[3] FMG originally planned to use the existing railway lines, owned and operated by BHP and Rio Tinto, to develop its Cloud Break mine deposit.

[1] The line was scheduled to be fully operational within 18 months, but a cyclone in March 2007 killed two workers at the project and led to delays.

[5] The journey from mine to port takes approximately five hours, and on average fourteen trains are operated per day.

[4] Before deciding to construct its own line, in June 2004 FMG lodged an application with the National Competition Council of Australia to use part of the Goldsworthy and Mount Newman railways.

[7][8] Treasurer Wayne Swan suggested that several advantages would accrue from access to the rail lines by third parties.