A section of the Great Northern Railway line, connecting Queensland's North West Minerals Province with the coast, was shut down today after the second train derailment in just over a month.
A freight train was rear-ended by another on the tracks at Oonoomurra, 130 kilometres east of Mount Isa, at 6.38am.
Three workers involved in the collision walked away from the scene without major injuries.
Mining giant Glencore, which operates Mount Isa Mines in the region, confirmed its zinc products were on-board.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services contained a fuel spill and minor product spill, Queensland Rail said in a statement.
It was the second derailment since July when the track was closed for about 10 days after an incident near Julia Creek damaged 9 kilometres of track.
Freight forced on to Flinders Highway
The rail line provided a major arterial corridor for the export of minerals, refined metals and cattle.
The Inlander passenger train also ran regular services between Mount Isa and Townsville.
With the line closed, mining operators turned to road trains to freight products via the Flinders Highway.
Treagar MP Robbie Katter said he was concerned by an increase of trucks on the infamous stretch of road.
"It's a huge safety concern," Mr Katter said.
"There will be tonnes of bulk ore on that road which should be on the tracks."
He said the Flinders Highway was already known for its narrow shoulders and dangerous conditions.
"Now you're adding more volume in the form of road trains and trucks," he said.
"It's a big safety concern for our drivers and residents and tourists."
A contentious history
There have been several derailments along the line over the years with major repairs needed after the 2019 floods.
Mr Katter said he had lobbied the state government for greater investment in the upkeep of the rail line.
"We had a win when, in 2016, the state government announced an investment of $25 million into the rail line to replace 41 kilometres of steel sleepers with concrete between Richmond and Julia Creek," he said.
The government had also promised a further $379 million in capital upgrades and maintenance to be delivered over the next five years.
"There are issues with the integrity of the line," Mr Katter said.
He said driver competency was also an issue.
"There's been a number of new operators over the years and there's a training facility for drivers near Cloncurry," he said.
"If you've got new operators who are desperate for drivers there could be an issue with competency."
Queensland Rail confirmed it had launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
