Shares in Australia's largest rail freight operator Aurizon have fallen as key coal volumes shrank in the September quarter amid ongoing weakness in the sector.
Aurizon's coal volumes fell three per cent to 52.6 million tonnes in the September quarter, compared to the same period a year ago.
Coal volumes in Queensland were down five per cent at 41.7 million tonnes because of weaker Goonyella volumes.
The coal sector accounts for most of the company's business.
Iron ore volumes also fell in the September quarter, dropping seven per cent to 6.3 million tonnes.
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Aurizon also reported an eight per cent decline in general freight volumes for the September quarter, as bulk volumes fell to 11.7 million tonnes.
Despite lower volumes the company has reaffirmed its full year guidance for coal haulage of between 210 million and 220 million tonnes.
Shares in the company dropped six cents, or 1.15 per cent, to $5.14.
