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Asciano Group Ltd (ASX: AIO) is trying to block 16 coalminers from bargaining with QR National over use of railway infrastructure associated with a port in Gladstone, Queensland.
The Australian newspaper reports that the move comes as Asciano seeks expressions of interest to expand its Wiggins Island coal export terminal also in Gladstone.
The mining group, which includes Xstrata, Anglo American, Wesfarmers Ltd and Macarthur Coal Ltd, has applied to the ACCC for permission to collectively negotiate terms access with QR for 20 years.
The miners say infrastructure blockages in the network are a product of the current system, which requires separate party access negotiations and has sometimes led to contracted capacity exceeding system capabilities.
The newspaper says that Asciano's concern is that the negotiations between the applicants and QR Nationsl may also address unrelated issues.
Asciano also said that a 20 year agreement was too long for the authorisation, instead arguing that five to 10 years was sufficient.
In 2009, Asciano posted a $246 million loss.
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