domestic and export coal terminals. Coal train movements are typically unscheduled, driven by varying mine demand and are complex due to yard and port constraints. The unique complications and unscheduled nature of the rail operations make the challenge of simulating the operations beyond most commercially available rail simulation software, which are generally timetable driven with some localized conflict resolution. This case study describes the development of a simulation model capable of capturing the complexities of the coal rail system and the use of the model as a tool to support decision making for infrastructure upgrades and operational changes.