NRW in $50m QLD coal deal

Welshpool-based mining contractor NRW Holdings has won a $50 million contract to undertake preliminary works at the Middlemount coal project in Queensland.

The preliminary works contract will provide for initial operational works until December 31 at the Middlemount joint venture, which is operated by Macarthur Coal and Gloucester Coal.

NRW will continue negotiations with Middlemount Coal to establish a five year mining contract.

"The preliminary contract with Middlemount further strengthens the diversification strategy that NRW has been pursuing in terms of both client and commodity," NRW chief executive Jules Pemberton said in a statement to the ASX.

"It is also particularly pleasing for our Queensland team headed by east coast GM Shaun Lucas, who led negotiations with Middlemount.

NRW now has significant operations in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and West Africa.