Under the terms of the deal, Aurizon will provide services, including the supply of rolling stock for iron ore transport between the mine and the Port of Esperance.

The miner said Aurizon already had rolling stock available; it was previously utilised by other iron ore operators in the region, including 325 wagons. The fleet is fit for the purpose and compatible with the port's infrastructure.

The agreement is a major aspect of Lake Giles' logistics, officials noted, and comes just after Macarthur confirmed a life-of-mine off-take deal with Glencore International for the project's iron ore sales, beginning when it reaches commercial production.

Macarthur confirmed Aurizon was selected due to its supply chain experience, safety, operating capability and expertise in bulk rail freight. It also has facilities in place at the Port of Esperance.

"Macarthur is pleased to be working with Aurizon to advance its rail haulage requirements and is very encouraged by its availability of rolling stock for the project," Macarthur executive chairman Cameron McCall said.

"Rail transport is an integral component in our supply chain, and Macarthur and Aurizon have a common goal in expanding iron ore production in the Yilgarn region."

According to Aurizon data, its bulk freight business delivers more than 40 million tonnes of commodities annually, and its coal business transports over 200 million tonnes per year.